Learning About Using Cast Iron Cookware

Sweet wine cocktails are the perfect choice for parties. Most people like sweet wine, even if they do not like dryer wines. And mixing the wine up into a cocktail makes it feel more special and party-worthy. The problem is, shaking drink after drink can take up your entire evening. Thankfully, you can make these three sweet wine cocktails in a pitcher, which keeps the mixing to a minimum.

Sweet Wine Sangria

Sangria is typically made with fruit and a dry, red wine, but this recipe makes a twist on the classic by using sweet Sauterne wine and tart lemons. 

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle sweet Sauterne wine
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup lemon-lime soda

Stir together the wine, oranges, lemon, and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Refrigerate for 2 hours, which will allow the flavors to develop. Add the lemon-lime soda, and serve over ice in lowball glasses or wine glasses.

Peach Wine Slushie

Technically you don't make a pitcher full of this drink, but you do make a blender fill of it—which is basically the same thing! This drink is lovely to serve during a summer party as it is very light and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups sweet Sauterne wine
• 1 cup peach schnapps
• 1 peach, peeled and pitted
• 3 cups small ice cubes
• 1 cup orange juice

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour into margarita glasses or large wine glasses, and garnish with peach slices before serving.

Raspberry Wine-Tini

This drink is a strong one, so you'll want to serve it in small glasses like martini glasses or champagne flutes. The raspberry flavor, however, is impeccable.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle sweet Sauterne wine
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup raspberry liqueur
• 1/2 cup vodka

Combine all of the ingredients in a pitcher, give the mixture a stir, and add some ice. For a special touch, you can toss a few more whole, fresh raspberries in each glass.

Mint Medallion

With the refreshing flavor of mint leaves, this cocktail goes down easy. The apple juice adds a unique dimension.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle sweet Sauternes wine
• 1 cup apple juice
• 15 - 20 mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a pitcher. Pour in the remaining ingredients, and stir well. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving in order to allow the flavors to develop.