Why wine cocktails are dominating the U.S. bar scene in 2025
In 2025, American palates are shifting in remarkable ways. The new crown jewel of the cocktail revolution? Wine-based cocktails in the USA. Once relegated to European terraces or viewed as summer novelties, these hybrid beverages are now claiming center stage across upscale lounges, rooftop bars, and even backyard gatherings. The surge is not just about aesthetics or Instagrammability, though their layered hues and botanical garnishes do shine on social media. It’s rooted in deeper shifts in consumption patterns, health consciousness, and a growing reverence for regional wines.
American drinkers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are leaning into lower-alcohol options. After years of high-ABV mixology trends, there’s an increasing demand for low-alcohol cocktail trends USA that offer both complexity and moderation. Wine provides a natural base for such creations: it’s nuanced, familiar, and can be both earthy or effervescent. In response, mixologists are ditching heavy liquors and revisiting rosés, sparkling whites, and even bold reds as dynamic cocktail foundations.
Moreover, the rise of regional winemaking—from California’s Central Coast to Texas Hill Country—has fueled innovation behind the bar. Bartenders now have access to a wider spectrum of American wines, sparking American wine cocktails that reflect terroir as much as technique. Combine that with a culinary culture obsessed with flavor layering, and it’s no wonder wine-based cocktails in the USA have become the go-to sip of 2025.
Top 5 wine-based cocktails trending in the USA
Roséberry Fizz: The blush-pink Instagram darling
Origin story or cultural connection:
Born in the coastal enclaves of Santa Monica, the Roséberry Fizz took off at pop-up brunch events in 2023 before exploding nationwide. Its pastel aesthetics made it an instant favorite among influencers, but its balanced taste—lightly floral, with berry-forward undertones—kept it on menus.
Main ingredients:
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Dry rosé wine
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Elderflower liqueur
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Muddled strawberries and raspberries
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Splash of soda water
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Mint sprig garnish
Ideal pairing:
Perfect for daytime occasions like bridal showers, rooftop brunches, and art gallery receptions. Pairs well with goat cheese salads, charcuterie, and macarons towers.
Popularity in different U.S. states or cities:
Especially beloved in Los Angeles, Miami, and Austin. In New York, it’s become a staple in summer rooftop bars across Brooklyn. The Roséberry Fizz is one of the first wine-based cocktails in the USA to inspire its own line of canned RTDs (ready-to-drink), dominating shelves in Whole Foods and boutique grocers.
How to make it at home:
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Muddle berries with elderflower liqueur in a shaker.
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Add chilled rosé and gently shake with ice. Strain into a glass and top with soda. Garnish with mint.
Sparkling Sage Sangria: The herbal refresh from the West Coast
Origin story or cultural connection:
Emerging from Portland’s sustainability-focused cocktail scene, the Sparkling Sage Sangria blends herbal notes with locally sourced white wines and stone fruit. It quickly became a summer staple in Pacific Northwest farmers’ markets.
Main ingredients:
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Oregon Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc
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Fresh peach slices
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Lemon wheels
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Sage-infused simple syrup
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Sparkling mineral water
Ideal pairing:
Pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, vegan grain bowls, and quinoa salads. Ideal for picnics, eco-conscious events, and summer solstice parties.
Popularity in different U.S. states or cities:
A favorite in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. Now appearing on menus in eco-conscious bars in Denver and Boulder. Among best wine cocktails in the U.S., it’s the only one to earn a sustainability nod by the American Botanical Beverage Association for its zero-waste recipe approach.
How to make it at home:
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Combine wine, fruit, and sage syrup in a pitcher. Let it chill for 1 hour.
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Add sparkling water before serving over ice.
Noir Negroni: The bold red twist on a classic
Origin story or cultural connection:
First shaken in a Chicago speakeasy, the Noir Negroni brings depth to the beloved Italian classic by substituting gin with a robust red wine. It reflects the city’s culinary gravitas—bold, inventive, and unapologetically rich.
Main ingredients:
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Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel
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Sweet vermouth
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Campari
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Orange zest garnish
Ideal pairing:
Best served in dimly lit cocktail lounges or paired with beef tartare, mushroom risotto, or a late-night jazz set.
Popularity in different U.S. states or cities:
Highly popular in Chicago, Boston, and Minneapolis. Gaining traction among classic cocktail revivalists in Washington, D.C. , this cocktail is considered the “gateway red” in the wine-based cocktails in the USA movement, enticing whiskey and gin lovers to explore wine-forward options.
How to make it at home:
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Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled.
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Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with orange zest.
Citrus Chardonnay Spritz: The sunlit Mediterranean remix
Origin story or cultural connection:
Inspired by Italian spritz culture but infused with Californian zest, this cocktail was conceptualized at a Sonoma Valley vineyard during a harvest festival. Its sunny profile makes it a cross-cultural favorite.
Main ingredients:
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Unoaked Chardonnay
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Blood orange juice
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Aperol or citrus amaro
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Sparkling water
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Dehydrated orange wheel
Ideal pairing:
Goes well with grilled chicken, citrus-glazed salmon, or Mediterranean mezze. Ideal for open-air brunches and summer weddings.
Popularity in different U.S. states or cities:
Dominant in California’s wine country and San Diego. Recently seen on a rise in Charleston and Savannah’s upscale bars. Often cited as the best wine cocktail in the U.S. for beach weddings and outdoor events, thanks to its citrus-forward lightness.
How to make it at home:
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Mix Chardonnay, citrus juice, and Aperol in a shaker with ice.
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Pour over ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with orange.
Mulled Merlot Mule: A cozy hybrid for chilly months
Origin story or cultural connection:
This seasonal sensation originated in Brooklyn’s holiday markets. Melding the spicy comfort of mulled wine with the zip of a Moscow Mule, the Mulled Merlot Mule was an instant hit.
Main ingredients:
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Warmed Merlot with mulling spices (clove, cinnamon, star anise)
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Ginger beer
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Fresh lime juice
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Cinnamon stick garnish
Ideal pairing:
Best served at winter gatherings, après-ski lodges, or around fire pits. Pairs with charred meats, baked brie, and spiced desserts.
Popularity in different U.S. states or cities:
Massively popular in New York, Vermont, and Colorado ski towns. Now expanding to Nashville and Salt Lake City, holiday menus. The Mulled Merlot Mule is the top-selling American wine cocktail on seasonal pop-up menus in 2025.
How to make it at home:
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Simmer Merlot with mulling spices for 10 minutes.
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Pour into a mug, add ginger beer and lime. Stir and garnish.
FAQs on wine-based cocktails in the U.S.
What’s the best wine for cocktails in 2025?
The best wines for cocktails depend on the flavor profile you want. For light and citrusy drinks, go with Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay. For richer blends like the Noir Negroni, use bold reds like Merlot or Zinfandel.
Are wine-based cocktails low in alcohol?
Yes. Many wine-based cocktails in the USA are intentionally crafted to be lower in alcohol compared to spirit-heavy drinks. They cater to the growing demand for moderation and mindful drinking.
Can I make easy wine cocktails at home?
Absolutely. Many popular wine drinks 2025—like the Roséberry Fizz or Citrus Chardonnay Spritz—require only a few ingredients and minimal equipment. Keep fresh fruit, wine, and soda on hand, and you’re set.
Do wine cocktails work year-round?
Yes. From chilled summer spritzes to warm winter blends like the Mulled Merlot Mule, wine-based cocktails can be adapted to any season.
What food pairs well with wine cocktails?
Think small plates, seafood, and fusion cuisine. Because of their complexity and acidity, wine-based cocktails in the USA pair beautifully with modern American dishes and seasonal produce.
Final swirl: Why wine cocktails aren’t just a trend
The rise of wine-based cocktails in the USA signals more than just a fleeting fascination—it’s emblematic of America’s evolving relationship with flavor, culture, and sustainability. These cocktails invite experimentation without excess and celebrate local craftsmanship over imported tradition. As the wine world converges with the mixology renaissance, expect these hybrids to grow not just in popularity but in prestige.
From the festive fizz of rosé to the comforting spice of mulled red, 2025 is proving that wine no longer lives in a bottle—it lives in a glass that tells a story, reflects a region, and respects the drinker.
Disclaimer: Consumption of liquor is injurious to health and Business Upturn does not promote or advertise the featured brand(s) or suggest ingesting liquor through this article. Business Upturn does not guarantee the accuracy of information in this article