Red Wine and Ginger Ale Cocktail Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for easy drink combos that don’t require a ton of effort but still taste surprisingly good.

A red wine and ginger ale cocktail is one of those super simple, oddly satisfying mixes—just two main ingredients, and you’re set.

It’s honestly a great way to take a regular glass of wine and give it a little upgrade.

The combo of smooth red wine and the fizzy bite of ginger ale is just… balanced. It’s light, but there’s still enough depth that it doesn’t feel boring.

No fancy gadgets needed, and you’ll have it ready in a couple of minutes, tops.

Let me walk you through the recipe I usually use. I’ll also share a few tips for serving and what kind of flavors you might notice when you take that first sip.

Red Wine And Ginger Ale Cocktail Recipe

I really like how the mellow notes of red wine play off the crisp, bubbly ginger ale. It’s honestly so easy—no bartending skills required, and you can whip it up in less than five minutes.

Equipment

I try to keep things simple because, let’s be real, nobody wants to wash a bunch of extra dishes. Most of this stuff is already in my kitchen.

• Wine glass or stemless glass
• Measuring jigger or just a small measuring cup
• Mixing spoon (long-handled is best)
• Ice cube tray or a bag of ice
• Small cutting board (if you’re feeling fancy with garnish)
• Paring knife (for slicing fruit, if you want)

Personally, I think a wine glass is best because it keeps the wine’s aroma in check. A long spoon helps you stir without making a mess.

Ingredients

I keep the ingredient list short so the flavors don’t get muddled. Honestly, just pick a wine you actually like to drink.

• 4 oz red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir are all solid choices)
• 4 oz ginger ale (make sure it’s cold)
• Ice cubes
• Optional garnish: orange slice, lemon twist, or even a few fresh berries

I’d skip really sweet wines—ginger ale already brings enough sugar to the party. If you’re after something lighter, diet ginger ale works too.

Instructions

I just make this right in the glass. It saves time and keeps the ginger ale from going flat.

• Fill your glass halfway with ice cubes.
• Pour 4 oz red wine over the ice.
• Slowly top with 4 oz chilled ginger ale—the slower, the fizzier.
• Give it a gentle stir with a long spoon, but don’t go wild or you’ll lose the bubbles.
• Add a garnish if you’re feeling it.
• Serve right away, while it’s still cold and sparkly.

I always pour the ginger ale last. It just keeps everything fresher and bubblier.

Notes

I usually stick to a 1:1 wine-to-ginger ale ratio, but honestly, it depends on my mood. If I want something bolder, I’ll up the wine. If I’m after something lighter, more ginger ale does the trick.

Chilling both the wine and the ginger ale ahead of time is key. That way, you don’t end up with a watered-down drink. Sometimes I’ll even pop the glasses in the fridge for a bit before making these.

If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll splash in a bit of brandy for extra depth. Or, if it’s coming out too sweet, I’ll grab a dry ginger ale or squeeze in some fresh lemon juice.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, there’s this smooth blend of red wine and a gentle fizz from the ginger ale. The wine lays down a rich, fruity base, and the ginger ale brings in just enough sweetness to keep things interesting.

The flavor is honestly pretty balanced. The berry notes from the wine hit me first, then there’s a soft ginger warmth that follows. I wouldn’t call it too sweet, but it’s definitely not dry either—somewhere comfortably in the middle.

I really enjoy how the bubbles lift everything up and make it feel lighter. It’s just easy to drink, nothing heavy or overwhelming.

The color catches my eye too. It’s this deep red, and when the light hits, there’s a subtle sparkle. The bubbles rise up slowly—kind of mesmerizing, honestly.

The aroma? It’s pleasant. I get ripe berries from the wine and just a hint of ginger in the background.

If you serve it cold, it’s crisp and refreshing. Let it warm up a bit, and suddenly those wine flavors get bolder.

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