12 Affordable Wines That Make for Amazing Summer Cocktails

In our spirited quest to stop wasting money while still enjoying the finer things, we’ve found that compromise is the ideal weapon in our best life arsenal. You shouldn’t have to give up daily pleasures in the name of fiscal prudence.

Naturally, this applies to our roster of summer cocktails, which make our days by the pool that much sweeter. So raise your glass with gusto because these affordable wines will level up your bar game.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Don't Miss: 9 ways to tackle high grocery costs you won't hear about from your grocery store

1. Red wine for red sangria

Courtesy of Anciano Wine

Price: $13.99

You’ll find 2020 Anciano 'No. 5' Crianza Tempranillo Rioja at tapas bars in Spain, which was all the endorsement we needed. It’s fruity and spicy, which lends it perfectly to your next pitcher of sangria.

At $13.99, that’s a deal compared to what you’ll pay for a pitcher dining out at your local Italian restaurant chain.

2. Sauvignon blanc for white sangria

Courtesy of Total Wine

Price: $10.97

You need a bright, acidic white wine to make white sangria pop, and Helwig Gold Country Sauvignon Blanc is precisely that. It’s smooth, grassy, and citrusy, too.

At this price, it’s an exceptional value, whether you make sangria or simply enjoy it in a glass.

3. Prosecco for mimosas

Courtesy of Total Wine

$14.99

Mimosas are day-drinking classics, and we love having them poolside.

Enter Caposaldo Prosecco, a dry and light bubbly ideal for blending with OJ; it lets the fruit's natural sweetness shine rather than take over. We argue this is better than bottomless mimosa brunches, which, let’s be real, can be chintzy.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially

4. Moscato for frozen strawberry margaritas

Courtesy of Total Wine

Price: $13.99

Strawberry margaritas are a favorite twist on the classic, and adding Moscato balances the flavor profile further. Saracco Moscato D'Asti, in particular, will add fruit and zest but not too much sweetness.

That’s a nice price compared to a bar, regardless of where you live, as you can see in our own Financebuzz study on margarita prices .

5. Red blend for blackberry spritzes

Courtesy of Ansoniawines.com

Price: $19

Blackberries are balanced by red wine’s tanginess in this elegant spritzer. Experts recommend using a Côtes du Rhône, which can be pricey.

We compromised with a $19 bottle of Goubert Sablet, which is incredible quality for the price. It brings dark fruit and spiciness to the party, which is right on point.

6. Rosé for frosé

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

Price: $7.49

For the uninitiated, frosé is exactly what it sounds like, a rosé slushy (vodka optional). We like to make ours with Trader Joe's Maison Barboulot Cinsault Rosé, which punches way above its price point with its nice flavor balance.

You just can’t beat this happy medium of price and quality.

7. Prosecco for aperol spritzes

Courtesy of Total Wine

Price: $12.99

Cinzano Prosecco is made by a family-owned subsidiary of the company that makes Aperol, so this one’s a no-brainer. This bubbly also has a delicious fruit-forward flavor and a 4-star rating, sealing the deal.

This beverage is only getting more popular (thank you, The White Lotus ) and expensive in bars.

8. Spanish cava for French 75s

Courtesy of Total Wine

Price: $15.00

The classic French 75 has champagne in it (and we know how wildly expensive that can get). Enter the Spanish cava, a worthy substitute, particularly NV Codorníu Ars Collecta Brut Blanc de Blancs.

This fruity, sea-like bubbly comes from the oldest winery in Spain.

9. Lilet Blanc for French blondes

Courtesy of Total Wine

Price: $19.99

Thanks to Taylor Swift, the French blond has entered the zeitgeist, and we’re not mad about it.

This classic cocktail calls for the famous French aperitif Lilet Blanc; we spotted an Emily in Paris limited edition for under $20 and sprang for it. You can enjoy it straight, too.

10. Prosecco for negroni sbagliatos

Courtesy of Aldi

$11.09

If we told you budget grocer Aldi sold a prosecco heartily endorsed by expert sommeliers, would you buy it? That tipped the scales for us.

It’s the perfect addition for a negroni sbagliato, which is having its moment, thanks to House of the Dragon star Emma D'Arcy.

11. Cabernet for red wine milkshakes

Courtesy of Trader Joe's

$19.99

Yes, really. Red wine milkshakes are perfect treats for a hot day. Blend vanilla ice cream with a zinfandel or a cab, and boom, sweet summer deliciousness.

TJ’s sells an affordable cab out of Napa that’s perfect for this task, as it’s all oak and dark fruit but young.

12. Port for white port and tonics

Courtesy of Total Wine

$14.82

Simple, refreshing, and crisp, this highball balances tonic water with white port and is topped with mint and lime. The simple ingredients and making it at home already save you money.

For your white port, experts recommend Taylor’s Chip Dry Port, which is very reasonably priced.

Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt

Bottom line

We all want to save money shopping , which applies to our cocktail ingredients list as much as it does everything else. Fortunately, these quality wines won’t leave you feeling like you’ve settled for two two-buck chuck.

That being said, once in a while, it’s worth the splurge to pick up a bottle that truly dazzles, but we’ll save that for the holidays. For now, it’s budget wine summer.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt.