Wine-Inspired Cocktails: NYC Bartenders Blurring the Line Between Wine & Spirits
New York City’s cocktail culture is known for its innovation, and one of the most exciting trends emerging in recent years is the fusion of wine and spirits. The boundary between wine and cocktails is becoming increasingly fluid as bartenders reimagine how wine, vermouth, and fortified wines can enhance their drinks.
From classic vermouth-forward aperitifs to modern wine-based concoctions, NYC’s top mixologists are proving that wine is more than just a pairing—it is an essential ingredient in some of the most dynamic drinks on the menu. Whether you are a wine lover looking to explore new flavors or a cocktail enthusiast seeking a more refined drinking experience, this trend offers a world of complexity and elegance.
Why Wine in Cocktails? The Art of Balance
Historically, wine and spirits have occupied separate spaces—wine for sipping, spirits for mixing. However, the line between them has always been thin. Classic cocktails like the Manhattan, Negroni, and Martini all rely on vermouth, a fortified wine infused with botanicals. Similarly, drinks like the New York Sour use red wine as a float to add depth and visual appeal.
Today’s bartenders are taking this fusion to new heights by incorporating a diverse range of wines and fortified wines, including:
Vermouth – The backbone of many classic cocktails, offering both dry and sweet variations.
Sherry – A complex fortified wine that adds nutty and saline notes.
Port – A rich, deep wine that brings body and sweetness.
Rosé and Sparkling Wines – Light, effervescent options that add a refreshing touch.
Full-bodied Reds & Crisp Whites – Used creatively in cocktails to enhance fruit, spice, or citrus notes.
The result? Drinks that retain the refinement of wine while embracing the boldness of spirits, creating a balanced, layered experience.
NYC’s Top Bars Leading the Wine Cocktail Revolution
Several NYC bars are embracing wine-inspired mixology, crafting drinks that highlight the depth and complexity of both wine and spirits.
1. Dante (Greenwich Village) – The Vermouth Authority
Dante, consistently ranked among the world’s best bars, is known for its vermouth-driven aperitivo cocktails. Their Vermouth Spritz combines dry vermouth, sparkling wine, and seasonal botanicals, making it a perfect pre-dinner cocktail.
Must-Try Drink: The Bianco Negroni – A lighter take on the classic, featuring white vermouth, Suze, and dry gin.
2. Bar Pisellino (West Village) – An Italian Aperitivo Haven
Bar Pisellino embraces the European tradition of low-ABV cocktails, featuring an expansive vermouth selection and sherry-based drinks. Their cocktail program pays homage to classic Italian aperitifs while adding a modern NYC twist.
Must-Try Drink: The Americano – Sweet vermouth, Campari, and soda water—a timeless, refreshing classic.
3. Racines (Tribeca) – Where Wine Meets Cocktail Innovation
As a wine bar with a deep appreciation for natural wines, Racines takes a wine-first approach to cocktails. Their signature drink, The Ballerina, uses dry rosé as a base, elevated with grapefruit and rosemary syrup.
Must-Try Drink: The Sherry Cobbler – A 19th-century classic made with dry sherry, citrus, and a touch of sugar.
4. Leyenda (Cobble Hill, Brooklyn) – A Latin American Spin on Wine Cocktails
At Leyenda, the bar program highlights Latin spirits, but their wine-based cocktails showcase the influence of sherry, port, and vermouth in tropical and spice-infused creations.
Must-Try Drink: The Sangria Blanca – A lighter, citrus-forward take on traditional sangria featuring dry white wine, elderflower liqueur, and seasonal fruits.
5. Bar Jamón (Gramercy) – Spanish Vermouth Done Right
At this intimate Spanish-style wine bar, vermouth is king. Their Vermut Spritz, a simple yet elegant combination of Spanish vermouth, soda water, and citrus, is one of the best introductions to wine-based cocktails in the city.
Must-Try Drink: Rebujito – A refreshing Andalusian cocktail made with fino sherry, lemon, and sparkling water.
Wine-Based Cocktails You Can Make at Home
For those eager to experiment with wine in cocktails, these recipes offer a great starting point.
The New York Sour (Classic & Bold)
📍 Inspired by speakeasies and old-school NYC cocktail culture
2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.75 oz simple syrup
0.5 oz dry red wine (Cabernet or Syrah)
Shake whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Slowly pour the red wine over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
The Sherry Cobbler (Refreshing & Low-ABV)
📍 A revival of a 19th-century classic
3 oz dry sherry
0.75 oz simple syrup
2 orange slices
Crushed ice
Muddle orange slices with simple syrup in a shaker. Add sherry and shake briefly. Strain into a tall glass over crushed ice and garnish with fresh berries and mint.
The Rosé Spritz (Light & Effervescent)
📍 Perfect for summer entertaining
3 oz dry rosé wine
1 oz Aperol
2 oz soda water
Orange slice for garnish
Build ingredients in a wine glass over ice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
Why Wine Cocktails Are Here to Stay
The resurgence of wine-inspired cocktails speaks to the growing appreciation for balanced, lower-ABV drinks that still deliver on complexity and flavor. They offer:
Versatility – Wine pairs well with citrus, herbs, spices, and liqueurs.
Approachability – A great entry point for wine lovers curious about cocktails.
Elegance – A refined alternative to heavier spirit-based drinks.
As NYC’s top bars continue to innovate, expect to see more wine-based cocktails appearing on menus. Whether it is a fortified sherry sipper, a refreshing rosé spritz, or a classic New York Sour, these drinks bridge the gap between wine and spirits, offering the best of both worlds.
Learn the Art of Wine-Inspired Cocktails with Art of the Cocktail
If you want to refine your mixology skills and master the balance of wine and spirits, Art of the Cocktail offers an immersive experience where you can:
Learn how to mix vermouth, sherry, and port into balanced cocktails.
Discover NYC’s best-kept bartender secrets on wine-based drinks.
Experiment with classic and modern wine cocktails in a hands-on setting.
Join us at the for a masterclass in elevated mixology, inspired by the best bars in NYC.
The Future of Wine in Cocktails
The fusion of wine and spirits is reshaping NYC’s cocktail scene, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional mixed drinks. Whether you are enjoying a Sherry Cobbler at Racines, a Vermouth Spritz at Dante, or a homemade New York Sour, these drinks showcase the depth, history, and elegance of wine in a whole new way.
This is not just a trend—it is the evolution of the cocktail.
