Mixing Drinks 101: Can You Mix Whiskey And Wine?

can you mix whiskey and wine
Joe | Last Updated: September 24, 2023
I'm Joe, a veteran bartender with over a decade in the industry and a burning passion for mixing drinks.

If you’re someone who enjoys whiskey and wine (not the song), you may have wondered whether these two popular drinks can be mixed together to create a unique concoction.

But mixing drinks can be risky if you don’t know what works well together and what to avoid, which is why I’m here to be your guide!

As a bartender that’s mixed just about every drink under the sun, I’ll provide some insights into the result of mixing these two delicious drinks together to answer the age-old question; Can you mix whiskey and wine?

So if you’ve ever been curious about adding a splash of whiskey to your wine, keep reading to find out whether this is a match made in heaven or one to avoid.

Can You Mix Whiskey And Wine?

Yes, you can mix whiskey with wine to create delicious cocktails. But the key to mixing these drinks successfully is choosing the right type of whiskey and wine that complement each other’s flavors and aromas.

The idea that mixing spirits and wine will make you sick is false, and so long as you take care and drink in moderation there is no reason why you can’t mix whiskey and wine.

can you mix whiskey and wine
Image by Invaluable Official

Some popular whiskey-wine cocktails include the Whiskey Sour Sangria, the Red Wine Old Fashioned, and the New York Sour.

These cocktails balance the sweetness of the wine with the richness of the whiskey, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that can satisfy both wine and whiskey lovers alike.

When mixing whiskey and wine, it’s important to experiment with different combinations and ratios until you find the perfect balance that suits your taste.

>>Read more: Can You Mix Red And White Wine?

What Does Whiskey And Wine Taste Like?

The taste of a whiskey and wine combination can vary depending on the types of spirits used, the ratio of ingredients, and the specific cocktail recipe.

However, in general, when whiskey and wine are mixed together, the result is a complex and balanced flavor profile that can be both sweet and spicy.

Whiskey typically has a rich and bold flavor with notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, and sometimes a hint of smoke.

Meanwhile, wine can range from sweet to dry and can have various fruity and floral flavors.

When combined, the sweetness of the wine can balance out the whiskey’s spiciness, while the whiskey can add depth and complexity to the wine’s fruitiness.

The result can be a delightful combination of flavors that can be both surprising and satisfying.

Of course, the specific taste of a whiskey and wine cocktail can vary depending on the particular ingredients and the mixing techniques used.

So, it’s always a good idea to experiment with different recipes and find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.

>> Read more: Can you mix vodka and tequila?

Can You Drink Whiskey After Wine?

Yes, you can drink whiskey after wine. However, it’s generally recommended to avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol in quick succession, regardless of the order in which they are consumed.

My recommendation would be to either stick with whiskey or wine throughout your drinking experience as opposed to chopping and changing.

can you mix whiskey and wine
Image by Sophie Sedlmeier

This will allow you to fully enjoy and appreciate the flavors of either whiskey or wine, as opposed to drinking one after the other.

Drinking wine and whiskey in succession may affect your palate and could potentially impact the way you taste each drink.

This is because wine and whiskey have different flavor profiles, and consuming one after the other could affect your ability to fully appreciate the unique characteristics of each beverage.

If you do choose to drink whiskey after wine, it’s a good idea to wait for some time to allow your body to process the alcohol from the wine.

It’s also important to stay hydrated and eat a meal before or while drinking to help mitigate the effects of alcohol on your body.

Both whiskey and wine can be strong, and drinking them both on the same night can cause you to lose track of how many drinks you’ve had and have one too many.

I’ve been there before and the hangover after a night of mixing whiskey and wine was not fun, so take it easy.

>>Read more: Can you mix rum and vodka?

Can You Mix Red Wine With Whiskey?

Yes, you can mix red wine with whiskey to create a delicious cocktail. In fact, several popular whiskey-wine cocktails call for the use of red wine and whiskey.

However, it’s important to choose the right type of red wine and whiskey that complement each other’s flavors.

When choosing a red wine for your cocktail, consider a dry or semi-dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir.

These wines typically have a balanced acidity and tannin content, which can pair well with whiskey.

As for the whiskey, choose a type that has a rich and complex flavor profile, such as bourbon or rye whiskey.

These types of whiskey can add depth and complexity to the cocktail and balance out the sweetness of the red wine.

can you mix whiskey and wine
Image by Invaluable Official

When mixing red wine and whiskey, again it’s important to experiment with different ratios and ingredients to find the perfect balance of flavors.

Some popular red wine and whiskey cocktails include the New York Sour, which combines bourbon, lemon juice, and red wine, and the Red Wine Old Fashioned, which uses red wine and rye whiskey as the main ingredients.

>>Read more: Can you mix vodka with water?

Wrapping Up

To wrap up, yes, you certainly can mix whiskey and wine. Mixing whiskey and wine can result in a unique and flavorful cocktail that can satisfy both wine and whiskey lovers, and I would encourage you to give it a try.

Although the concept of combining these two spirits may seem a little strange at first, with the right ingredients, ratios, and mixing techniques, you can create a delightful beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or with a meal.

When mixing whiskey and wine, it’s important to experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect blend that suits your taste.

If you’re more of a whiskey lover, use a ratio that involved more whiskey, and vice versa.

Just remember to take it easy as both whiskey and wine can be strong, especially when mixed together, and drink water throughout to ensure you stay hydrated.

Hopefully, this post has provided you with the confidence to go out there and give mixing whiskey and wine a try, and I’d be keen to know your thoughts on the result.