Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to beat the heat than with a glass of refreshing fruit wine! As the mercury rises, our taste buds crave something cool, fruity, and revitalizing. That’s why we’ve rounded up 18 mouth-watering fruit wine recipes that are perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening or serving at your next backyard barbecue.
From classic strawberry rosé to innovative pineapple white zinfandel, these unique blends will quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth. And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned winemaker or just looking for a fun and flavorful DIY project, we’ve got you covered with these simple recipes that require minimal equipment and expertise.
In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the most refreshing fruit wine recipes for summer. From sweet treats like mango riesling delight to tangy twists like grapefruit sparkling wine, there’s something for everyone. So grab your favorite fruits, get creative, and let the good times roll!
Strawberry Rosé Wine
Elevate your wine game with this refreshing strawberry rosé! Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a romantic evening, this recipe yields 2 liters of fruity and bubbly goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle (750ml) white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup rosewater (optional, but recommended for a more authentic rosé flavor)
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Sparkling water or champagne
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juice and infuse with sweetness.
2. Strain the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate container, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
3. Add the rosewater (if using) and lemon juice to the strawberry juice. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in the white wine and stir gently.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. To serve, pour the rosé into glasses filled with ice and top off with sparkling water or champagne.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (prep) + 2 hours (chilling)
Peach Chardonnay Infusion
Elevate your senses with this refreshing peach and wine infusion, perfect for warm weather or any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1 cup Chardonnay wine (white wine)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher or jug, combine the diced peach and sugar.
2. Pour in the Chardonnay wine and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, fill glasses with ice and pour the peach-infused wine over the ice.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required!
Blueberry Merlot Blend
A sweet and savory blend of blueberries and merlot wine creates a unique and delicious dessert perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup merlot wine (red wine)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in merlot wine and salt.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish or individual ramekins.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and slightly thickened.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pineapple White Zinfandel
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of pineapple with the crispness of white Zinfandel, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz White Zinfandel wine
– 1 cup Pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup Sparkling water
– Splash of Grenadine syrup (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves or orange wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the White Zinfandel wine and pineapple juice.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Add a splash of grenadine syrup, if desired, for a subtle flavor boost.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or an orange wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Blackberry Cabernet Sauvignon
This rich and fruity sauce is perfect for topping ice cream, yogurt, or using as a dip for fresh fruit. With the bold flavors of blackberries and Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll be in for a treat!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1/2 cup Cabernet Sauvignon wine
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine blackberries, wine, honey, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the blackberry seeds.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Raspberry Pinot Noir
Elevate your wine and cheese night with this sweet and tangy Raspberry Pinot Noir recipe, perfect for pairing with a crisp glass of Pinot Noir.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup Pinot Noir reduction (or red wine)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– Fresh raspberries, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine raspberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juice and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
2. Stir in Pinot Noir reduction, honey, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. In a separate bowl, whip mascarpone cheese until smooth.
5. Fold the cooled raspberry mixture into the whipped mascarpone.
6. Spoon into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Mango Riesling Delight
A sweet and tangy dessert that combines the flavors of ripe mango with a hint of Riesling wine, perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons Riesling wine
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Whipped cream and toasted almonds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the mango, sugar, Riesling wine, and honey.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 5 minutes, or until the mango is tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the salt.
5. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
7. Just before serving, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
8. Serve the mango mixture chilled, topped with whipped cream and toasted almonds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Spiced Wine
Warm up with a glass of this delightful Apple Cinnamon Spiced Wine, perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of white wine (Chardonnay or Riesling work well)
– 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced
– 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the sliced apples, cinnamon stick pieces, brown sugar, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.
2. Add the white wine to the pot and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until the apples are tender.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or bottle.
6. Discard the solids and serve warm, garnished with an apple slice if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Vanilla Port
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of this Cherry Vanilla Port recipe, perfect for a warm evening with friends or as a unique gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cherries (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup port wine
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Combine cherries, vanilla extract, and sugar in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
3. Add port wine and stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and add ground cinnamon. Stir to combine.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yield: 1 cup (enough for 2-3 servings)
Enjoy your Cherry Vanilla Port as a warm, comforting drink or as a unique gift in decorative bottles.
Watermelon Sangria Wine
A refreshing twist on traditional sangria, this watermelon-infused wine is perfect for hot summer days or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio work well)
– 2 cups of cubed seedless watermelon
– 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon of triple sec (or other orange-flavored liqueur)
– 1 sprig of fresh mint
– Sparkling water or lemon-lime soda (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cubed watermelon and mixed berries.
2. Pour in the white wine, making sure that all the fruit is covered.
3. Add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Add the triple sec and give the mixture a good stir.
5. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, add the fresh mint sprig and stir gently.
7. Serve the sangria over ice in glasses and top with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold-weather recipe!
Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc
This refreshing summer cocktail combines the crisp flavors of Sauvignon Blanc with the sweetness of kiwi and a hint of citrus. Perfect for hot days or relaxing gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Sauvignon Blanc wine
– 1/2 cup fresh kiwi, peeled and pureed
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh kiwi slices and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine Sauvignon Blanc wine, kiwi puree, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
2. Add honey and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh kiwi slices and lime wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a refreshing sipper that’s ready in just a few minutes.
Plum Red Wine Infusion
Elevate your cocktail game with this simple yet elegant plum red wine infusion recipe, perfect for warm evenings or special occasions. This sweet and tangy mixture is a unique twist on traditional infused spirits.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of plums (fresh or dried), sliced
– 1 bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 cup of sugar
– 2 cups of water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine sliced plums and sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add the red wine to the pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have combined.
4. Strain the infusion into another container, discarding the solids.
5. Let the infusion cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Orange Muscat Dessert Wine
Create a sweet and tangy dessert wine at home with this simple recipe featuring orange muscat grapes.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon orange muscat grapes, crushed or pulped
– 2 lbs granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon acid blend (or lemon juice)
– Campden tablets (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine the crushed grapes, sugar, and water in a large pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Add the acid blend or lemon juice to balance the pH level of the must (grape mixture).
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Strain the must through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a sanitized fermenter or glass container.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Fermentation Time: 1-2 weeks, depending on yeast strain and temperature
Note: If you choose to use Campden tablets, add them according to manufacturer’s instructions. This recipe assumes a basic understanding of winemaking techniques and equipment. Always sanitize your equipment and workspace to prevent contamination.
Pear Honey Wine
Transform pears and honey into a sweet and tangy wine perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with your favorite desserts.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs fresh pears, chopped
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Combine chopped pears and sugar in a large pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the pears release their juices.
2. Add water, honey, yeast, and lemon juice to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Transfer the mixture to a sanitized fermenting vessel and cover with cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
6. Allow the mixture to ferment for 2-3 weeks, or until bubbles form on the surface and the mixture has reduced slightly.
Cooking Time:
– Fermentation time: 2-3 weeks
– Total time: Approximately 4-5 weeks
Grapefruit Sparkling Wine
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and flavorful grapefruit sparkling wine recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions. This refreshing drink combines the tanginess of grapefruit with the effervescence of sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups pink or white grapefruit juice
• 1 cup sparkling wine (white or rosé)
• 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• Slice of grapefruit, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine grapefruit juice and simple syrup. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add the sparkling wine to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
4. Just before serving, garnish each glass with a slice of grapefruit.
Cooking Time: None
Lemon Basil White Wine
This refreshing wine cocktail combines the brightness of lemon with the subtlety of basil, perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a light and revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups white wine (chardonnay or sauvignon blanc work well)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
– Lemon wedges and additional basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
3. Add the chopped basil leaves to the glass.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Apricot Brandy Wine
Create a sweet and tangy brandy wine infused with the flavors of apricots, perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base for cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) dried apricots
– 2 cups (475ml) brandy
– 1 cup (240ml) water
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the dried apricots and water. Heat over medium heat until the apricots are rehydrated and the mixture is syrupy.
2. Add the brandy, sugar, and lemon juice to the pot. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours in a cool, dark place.
4. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
5. Store the brandy wine in a cool, dark place. It will keep for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 24-48 hours
Pomegranate Shiraz Fusion
Pomegranate Shiraz Fusion Recipe
Combine the sweet tartness of pomegranate with the bold flavors of Shiraz wine for a unique and delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
– 1 tablespoon Shiraz wine (or other full-bodied red wine)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the pomegranate juice, Shiraz wine, and vanilla extract.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh pomegranate arils if desired.
Cooking Time:
Approximately 15-20 minutes (heating time) + chilling time
Summary
Get ready to beat the heat with these refreshing fruit wine recipes perfect for summer! From sweet Strawberry Rosé Wine to fruity Pineapple White Zinfandel, and from tangy Lemon Basil White Wine to indulgent Cherry Vanilla Port, there’s a recipe here for everyone. With 18 delicious options to choose from, you’ll never get bored of the same old drinks again. Try infusing your favorite fruits with wine for a unique twist on traditional cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want to relax with a glass in hand, these fruit wines are sure to please.