A Few Simple Ways To Make Wine Even Better
If you want to elevate a glass or a box of wine, try these simple, practical tips. Whether you’re looking to add flavor to an inexpensive wine, keep white wine chilled without diluting it, or craft an easy cocktail, these ideas are quick, fun, and effective.
From frozen fruit and wine cubes to spritzers and sweet liqueurs, these tricks will help you get more enjoyment from your wine—no sommelier skills required.
I make wine disappear. What’s your superpower?
1. Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit is an easy way to chill and flavor wine without watering it down. It works especially well with white wines and is a smart way to boost the taste of boxed wines.
Frozen fruits that pair well with white wine
- Grapes – Keep wine cold with no flavor change.
- Pineapple – Pairs nicely with sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, riesling or moscato.
- Peaches – Versatile with most white wines.
- Berries – Add a mild fruity note and work great with sparkling wine.
- Cranberries and pomegranate – Subtle flavors that suit many wines.
- Lemon or lime – A squeeze brightens citrusy wines like sauvignon blanc.
2. Wine Cubes
If you want cold wine without dilution, freeze extra wine in an ice cube tray. Use wine cubes in your glass to stay chilled without watering down the flavor.
Tip: Don’t freeze sparkling wine—still wines and fortified wines work best for cubes.
Do not freeze sparkling wine.
Wine cubes are ideal for warm days. Add fruit to the cubes before freezing for flavor and a pretty presentation.
Budget tip for sauvignon blanc lovers
If you enjoy Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, try Kirkland Signature Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from Costco. It’s often a similar style at a lower price point, so it’s a great value if you drink sauvignon blanc regularly.
3. Wine Slushie
Turn wine cubes into a slushie by pulsing them in a blender or food processor. This works with most wines—even reds—and is a fun poolside treat. For best results, use an affordable bottle or boxed wine.
I like mine thick—eat the first half with a spoon, then sip the rest.
4. Wine Spritzer
A spritzer is a quick way to refresh wine. Add a splash of flavored sparkling water or soda to create bubbles and subtle flavor. Top with ice and fruit if you like.
Sparkling water pairings by wine type
- Sauvignon Blanc – Citrus flavors (lime, lemon, grapefruit) work especially well.
- Pinot Grigio & Riesling – Versatile; experiment with different flavors.
- Chardonnay – Try milder, non-citrus flavors, though Chardonnay is less commonly mixed.
- Moscato – Sweeter wines like Moscato are best with sweet frozen fruit rather than sparkling water.
- Red Wine – Berry-flavored sparkling water or a splash of fresh orange juice can turn an inexpensive red into an easy sangria-like drink.
A small amount of sparkling water adds bubbles and flavor while stretching the bottle a bit further. If you prefer less sugar, avoid mixers like 7-Up or Sprite.
5. Add Vodka
Mix vodka, lemonade and white wine for a light, refreshing cocktail. A simple ratio to try:
- 1 ounce vodka
- 2 ounces lemonade
- 4 ounces white wine (sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, riesling or sparkling)
Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge or frozen berries. Omit the vodka for a sparkling lemonade-wine mix if you prefer.
6. Champagne & Schnapps
Instead of fruit juice, flavor sparkling wine with schnapps for a sweeter, more spirited option. Peach schnapps turns sparkling wine into a bellini-style drink with more kick. Add a splash of fruit puree or a small amount of juice if you like.
7. Red Wine & Cola
Try red wine with a splash of cola for a casual, slightly fizzy drink. Mix over ice at roughly 50/50 or adjust to taste. Dark colas like Coke or Dr. Pepper work well and create a pleasant, easygoing flavor.
8. Wine & Ice Cream or Sorbet
Pour sparkling wine over scoops of sorbet or fruity ice cream for an indulgent dessert beverage. Raspberry, strawberry, cherry or vanilla pair especially well. This is also an easy way to make a boozy punch—fill a bowl with sorbet and top with sparkling wine.
These ideas are meant to inspire experimentation, not to replace traditional wine tasting. Try what appeals to you and adjust proportions to match your taste. Cheers to discovering new, simple ways to enjoy wine!
