Vino Clarete (Mixed Red and White Wine Drink)

Vino clarete sits somewhere between a light mixed wine drink and a relaxed Spanish aperitif, combining the fruit and body of dry red wine with the crispness of dry white. Served well chilled over ice, it is valued for its simplicity: refreshing, lightly fruity and lower-key than a cocktail, with no syrup or spirits to weigh it down. A slice of orange adds a gentle citrus lift without masking the wines. It suits warm-weather drinking, tapas-style snacks or any occasion where a quick, unfussy glass is more appealing than a fully mixed drink.
Cuisine style Spanish wine drink
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 15 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Ready in minutes: The drink is built directly in the glass, so there is no shaking, batching, or specialist technique required.
  • Light and refreshing: Dry red and white wines keep the flavour crisp and fruit-led, while plenty of ice makes it especially drinkable when served cold.
  • Easy to adjust: Orange adds a soft citrus note, while lime gives a sharper finish without changing the drink’s simple character.

Get the most out of this recipe

Ingredient notes

  • Choose dry wines: Dry red and dry white wines give the cleanest, most balanced result; very sweet wines can make the drink feel heavy.
  • Use wines you would drink: The recipe is simple, so the wines remain noticeable. They do not need to be expensive, but they should taste good on their own.
  • Adjust the citrus: Orange keeps the finish rounded and gentle, while lime makes the drink brighter and more tart.

Timing notes

  • Serve straight away: Once poured over ice, vino clarete is at its best immediately, before dilution softens the flavour.
  • Chill before mixing: Chilling both wines first keeps the drink colder for longer and reduces the need for excess ice.

Make-ahead tips

  • Mix ahead without ice: The wines can be combined in advance and refrigerated in a sealed container, then poured over fresh ice just before serving.
  • Best the same day: For the freshest flavour, add the citrus only when serving rather than storing it in the mixed wine.

Alcohol-free alternatives

  • Alcohol-free version: Use alcohol-free red and white wines for a similar mixed-wine style, keeping the drink well chilled and finishing with citrus.
  • Lighter serve: For a brighter non-alcoholic drink, top alcohol-free wine with chilled sparkling water and add orange or lime to taste.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Fill a wine glass with the ice cubes. Pour in the red wine, then the white wine, and give it a brief stir by gently swirling the glass.
  2. If using, add the orange slice and lightly squeeze it over the drink before dropping it in. Serve immediately, well chilled.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Chill both wines in the fridge before mixing so the drink stays cold without needing too much ice.
  • For a cleaner, brighter flavour, avoid over-swirling once the ice is in, as too much dilution can mute the wines.

Substitutions

  • Replace the Orange with Lime for a sharper citrus note.
  • Replace the Dry White Wine with Sauvignon blanc for a more aromatic, zesty finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 1 days
  • Best served straight away. If needed, mix the wines (without ice or orange) and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 day; pour over fresh ice to serve.

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Vino Clarete (Mixed Red and White Wine Drink)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 1 glasses
  • Total time: 5min (5min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Spanish
Beginner friendly

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