These months are only bringing about stewed wines and beverage cocktails. Yet, these innovative trends round the corner have promised a lot in reshaping our experiences. Already from sustainability and beyond creative new flavor combinations, with 2025 comes very exciting developments both for the casual drinker and for the connoisseur. Let us see some of the most important trends in wine and cocktails and also include a few must-try mojito or wine cocktail recipes without liquor and some wine cocktail recipes easy for anyone to master.

Sustainable Sipping: The Eco-Conscious Revolution

Sustainability has gone from being a trend to being a necessity in the modern wine and cocktail world. From water conservation to carbon neutrality in production, eco-friendly practices are being applied in vineyards and distilleries around the globe. Wineries are adopting sustainable viticulture practices adaptable to local conditions, using minimal intervention techniques to create distinctive, terroir-driven wines. This green approach is now being the norm at cocktail bars, where zero-waste practices are employed: entire fruits (peels, pulp, and all) are used in preparations; discarded but still-good ingredients are used in syrups and garnishes; and biodegradable straws and recyclable glassware are standard. Packaging is going green, with more wines showing up in lightweight bottles and even in boxes or cans. All these alternatives mean reduced emissions from transportation, not to mention that they are good for the wine. The carbon footprint of a Cabernet is now of great interest to consumers.

Wine Cocktails Without a Proof: The Rise of Low/No ABV

The low and no-alcohol movement has become one of the biggest shifts in drinking culture around the world. It seems that more and more people are hungry for the experience of a tasty beverage without the effects of alcohol and are being drawn to wine cocktail recipes that are completely liquor-free. The more sophisticated mocktails fulfill even the most complex flavor profiles that would pass for their alcoholic counterparts. For example, a modern-day non-alcoholic equivalent is not just grape juice, but uses the very high-end techniques such as vacuum distillation, which allow wineries to make wines that have the majority of complexity and structure of traditional wines while removing alcohol. These products are great bases for wine cocktail recipes without liquor, allowing for delectable finishes even among very discerning palates.

Some standout alcohol-free wine cocktail options include:

Sparkling Hibiscus Refresher

• Alcohol-removed sparkling white wine
• Hibiscus tea syrup
• Fresh lemon juice
• Soda water
• Dried hibiscus flowers for garnish

Berry Wine Spritz

• Dealcoholized red wine
• Mixed berry puree
• Fresh basil
• Lemon juice
• Sparkling water
• Frozen berries for garnish

Bartenders worldwide have embraced this trend, incorporating local ingredients into alcohol-free wine-based concoctions. The rich spice traditions of many cultures provide a natural advantage in creating layered, interesting wine cocktail recipes without liquor.

Simplicity Reigns: Accessible Mixology at Home

A home bartending boom continues to define drinking culture from pandemic days, where consumers are on the lookout for quick-to-make wine cocktail recipes requiring little or no bar equipment and obscure or extravagant ingredients. This trend toward easy making has the effect of somewhat “democratizing” cocktail culture by opening the door to the drinking public for quality drinks much beyond the exclusive high-class establishments. 

In stark contrast, simple recipes for wine spritzers, sangrias, and varieties of mimosas are at the top of home-drunk concoctions, with endless variations of classics splashed and shared across social media. Home mixologists explore local fruits in minimally prepared but highly flavorful wine-based punches. 

For those looking to try their hand at home mixology, these wine cocktail recipes easy ones are assessed as good starting points:

Classic White Wine Spritzer

• Chilled dry white wine
• Sparkling water
• Lemon twist
• Fresh mint leaves

Simply combine equal parts wine and sparkling water in a wine glass with ice, then garnish with lemon and mint. This refreshing drink can be customized with different herbs or a splash of fruit juice.

Red Wine Sangria Simplified

• Fruity red wine
• Orange juice
• Sliced citrus fruits
• Apple chunks
• Cinnamon stick
• Splash of honey or agave

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, refrigerate for at least an hour, and serve over ice. This forgiving recipe works with almost any red wine and can be adjusted based on available fruits.

Regional Resurgence: Indigenous Varieties Take Center Stage

As traditional regions in Europe such as Bordeaux, Champagne, and Tuscany once overshadowed emerging wine countries, they are now beginning to earn their just dues. The likes of Georgia, Greece, Portugal, and Uruguay are attracting worldwide attention with indigenous grape varieties that offer something new for wine enthusiasts to taste.

These unique wines from the local area are being incorporated into cocktails as part of the artistry of preserving their inherent qualities. Bartenders are pairing lesser-known wines with regional botanicals to create signature drinks that couldn’t come from anywhere else.

The exploration of indigenous varieties has led to fascinating wine cocktail innovations:

Assyrtiko Citrus Splash

• Greek Assyrtiko wine
• Kumquat puree
• Lemon verbena syrup
• Mediterranean herbs

Tannat Old Fashioned

• Uruguay Tannat wine reduction
• Bourbon
• Orange bitters
• Demerara sugar

Even in traditional wine regions, forgotten grape varieties are being rediscovered and championed. This renaissance of diversity enriches the global wine landscape and provides exciting new bases for innovative cocktails.

Tech-Enhanced Tasting: Digital Revolution in Wine & Cocktails

New technologies are changing how we discover, buy, and consume wine and cocktails: Augmented reality wine labels; AI-based taste recommendation engines; and blockchain tracking for authenticity are all becoming familiar sounds. Some start-ups are developing apps that guide users through the complicated world of wine, making pairing suggestions fine-tuned to specific cuisines. These technologies have made wine more approachable, yet at the same time encouraged a greater appreciation for the wine’s complexity. 

Smart wine preservation systems have also changed drinking habits at home. Devices that extract wine without pulling corks or systems that replace oxygen with inert gas allow enthusiasts to enjoy their expensive wines by removing the glass without worrying about oxidation. This has made it possible to experiment more with wine cocktails because bottles remain fresh longer after they have been opened. Virtual tastings born of the pandemic lockdown have turned into real-life events with tastings kits shipped beforehand and interactive sessions with a winemaker or mixologist. These digital experiences democratize wine education and give the consuming public a new introduction to cocktail techniques.

Functional Imbibing: Wellness-Forward Beverages

With the introduction of functional ingredients into wines and cocktails, the lines between beverage and wellness seem to be fading. Adaptogenic herbs, antioxidant-heavy fruits, and probiotic add-ins are now being used in wine cocktail recipes without liquor that are believed to do more than just refresh. 

Natural wine producers have started to heighten awareness towards the health benefits of low-intervention wines, fewer additives being one of their distinguishing features over conventional wines. However, it is worth noting that the botanical ingredients traditionally found in vermouth and other types of aromatized wines are now being recognized for their digestives and medicinal properties.

Wellness-focused wine cocktail recipes easy to prepare at home include:

Antioxidant Red Wine Spritzer

• Organic red wine
• Pomegranate juice
• Blackberry puree
• Sparkling water
• Fresh sage

Probiotic Wine Fizz

• White wine
• Kombucha (ginger or berry flavored)
• Lemon juice
• Raw honey
• Fresh berries

These functional cocktails offer complex flavors while aligning with health-conscious consumer values, creating a new category that bridges indulgence and wellness.