Wine coolers, those fluorescent, fizzy, sugary drinks you used to sneak as a teenager are having a well-deserved -- yet classy and sophisticated -- moment in the spotlight. These fruity drinks are a refreshing alternative to wine and beer—and perfect for warm weather. Back in the day, we'd pop open a cooler at a party only to find beer, beer, and more beer. And if you weren't hopping on the beer bandwagon, you were sipping on a glass of wine that may or may not have been to your liking.
But now, wine coolers have undergone a transformation. They have evolved from being seen as a lowbrow beverage to a chic and trendy drink option. No longer confined to the realm of cloyingly sweet concoctions, modern wine coolers come in a variety of flavors and styles that cater to a more sophisticated palate. With options ranging from crisp and dry to sweet and bubbly, there is a wine cooler out there for everyone.
Our editors share the tried and tested wine fridge brands they use in their homes. We based this list on their insights to choose the best wine cooler options available. A wine fridge will protect your bottles and improve your drinking experience. We like the Wine Enthusiast Classic 70 Dual Zone and the sleek design of the NewAir Dual Zone 29-Bottle Wine Fridge. Wine fridges (sometimes called 'wine coolers”) may seem like an extravagance meant just for serious collectors, but anyone who enjoys vino can benefit from investing in one.
Pre-Mixed Cocktails, Wine Coolers Expected to See Sales Rise This Summer. Summer has arrived, and that means the return of barbecues, pool parties, and outdoor gatherings. This season, experts predict that pre-mixed cocktails and wine coolers will see a surge in popularity as people look for convenient and refreshing drink options to enjoy in the sun. From fruity sangria to zesty spiked lemonade, these pre-made beverages are the perfect way to kick back and relax during the warmer months.
Michael Crete, the creator of the California Cooler, was originally just making a fun drink for his friends while they hung out near the beach. Little did he know that his creation would spark a trend that would endure for decades. The California Cooler, with its blend of wine, fruit juice, and carbonation, became a sensation in the 1980s and paved the way for the modern wine cooler industry. Crete's innovative approach to blending wine with other flavors revolutionized the way people thought about wine-based beverages and helped to popularize the idea of wine coolers as a fun and accessible option for casual drinkers.
Kick off the long weekend with Memorial Day drinks! Sangria, spiked lemonade, and margaritas all pair well with your first cookout of the summer. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or heading to the beach for a picnic, these refreshing beverages are sure to kick your holiday celebrations up a notch. So grab a bottle of your favorite wine cooler and raise a glass to the start of summer!
