Not all of us are popping bottles of the finest wine every night—sometimes, you just grab what’s affordable and hope for the best. But even a cheap bottle doesn’t have to taste, well, cheap. With a few simple tricks, you can bring out the best in that budget wine and give it a flavor upgrade that’ll make it feel a little more special.
Let it Breathe
Pour your wine into a glass or a decanter and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before drinking. Exposure to oxygen softens harsh flavors and brings out aromas, making the wine taste smoother and more refined.
Use a Decanter
Decanting wine, especially reds, can instantly elevate flavor. The wide surface area allows oxygen to mix with the wine, mellowing any bitterness and bringing out hidden notes that taste more “high-end.”
Add a Pinch of Salt
A tiny pinch of salt can balance overly acidic or bitter flavors in cheap wine. Salt enhances other flavors, smoothing the wine’s rough edges, but use sparingly—just a pinch is enough to make a difference.
Chill It Slightly
Serving wine at a cooler temperature can mask harsh flavors that are more noticeable at room temperature. For reds, try around 60°F, and for whites, 50°F. It can make the wine taste more balanced and refreshing.
Serve with the Right Glassware
Using proper glassware, like a wider glass for reds and a narrow one for whites, can enhance aromas and flavors. The right glass shape lets the wine open up, giving a more enjoyable and “expensive” experience.
Add a Splash of Sparkling Water
Adding a small amount of sparkling water to white wine creates a refreshing spritzer, lightening harsh flavors. It adds a fun, fizzy twist that can make budget whites feel more sophisticated and refreshing.
Use an Aerator
A wine aerator is a quick way to add oxygen to the wine as you pour, softening the tannins and enhancing aroma. It’s a handy tool for cheap wine, instantly making it taste smoother and richer.
Freeze Grapes as Ice Cubes
Drop frozen grapes into your wine to keep it chilled without diluting it. Regular ice cubes can water down wine, but grapes add a subtle sweetness and keep the wine tasting rich and undiluted.
Pair with Food
Certain foods, like cheeses or dark chocolate, can elevate wine’s flavor. Pairing wine with food complements and enhances flavors, making even the cheapest wine feel complex and enjoyable.
Swirl Before Sipping
Swirling wine in the glass introduces oxygen, which can release aromas and soften flavors. It’s a simple move that brings out more depth in cheap wines, making them feel a bit more sophisticated.
Add a Touch of Sugar
If your wine is overly acidic, a tiny bit of sugar (or even a splash of juice) can balance it out. Just a small pinch will soften the sharpness, creating a smoother, more enjoyable sip.
Age It a Few Days
Open the wine a day or two before you plan to drink it, then recork it and let it sit. This softens the wine’s rough edges, and with a little time, it will taste smoother and more complex.
Use a Blender
This may sound odd, but blending wine for 30 seconds can mimic the aerating effect of hours of decanting. It’s a quick trick to smooth out tannins and bring out flavors, giving cheap wine a more polished taste.
Add a Citrus Twist
A small twist of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, adds a burst of fresh aroma to the wine. It can brighten up dull flavors and add a touch of complexity, especially for inexpensive whites.
Store at Proper Temperature
Cheap wine can quickly lose its quality if stored improperly. Keeping reds around 55°F and whites around 45°F helps preserve their flavors, ensuring they taste as good as they can when served.
13 Hacks to Make Your Booze Binge Healthier
We all love a good drink, but nobody wants the next-day regret or the extra calories. Fortunately, you can make your booze binge a bit healthier without sacrificing fun. With a few clever tricks, you can enjoy your night out and still feel great the next day. If you’re ready to sip smarter and party guilt-free, here are some fun hacks to keep your boozy nights a bit healthier.
Read it Here: 13 Hacks to Make Your Booze Binge Healthier
No Booze, All Fun: 24 Mocktails For Sober Sipping
Looking for refreshing drinks to enjoy this summer without the buzz? We’ve got you covered with 24 amazing mocktails that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cutting back on alcohol, hosting a party, or just want something tasty to sip on a hot day, these recipes will hit the spot.
Read it Here: No Booze, All Fun: 24 Mocktails For Sober Sipping
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
