Quite some time ago, I quit drinking soda. It started as a New Year’s resolution years ago, and honestly, it was one of the harder habits for me to break. What surprised me most was realizing I did not miss soda only for the flavor. A lot of the craving came from that crisp, bubbly carbonation.

That is what led me to sparkling water in the first place. I wanted something fizzy and refreshing without feeling like I was sliding right back into old habits. And once the holidays rolled around, I started wondering if that same bubbly refreshment could turn into an easy cocktail for get-togethers, parties, or even just a relaxed night at home.

That is exactly how this Red Wine Spritzer came to be. It is quick, simple, and a little lighter than pouring a full glass of red wine on its own. With red wine, club soda, and an optional garnish of raspberries and fresh mint, this cocktail comes together in less than five minutes and feels festive without being fussy.

What is Red Wine Spritzer?

A red wine spritzer is a simple cocktail made by combining red wine with something bubbly, usually club soda or sparkling water. The result is a drink that still gives you the rich, fruity character of red wine, but with a lighter, more refreshing finish.

That is part of what makes this Red Wine Spritzer so easy to love. It does not require a long ingredient list, special bar tools, or much prep time at all. It is the kind of drink you can throw together when company is on the way, when you want something festive during the holidays, or when you are just in the mood for a cocktail that feels easygoing and fresh.

This version also has room to lean a little playful. In the original inspiration behind this drink, flavored sparkling water was part of the fun, which gave the cocktail a bright and refreshing twist. Even in its simplest form, though, this Red Wine Spritzer keeps things easy and approachable while still feeling special enough for a celebration.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Quick and easy: This cocktail takes less than 5 minutes to make, which is always a win during a busy week.
• Light and refreshing: Topping red wine with club soda gives it a bubbly finish that feels crisp instead of heavy.
• Great for entertaining: This is an easy holiday cocktail or party drink because it looks pretty and requires very little effort.
• Flexible year-round: It works for holiday celebrations, but it is also simple enough to enjoy any time of year.
• Minimal ingredients: You only need red wine and club soda for the base, with mint and raspberries as optional garnishes.
• Easy to customize: Keep it classic with club soda or use flavored sparkling water if you want to change the vibe a little.

Ingredients

• Red Wine: Use your favorite red wine here since it is the main flavor in the drink. Choose one you already enjoy drinking on its own.
• Club Soda: This adds the bubbles and keeps the cocktail light, crisp, and easy to sip.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Optional, but a little mint gives the finished drink a fresh pop and a pretty garnish.
• Fresh Raspberries: Also optional, though they make the Red Wine Spritzer feel extra festive and colorful.

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Substitutions & Additions

If you want to keep this Red Wine Spritzer close to the original, club soda is the easiest choice. It gives you the fizz without changing the flavor too much, which lets the red wine stay front and center.

If you want to switch things up a little, sparkling water can work in place of club soda. The original story behind this drink also mentions using a berry-flavored sparkling water mix, which can give the cocktail a fruitier feel without making it complicated.

For garnish, raspberries and mint are both optional. You can use one, both, or skip them entirely depending on what you have on hand. This is one of those recipes that still feels complete even when you keep it very simple.

How to Make this Recipe

Start by filling a highball glass halfway with ice. Pour in the red wine until the glass is about half full, then top the rest with club soda. Give it a gentle stir if needed, then garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves if you want that extra finishing touch. Serve right away and enjoy.

That is really all there is to it, which is part of this recipe’s charm. It is the kind of cocktail that looks polished but takes almost no time to pull together. If you are making drinks for guests, you can have the glasses, ice, wine, soda, and garnishes ready to go so each one comes together in just a minute.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use a wine you already like: Since red wine is the main ingredient, the overall flavor of the spritzer will reflect it.
• Chill everything first: Cold red wine and cold club soda make this cocktail taste even more refreshing.
• Add the bubbles last: Pouring the club soda in at the end helps keep the drink fizzy.
• Do not overmix: A gentle stir is plenty. Too much stirring can flatten the carbonation.
• Serve immediately: This Red Wine Spritzer is best when the bubbles are fresh and lively.
• Dress it up when entertaining: Fresh mint and raspberries add an easy holiday or party-ready touch without extra work.

Serving Suggestions

This Red Wine Spritzer is perfect for holiday celebrations, casual parties, or a cozy evening at home when you want something simple but still a little festive. Serve it in a highball glass over plenty of ice so it stays cold and refreshing.

If you are setting out drinks for guests, place a small bowl of raspberries and sprigs of mint nearby so everyone can garnish their glass however they like. Since this cocktail is light and bubbly, it works well as a welcome drink before a meal or as an easy sip for mingling during a party.

Storage Suggestions

This cocktail is best enjoyed right after making it. Since the club soda brings the fizz, the drink will taste freshest when served immediately.

If you want to prep ahead for guests, chill the red wine, club soda, glasses, and garnishes in advance. Then assemble each Red Wine Spritzer just before serving so the carbonation stays bright. If you do have leftover mixed spritzer, it may lose some of its bubbles as it sits, so it is best not to make more than you need at one time.

Recipe FAQ

What kind of red wine should I use for a Red Wine Spritzer? Use a red wine you already enjoy drinking. Since there are so few ingredients, the flavor of the wine really comes through.

Can I use sparkling water instead of club soda? Yes. Sparkling water works well and keeps the drink light and fizzy.

Do I have to use raspberries and mint? No. Both are optional garnishes, so the drink still works perfectly without them.

Can I make this for a party? Yes. It is a great party cocktail because it is quick to assemble and easy to scale using a bottle of wine and a bottle of club soda.

Is this only a holiday cocktail? Not at all. It feels festive enough for the holidays, but it is refreshing enough to enjoy year-round.

If you are looking for a cocktail that is easy, bubbly, and just a little different from the usual glass of wine, this Red Wine Spritzer is such a good one to keep in your back pocket. It is quick to make, easy to customize, and pretty enough for a celebration without requiring much effort.

Whether you serve it at a holiday party or pour one for yourself at the end of the day, this Red Wine Spritzer keeps things simple in the best possible way.