Pinot Grigio is a popular white wine that is light, crisp, and dry. It has flavors of citrus, green apple, pear, and honeysuckle. Pinot Grigio is extremely versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods. It also mixes well with other ingredients to make delicious cocktails. The crisp acidity of Pinot Grigio balances sweet flavors and brightens fruit flavors when used in cocktails. Here is an overview of some of the best options for what to mix with Pinot Grigio.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices pair nicely with Pinot Grigio. The acidity cuts through the sweetness of the juice and fruit flavors are emphasized. Some good fruit juice options include:
Citrus Juices
Citrus juices like lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange all go well with Pinot Grigio. The citrus notes in the wine complement the bright, acidic juices. Try mixing 3 parts Pinot Grigio with 1 part citrus juice and a splash of sparkling water for a refreshing spritzer.
Tropical Juices
The flavors of pineapple, mango, and passionfruit work well with Pinot Grigio too. The tropical flavors accent the pear and honeysuckle notes. For a tropical twist, mix 1 part pineapple juice with 2 parts Pinot Grigio.
Berry Juices
The sweetness of berry juices balances nicely with dry Pinot Grigio. Cranberry, pomegranate, blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry juices are all good options. Mix equal parts cranberry juice and Pinot Grigio for a pretty pink cocktail.
Liquors and Liqueurs
In addition to fruit juices, Pinot Grigio also mixes well with a variety of liquors and liqueurs. The crisp acidity balances sweet liqueurs beautifully.
Elderflower Liqueur
Floral elderflower liqueur pairs deliciously with Pinot Grigio. The honeyed sweetness complements the wine. Mix 2 parts Pinot Grigio with 1 part St. Germain elderflower liqueur and a squeeze of lime.
Gin
Herbal gin and Pinot Grigio are a match made in heaven. The botanicals in gin highlight the green apple and citrus notes of the wine. Simply mix 2 parts Pinot Grigio and 1 part gin. Add tonic water and a lemon wedge for an Italian-inspired twist on a gin and tonic.
Vodka
Vodka lets the crisp flavor of the Pinot Grigio shine. Mix 3 parts Pinot Grigio with 1 part vodka and a splash of sparkling water for an easy cocktail. A squeeze of lemon brightens it up.
Vermouth
Dry vermouth makes a sophisticated pairing with Pinot Grigio. Mix equal parts Pinot Grigio and dry vermouth, like Dolin Dry. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
Champagne
Turn your Pinot Grigio into a sparkling wine cocktail by mixing it with Champagne or other sparkling wines. Try a blend of 2 parts Pinot Grigio and 1 part sparkling wine. For an Italian twist, use Prosecco instead of Champagne.
Other Mixers
Along with juices and liquors, Pinot Grigio combines nicely with other fun mixers too. Expand your cocktail repertoire with these options:
Soda Water
Simple and refreshing, soda water makes the flavors of Pinot Grigio shine. A splash of soda water lengthens the wine so you can enjoy it for longer.
Ginger Ale
Spicy ginger ale complements Pinot Grigio’s crispness. Mix 2 parts Pinot Grigio with 1 part ginger ale for an easy mule cocktail. Add lime juice for extra freshness.
Iced Tea
For boozy twist on iced tea, combine Pinot Grigio and plain iced tea. The tannins in the tea complement the dry wine. Mix 2 parts iced tea with 1 part Pinot Grigio. Sweeten with honey or lemon to taste.
Coconut Water
Nutty coconut water tones down the acidity of Pinot Grigio. Mix 1 part coconut water with 2 parts Pinot Grigio for a tropical cocktail. Add a squeeze of lime.
Food Pairings
In addition to making cocktails, Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with a variety of foods too. The wine’s light body and bright acidity complements dishes that have some creaminess, fat, or spiciness. Some great food options include:
Cheese
Pinot Grigio is excellent with cheeses, especially bloomy-rind cheeses like Brie and Camembert. The acidity balances the creaminess. Aged goudas and Swiss cheeses also pair nicely.
Seafood
The briny flavor of oysters, shrimp, crab and lobster make a perfect match for Pinot Grigio’s bright citrus notes. Grilled fish works well too.
White Meat
Light meats like chicken, turkey and pork are enhanced by Pinot Grigio’s crispness. Especially pair it with dishes that have cream-based sauces.
Vegetarian
Vegetable-focused pasta dishes, salads, and risottos all work beautifully with Pinot Grigio, especially if they contain some acidic components like lemon, vinegar or tomatoes to echo the wine’s acidity.
Spicy Foods
Pinot Grigio helps balance and cool down spicy foods like Thai and Indian curries, cajun spice mixes, and buffalo chicken wings. The wine tames the heat.
Pairing Options Summary
| Flavor Profile | Good Pairings with Pinot Grigio |
|---|---|
| Fruity/Sweet | Pineapple juice, mango nectar, cranberry juice |
| Citrus | Lemonade, grapefruit juice, gin and tonic |
| Floral | Elderflower liqueur, vermouth |
| Savory | Prosciutto, crab cakes, chicken alfredo |
| Spicy | Thai curry, buffalo wings, cajun shrimp |
| Creamy | Brie cheese, fettuccine alfredo, coconut milk |
Conclusion
Pinot Grigio is extremely mixable and pairs with a wide array of ingredients and dishes. Fruity juices, floral liqueurs, sparkling wines, and a variety of spirits all combine beautifully with Pinot Grigio. The wine’s bright acidity and crisp citrus and apple flavors work well with both sweet and savory flavors. Seafood, white meats, cheese dishes, creamy pastas, and spicy foods all complement Pinot Grigio nicely. So next time you have a bottle of Pinot Grigio on hand, don’t hesitate to get creative and mix up a unique cocktail or find a tasty food pairing to enjoy with this versatile wine.
