White Wine Cocktails: 9 Perfect Ideas For All Occasions

Want to switch things up from the usual Spritz or Mojito? White wine cocktails are the perfect way to surprise your guests. Fresh, aromatic, and easy to make, they work in every season and pair beautifully with all kinds of food. From the classic Marquisette to the sparkling Soupe Angevine, and even trendy recipes like the Spicy Sauvy B, here’s your ultimate guide to shine at apéro hour.

Why choose white wine for your cocktails?

White wine has everything going for it when it comes to cocktails. Its freshness and natural acidity awaken the palate, while its fruity aromas add complexity without the need for dozens of extra ingredients. Unlike spirit-based cocktails, white wine cocktails are also lower in alcohol—perfect for a convivial apéritif that doesn’t turn into a marathon.

Of course, not every wine works. Heavily oaked or very complex whites (like a fine Meursault) are best saved for the dinner table. On the other hand, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a fruity Prosecco, a Crémant, or a luscious Gewurztraminer will be perfect allies.

Golden rules for a great white wine cocktail

• Pick a good-quality but affordable wine. No need to break the bank: a bottle around €10–15 will do the trick.

• Balance the proportions. The wine is the star—make sure it represents at least half of the cocktail.

• Serve well chilled. White wine cocktails are best at 6–8 °C. Add ice cubes if needed.

• Play with garnishes. Lemon slices, fresh fruit, aromatic herbs… the details make all the difference.

The most popular (and easiest) white wine cocktails

1. Kir & Kir Royal – the French classic

• Ingredients: 1 cl crème de cassis + 9 cl dry white wine (Kir) or Champagne (Kir Royal).

• Method: Pour the cassis into the flute, then gently top with white wine or sparkling wine.

• Tip: Try blackberry or peach liqueur for a twist.

2. Spritzer (or White Wine Spritz)

• Ingredients: 6 cl dry white wine + 4 cl sparkling water + ice cubes.

• Method: In a large glass filled with ice, pour the wine first, then the sparkling water.

• Variation: Add a dash of Aperol for a more aromatic version.

3. Soupe Angevine – French conviviality in a bowl

• Ingredients: 1 bottle Crémant de Loire, 10 cl Cointreau, 10 cl sugar syrup, a ladle of lemon juice, fresh fruit.

• Method: Mix everything in a large punch bowl, adding the Crémant at the last moment.
  👉 Perfect for big summer gatherings.

4. Marquisette – the South’s signature cocktail

• Ingredients: 1 bottle dry white wine + 10 cl white rum + 10 cl sugar syrup + lemon slices.

• Method: Let the mixture macerate for a few hours in the fridge before serving.
  A true hit in Southern France, especially with tapas or charcuterie boards.

5. La Jacqueline – simple and popular

• Ingredients: 8 cl off-dry white wine (like Gewurztraminer) + 2 cl grenadine + 5 cl lemonade.

• Method: Pour ingredients over ice in a large glass, stir gently.

6. White Sangria – the summer party favorite

• Ingredients: dry white wine + peach liqueur + fresh fruit (apple, peach, apricot, citrus).

• Method: Let macerate for a few hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.

7. Spicy Sauvy B – the 2024 trend

• Ingredients: 10 cl Sauvignon Blanc + 2 thin slices of red chili + a dash of lime juice + ice.

• Method: Mix in a wine glass.
  Fresh, zesty, and spicy—this one’s a hit on trendy terraces.

8. Peach-Apricot White Wine Cocktail
A fruitier, indulgent twist on the Bellini: yellow fruit purée (peach, apricot) + white wine or Prosecco.

9. Banyuls Sunset
A unique cocktail that highlights the aromas of Banyuls Blanc.

• Ingredients: 8 cl Banyuls Blanc Cuvée Adrien Cazes + 2 cl Cointreau + 4 cl pink grapefruit juice + ice + orange zest for garnish.

• Method:

  1. In a shaker with ice, mix Banyuls, Cointreau, and grapefruit juice.

  2. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.

  3. Garnish with an orange zest.
     ➡️ The result: fruity, slightly bitter, and perfect for summer apéritifs.

Bonus: Sparkling variations

For a festive twist, swap still white wine with Prosecco Extra Dry or Crémant. The bubbles instantly give your cocktail a chic edge.

Which white wine for which cocktail?

• Crisp, dry whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Picpoul, Verdejo…): ideal for Spritzer, Kir, or Spicy Sauvy B.

• Off-dry whites (Gewurztraminer, Viognier): perfect for Jacqueline or fruity cocktails.

• Sparkling whites (Prosecco, Crémant, Champagne): for Soupe Angevine, Kir Royal, or any recipe needing a festive touch.

Food pairings with white wine cocktails

White wine cocktails are incredibly versatile:

• At apéritif: Marquisette, Spritzer, or Spicy Sauvy B with tapas or a cheese board.

• At brunch: Mimosa or White Sangria.

• For evening parties: Soupe Angevine or Jacqueline for a convivial vibe.

• With dessert: Sweeter cocktails like Jacqueline or fruity White Sangria.

FAQ – All about white wine cocktails

Can I use cheap white wine for a cocktail?
Yes, but choose something decent: the aromas should be clean and fruity.

Which white wine for a Kir?
A Burgundy Aligoté or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc works best.

Can I prepare white wine cocktails in advance?
Yes—but leave out ice and bubbles until the last moment to avoid dilution.

What’s the difference between a Spritz and a Spritzer?
A Spritz includes bitter liqueur (Aperol, Campari), while a Spritzer is simply sparkling water + white wine.

Discover our perfect cocktail wine selection

• Aromatic Sauvignon Blanc: great for Spicy Sauvy B or Spritzer.

• Prosecco Extra Dry: the go-to for sparkling versions.

• Luscious Gewurztraminer: perfect for Jacqueline or White Sangria.

👉 Ready to shake things up? Explore our best white wines from around the world on Vinodelice, and wow your guests with easy, irresistible homemade cocktails.