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Wine in India has slowly become a popular choice beyond five-star restaurants and vineyard tours. Many people are trying it at home, and some are also mixing it with juices, herbs, or spirits to make lighter cocktails. These wine cocktails are easy to put together and work well for house parties, small gatherings, or just relaxing at the end of a long day. They do not need hard-to-find ingredients or advanced bartending skills. And if you match them with the right food, the flavour of both the drink and the dish can stand out more. You can use Indian wine brands like Sula, Fratelli, KRSMA, or Grover Zampa to make these. Try these cocktails with the suggested snacks or meals for a full experience.
1. Red Wine Sangria With Tandoori Starters Or Cheese Platters
Sangria is a well-known Spanish drink made by mixing red wine with chopped fruits and sometimes orange juice or brandy. You can make a simple version at home by using a dry red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon, some fresh oranges, apples, and a small splash of soda or lemonade. Chill it for a few hours so the fruit absorbs the wine and adds natural sweetness. This drink is rich and fruity, so it pairs well with smoky, spicy appetisers. Tandoori mushrooms, paneer tikka, or chicken malai tikka go well with it. If you prefer something non-Indian, try a small cheese board with mild cheddar, olives, and grapes.
2. White Wine Spritzer With Fresh Salads Or Light Chaat
A white wine spritzer is ideal for warm evenings or Sunday brunch. It is made by combining white wine and soda in equal parts. Use a crisp wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. You can add lemon slices or mint for extra freshness. This cocktail is low in alcohol and easy to sip slowly. It pairs well with light food that does not overpower the drink. Salads with citrus dressing, couscous, or even an Indian fruit chaat with lime and kala namak are good choices. These keep the meal light but still flavourful.
3. Mulled Wine With Kebabs Or Spiced Nuts
Mulled wine is usually made during colder weather but can be served during monsoon evenings in India. It is made by warming red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise along with orange zest and a bit of honey or sugar. Let it simmer gently so the flavours blend. This drink feels warming and comforting. You can serve it with grilled kebabs such as mutton seekh, chicken tikka, or soya chaap. If you want to keep it simple, a bowl of spiced cashews or almonds also works well. Try to use dry red wines so the sweetness from the spices does not make the drink too heavy.
4. Rosé Wine Lemonade With Grilled Vegetables Or Savoury Crackers
Rosé wine is light and often has fruity notes. It pairs well with citrus and herbs. You can make a cocktail by mixing rosé with fresh lemonade and a few basil leaves. This drink looks pretty and feels refreshing. It goes well with dishes that are slightly smoky or salty. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, aubergine, or bell peppers match nicely. You can also make bruschetta or serve savoury crackers with herbed cream cheese. This pairing works well for garden parties or evening snacks with friends.
5. Wine And Gin Fizz With Asian-Style Starters
You can make a stronger cocktail by mixing white wine with gin, lime juice, and soda water. This gives you a drink that is sharp but still smooth. Use a dry white wine like Chardonnay for this. Shake the gin and wine with lime juice and strain it into a tall glass before topping it with soda. This cocktail goes well with slightly spicy food like Thai spring rolls, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, or Indian-style chilli paneer. The lime and gin cut through the oil and spice and make the drink feel light again.
6. Sparkling Wine With Litchi Or Mango, With Spicy Indian Mains
Sparkling wine or prosecco is usually enjoyed on its own, but you can make a fun tropical cocktail by adding a splash of fresh litchi or mango juice. Use chilled sparkling wine and pour the juice slowly to avoid losing the bubbles. You can garnish with mint or lemon zest. This sweet-sour drink works well with spicy Indian dishes. It helps cleanse the palate between bites. You can try it with butter chicken, spicy biryani, or paneer lababdar and naan. The contrast between spice and sweetness adds depth to the meal.
