12 Dessert Wine Cocktails for Every Season

Once upon a time, dessert wines in the U.S. were made to be paired with after-dinner treats because of their sweet flavor profiles. In today’s modern world, dessert wines can be used for so much more – like flavoring for cocktails! Being a world-renowned dessert wine producer, we at Quady Winery have been longtime fans of mixing our sweet wines into cocktails. This makes even more flavorful drinks, rich with the varietal character that we love and are known for. If you’re looking to diversify your sweet wine cravings with cocktails you enjoy just as much, you’ve come to the right place! Here are 12 dessert wine cocktails you can mix up for any season.

Essensia Spritz
So much flavor, so little effort to make. This bubbly dessert wine cocktail combines the sweet orange blossom character of Essensia Orange Muscat with Prosecco. Orange Muscat is a rare grape with intense citrus, apricot and honeysuckle flavors you won’t find in other dessert wines. Try this easy-peasy spritz for brunch, summer barbecues and so much more.

Rosy G&T
The gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that refreshingly hits the spot. Take it to the next level with Quady Deviation, an Orange Muscat dessert wine infused with rose geranium and damiana. Orange Muscat is rarely used in winemaking; Orange Muscat infused with botanicals, you can only find in Deviation. This roselike dessert wine can actually be used in any cocktail recipe calling for rose flavoring; and it pairs excellently with the juniper in gin for a rosy G&T with serious botanical vibes.

Summer Sangria
Do you love Moscato? Turn it into a tasty summer sangria in just a few easy steps! Electra Moscato’s sweet citrus, melon and peach profile is perfect for adding fruits like peaches, strawberries and blueberries. Looking for a dessert wine cocktail with more kick? Try adding white rum into the mix!

Cucumber Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita
A dessert wine in a margarita? That’s right! This Cucumber Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita is made even better with the addition of Essensia – a dessert wine with spiced orange characteristics. Swap the Triple Sec for Essensia in your favorite margarita recipes for an unparalleled flavor experience!

Watermelon Sugar
Harry Styles fans, this dessert wine cocktail is for you. With a flavor profile that screams “watermelon sugar,” you only need three ingredients to treat your palate to a swoon-worthy experience. Red Electra’s cherry-berry flavoring is a match made in bartending heaven with Spicy Tamarindo Tequila, which tastes just like a watermelon Jolly Rancher® (in our opinion). Top it with lemon-lime soda for some sweet bubbly action. And don’t forget to spice things up a little with the Tajin!

Elysium Bramble
If springtime was a beverage, it would be the Elysium Bramble. This dessert wine cocktail mixes in the rich dark cherry and boysenberry flavors of Elysium Black Muscat – guaranteed flavor you won’t find anywhere else due to the rarity of the Black Muscat grape. With the addition of gin and lemon juice, this cocktail sips like a cool glass of raspberry lemonade.

Essensia Cosmopolitan
Few dessert wine cocktails are as fabulous as a Cosmopolitan made with Essensia Orange Muscat. This sweet & tangy concoction mixes vodka and lime juice with the honeyed citrus of Essensia; the result is a cocktail that makes you want to grab your girl crew for a night of fun!

Cherry Chocolate Martini
Not just for Valentine’s Day, this decadent dessert wine cocktail will satisfy your chocolate and wine cravings. Elysium’s dark cherry profile is a perfect match with chocolate liqueur and a dash of heavy cream for extra decadence. It’s like a chocolate-covered cherry on top of a totally sweet day!

Elysium French Martini
You could have raspberry liqueur in your French Martini, or you could trade up for the killer complexity in Elysium Black Muscat. With flavors and aromas of dark cherry and boysenberry, this dessert wine is such a vibe with pineapple juice and vodka. Add more Elysium for more rich berry flavor.

Electra Bellini
Everything will be just peachy with this dessert wine cocktail in your hand. Perfect for brunch or any occasion you’re feeling fancy, a Bellini is even better with the sweet citrus and peach flavoring of Electra Moscato. Sip it in style with a peach butterfly garnish!

Elysium Mimosa
Speaking of brunch, this easy dessert wine cocktail puts a spin on the traditional mimosa with the addition of rich berry flavoring from Elysium Black Muscat. The combination of citrus, red berries and sparkling wine elevates the mimosa from classic to “Can I have another?”

Haute Holiday
This simple dessert wine cocktail isn’t just a hit during the holidays. It’s a year-round favorite around here! The fresh, herbal character of elderflower liqueur is a tasty match with Elysium’s red berry qualities, all swimming around in a bevy of delicious bubbles. Mix one up and toast to your good taste!

Did you find some dessert wine cocktails on this list that you’re eager to try? Let us know what creations you’re mixing up with your sweet wines! Stay inspired by following us on social, @quadywinery. Cheers!