Mix things up with these wine and whisky drinks

Wine and whisky may not be an obvious match, but together, they’re a game-changer for cocktails, offering bold flavours, rich histories, and endless potential. Elevate your menu with this perfect pairing, whether you’re hosting a wine and cheese night or updating your go-to drinks list.

From fruity reds to sparkling whites, there’s a wine to complement every type of whisky. Let’s explore why this pairing works, how to mix them and some delicious recipes to get you started.

As always, please enjoy responsibly.

How to mix wine and whisky

Ready to start mixing? Here’s how to nail the perfect whisky-and-wine combo every time.

Choose the right wine

Red wines like Merlot or Malbec work well with rich, smoky whiskies. Their dark fruit and spiced notes are a natural match for the complexity of your whisky.

White wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pair beautifully with lighter, sweeter whiskies, creating a crisp and refreshing balance.

Sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne bring a touch of fizz that’s perfect for whisky spritzes and celebratory cocktails.

Pick your whisky wisely

Blended whiskies like Ballantine’s Finest are your go-to. Smooth, versatile and easy to pair with almost any wine.

Peaty whiskies bring a smoky punch but need a wine bold enough to match, like a full-bodied red.

Sherry-cask whiskies shine when paired with sweet or fortified wines, enhancing their dessert-like notes.

Balance the flavours

The key to mixing whisky and wine is balance. If the whisky is smoky or spicy, opt for a mellow, fruity wine. For lighter whiskies, a wine with more acidity or bolder flavour will add a warming richness.

But really, it’s all about what you like. Got a favourite individual wine and whisky? Mix them and see how it tastes. If it works for you, that’s all that matters.

Wine and whisky recipes

Try shaking up these wine and whisky cocktails–-made for every moment.

New York Sour

The New York Sour is the cocktail that proves wine and whisky are a power couple. It starts with a whisky sour base—Ballantine’s, lemon juice and simple syrup—topped with a float of red wine. The result? Tart, rich, and just dramatic enough.

Want to make it festive? Try the New True Sour. It swaps in seasonal spices and orange juice for a winter-ready twist that’s perfect for holiday parties or nights by the fire.

Get the recipe for our New True Sour.

Speyside Spritz

This celebratory serve takes sparkling wine cocktails and gives them a whisky-first attitude. With Ballantine’s Finest, elderflower liqueur and Prosecco, the Speyside Spritz is light, floral and guaranteed to require a refill.

Serve this one at brunch, as a pre-dinner drink, or whenever you feel like it. It’s the new way to celebrate. Stir the ingredients over ice, pour into a flute and garnish with a twist of lemon. 

Get the recipe for our Speyside Spritz.

Whisky Hugo

Meet the Whisky Hugo, a playful take on the classic Hugo cocktail. Ballantine’s meets elderflower cordial, sparkling wine, and fresh mint for a refreshing serve that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s made for BBQs, spontaneous parties or anytime the vibe is relaxed and the drinks are flowing.

To make it, mix the liquids over ice, then garnish with fresh mint and lime. Simple to whip up, impossible to put down.

Get the recipe for our Whisky Hugo.

So, do whisky and wine go well together? Absolutely. Their rich, full-bodied flavours share a lot of common ground. Plus when you add some strong cheese or hearty snacks to the mix, you’ve got yourself a pairing that’s hard to beat.

As always, please enjoy responsibly.

Head to our whisky recipes for more cocktails to make with Ballantine’s. And find more ways to mix things up, from whisky and beer pairings to the best snacks to serve with scotch.