Cocktails with Naturally Sweet Wines
Sunshine, conviviality, and indulgence: that’s what defines Vins Doux Naturels. These gems from Roussillon overflow with fruity and spicy aromas that embody the South of France. Once associated mainly with desserts and contemplative tasting moments, Vins Doux Naturels are now breaking the rules. They’re showing up where you least expect them: in the world of cocktails. A touch of boldness, a hint of sunshine… and your aperitifs instantly gain character.
A bit of history: Vins Doux Naturels
Vins Doux Naturels were born at the beginning of the 20th century in Roussillon, thanks to pioneering winemakers from villages such as Maury, Banyuls, and Rivesaltes. The idea: stop fermentation by adding neutral alcohol in order to preserve the grape’s natural sweetness and unique aromas. This technique, called mutage, creates sweet yet balanced wines with flavors of ripe fruit, spices, and sometimes cocoa or coffee.
At Vinodelice, we particularly love Roussillon’s VDNs, whether from Domaine Cazes, the Vignerons de Maury, or the legendary Banyuls de l’Étoile. These wines tell a story and transform a simple cocktail into a true tasting experience.
Why use VDNs in your cocktails
- Simplified preparation: their natural sweetness often makes syrups or extra liqueurs unnecessary.
- A rich aromatic palette: notes of candied fruits, citrus, honey, spices, or cocoa… each wine offers endless combinations.
- An original touch: these cocktails move beyond classics like the gin & tonic or mojito, offering something unique and elegant.
- A Mediterranean breeze: even in winter, they bring warmth and sunshine to your aperitifs.
Must-try cocktails with VDNs
|
Cocktail |
Ingredients |
Preparation |
Perfect Occasion |
|
Muscat Spritz |
6 cl Muscat de Rivesaltes (Domaine Cazes), 6 cl tonic, 4 cl Crémant, orange zest, ice cubes |
Fill a balloon glass with ice. Pour Muscat + tonic, add Crémant. Stir gently and garnish with orange zest. |
Summer aperitif |
|
Negroni Catalan |
3 cl Banyuls de l’Étoile, 3 cl gin, 3 cl red vermouth |
Mix, pour over ice, add orange zest. |
Chic cocktail evening |
|
Rancio Sour |
5 cl Rivesaltes Ambré (Bruno Cazes), 3 cl lemon juice, 1.5 cl sugar syrup, egg white (optional) |
Shake, serve in an old-fashioned glass, garnish. |
Casual afterwork |
|
Maury Espresso Martini |
4 cl Maury, 2 cl vodka, 1 espresso, 1 cl sugar syrup |
Shake, serve in a coupe glass, garnish with a few coffee beans. |
Festive dinner finale |
Easy and original recipes
|
Cocktail |
Ingredients |
Preparation |
Perfect Occasion |
|
Sangria Douce Naturelle |
Muscat + fresh fruit + sparkling water |
Mix everything, let infuse in the fridge for 1h. |
Terrace brunch |
|
VDN & Tonic |
5 cl Banyuls or Maury, 10 cl tonic |
Pour directly into a glass with ice cubes. |
Quick & easy aperitif |
|
Cocktail Méditerranée |
5 cl Muscat, 2 cl limoncello, fresh basil |
Shake, serve chilled, garnish with basil leaves. |
Garden party |
Tips for successful VDN cocktails
- Choose the right wine: Muscat for freshness and floral notes, Banyuls for more depth and roundness, Maury for bolder, more intense cocktails.
- Keep it simple: often just two or three ingredients are enough to highlight the wine.
- Mind the garnish: citrus zest, basil leaves, or red berries add both visual appeal and aromatic depth.
Vins Doux Naturels are not just dessert wines: they’re a true playground for creative, indulgent, sun-soaked cocktails. Whether you’re after a light aperitif or a more structured cocktail, these wines bring aromatic richness and a Mediterranean flair that makes all the difference.
Discover our selection of Vins Doux Naturels at Vinodelice and get inspired for your next cocktails!
