We already told you about our favorite classic wine cocktails. But sometimes we want a more modern wine cocktail. We turned to a top mixologist Blaine Adams for new options.

We were looking for a way to make a great cocktail from some of our lower end red wine. Red wine doesn't immediately jump into most peoples minds when they think of craft cocktails. That makes sense. We want our red wine to stand on its own. The complexity of a nice red wine is overshadowed by cocktail mixers.

But how about that bottle of not-so-great red wine that's been collecting dust on your shelf for the last year? You know the one that someone graciously brought to your dinner party?

We found the perfect way to get the most out of that plonk. A summer red wine cocktail that actually enhances the good parts of your cheap red wine while masking the bad. A drink that is refreshing and so much more interesting than your typical sangria!

What You Need For This Summer Wine Cocktail

1 Oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (plus a lime wheel for garnish)

3/4 Oz Simple Syrup (You can make it or just buy a bottle)

2 1/2 Oz Any Bad Red Wine

3/4 Oz Aperol

Pinch of salt (for more than good luck)

1 Dash Of Orange Bitters

Ice

2 Oz Soda Water

Directions For Making Backyard Punch

Add ice to your cocktail shaker

Add ingredients (minus soda water) and give it a medium shake

Fill a highball glass with ice

Strain into a highball glass

Add soda water

Garnish with the lime wheel

Find a comfortable place to hang out outside

Enjoy!

Sound like something you want to drink in the next few hours? If you live in a major US city, you can have the ingredients delivered via Drizly right now! You'll be drinking this summer red wine cocktail in no time.