Cooking with Leftover Wine

Using leftover wine for cooking is a great way to improve your dishes. It adds depth and complexity, creating savory and sweet recipes. There’s no such thing as too much wine if you know how to use it.

Benefits of Cooking with Wine

• Enhances the flavor of sauces, stews, and marinades.
• Adds acidity and balance to dishes, complementing other ingredients.
• A practical solution for reducing waste.

Tips for Cooking with Wine

• Use wine you’ll still drink; avoid wine that has turned sour.
• Let the alcohol cook off by simmering dishes for a few minutes.
• Avoid over-seasoning initially, as wine can intensify flavors.

Leftover Red Wine Recipes

What to do with leftover red wine? These recipes are the perfect answer.

1. Red Wine Reduction Sauce for Steak

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup leftover red wine
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp of butter. Add shallots and garlic; sauté until softened.
2. Pour in the red wine and beef stock. Stir to combine.
3. Add thyme and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the wine sauce reduces by half.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining butter to add richness.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over grilled steak or roasted vegetables.

2. Red Wine Beef Stew

Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 1½ cups leftover red wine
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and tomato paste for 2–3 minutes.
3. Return the beef to the pot. Pour in red wine and scrape the bottom to deglaze. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook on low for 1½–2 hours or until the beef is tender. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

3. Red Wine Chocolate Cake

Servings: 8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup leftover red wine
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt
3.  in a bowl.
4. Mix eggs, melted butter, red wine, and vanilla extract in another bowl.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool before serving. Garnish the cake with powdered sugar if desired.

Leftover White Wine Recipes

1. White Wine and Garlic Mussels

Servings: 2 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1 cup leftover white wine
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer.
3. Add the mussels, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally until the mussels open. Discard any that remain closed.
4. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

2. White Wine Risotto

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 cup leftover white wine
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, warmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté the onion until translucent.
2. Add rice and stir for 2 minutes to coat.
3. Pour in the white wine, stirring until mostly absorbed.
4. Add stock one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to absorb before adding more.
5. Once the rice is tender and creamy, remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

3. White Wine Poached Pears

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 firm pears, peeled
• 2 cups leftover white wine
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise pods

Instructions:

1. Combine wine, water, sugar, cinnamon, and star anise in a large saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Add the pears, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender.
3. Remove pears and let the liquid simmer further until slightly reduced.
4. Serve pears warm or chilled, drizzled with the reduced syrup.

Leftover Rosé Wine Recipes

You can give old rosé wine new life in delicious and creative ways! Here are some ideas:

1. Rosé Jelly

Servings: 4-5 jars Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes

Components:

• 2 cups rosé wine
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 pouch (3 oz) liquid pectin
• Optional: fresh berries or edible flowers for added flavor and decoration

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Jars: To sterilize your canning jars and lids, boil them in water for 10 minutes. Keep them warm until ready to use.
2. Mix the Wine and Lemon Juice: Combine the rosé wine and fresh lemon juice in a large saucepan.
3. Add the Sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the saucepan, stirring continuously until it dissolves.
4. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, let it continue for 1 minute without stirring.
5. Add the Pectin: Quickly stir in the liquid pectin and return the mixture to a rolling boil. Boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat.
6. Optional Add-Ins: If using, gently stir in fresh berries or edible flowers.
7. Fill the Jars: Ladle the hot jelly mixture into your sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean and secure the lids.
8. Process the Jars: Place the filled jars into a boiling water bath, submerging them fully—process for 5 minutes to seal.
9. Cool and Store: Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. Check the seals, label them, and store them in a cool, dark place.

2. Frosé (Frozen Rosé)

Blend your rosé with ice, sugar, honey, and fresh fruit (like strawberries or peaches) to create a slushy, frozen treat.

Leftover Wine Cocktail Recipes

Leftover wine is excellent for cocktails, not just cooking. Here are some creative cocktail ideas for that extra wine, perfect for summer or winter.

1. Sangria

Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of leftover red wine (approximately 750 ml)
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• 1 apple, cored and diced
• 2 cups orange juice
• ½ cup brandy
• 1–2 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
• 1 cup soda water (optional, for fizz)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Combine the wine, orange juice, and brandy in a large pitcher. Stir well.
2. Add the orange slices, lemon slices, and diced apple. Stir again and taste.
3. If desired, add sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice, topping with soda water for a sparkling finish.

2. Mulled Wine

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups leftover red wine
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp honey or sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds

Instructions:

1. Combine wine, apple cider, honey (or sugar), cinnamon, cloves, and star anise in a saucepan.
2. Warm over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not let the mixture boil.
3. Add the orange slices and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes.
4. Strain the mulled wine into mugs and serve warm.

3. Wine Spritzer

Servings: 1 | Prep Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ cup leftover white wine
• ½ cup sparkling water or club soda
• Lemon or lime wedge (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the white wine and top with sparkling water.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.

4. Classic Red Wine Sangria

Can you use old wine to make sangria? Absolutely! Using old wine to make sangria is a great way to repurpose wine that may have lost some initial flavor.

Servings: 1 Prep Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (Rioja, Merlot, or Zinfandel)
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 apple, cored and diced
• 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or a mix)
• 1-2 cups sparkling water or club soda (adjust to desired fizziness)
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Liquids: In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and orange juice. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
2. Add the Fruits: Add the orange slices, lemon slices, lime slices, apple pieces, and fresh berries to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
3. Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld together. The longer it sits, the better the flavors will be.
4. Serve: Add the sparkling water or club soda to the pitcher before serving. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish: Pour the sangria into glasses, including some fruit in each glass. If desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Red Wine Vinegar Recipe

With just a few ingredients, you can create versatile red wine vinegar for your kitchen from leftover wine.

Homemade Red Wine Vinegar

Yield: Approximately 2 cups | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Fermentation Time: 2–3 months

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover red wine
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup unpasteurized vinegar (e.g., apple cider vinegar or store-bought red wine vinegar with “mother”)
• 1 large glass jar with a wide mouth
• Cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel

Instructions:

1. Combine the wine, water, and unpasteurized vinegar in the glass jar. Stir to mix.
2. Cover the jar with cheesecloth or a towel and secure it with a rubber band to allow air circulation while keeping out dust.
3. Place the jar in a dark, warm spot (about 70–80°F) and let it sit undisturbed for 2–3 months.
4. Check occasionally to ensure no mold forms and that the liquid smells tangy vinegar.
5. Once it tastes like vinegar, strain it into a clean bottle and store it in the refrigerator for long-term use.

Uses for Homemade Red Wine Vinegar

• Add to salad dressings, marinades, or sauces for a tangy flavor boost.
• Deglaze pans after sautéing meat or vegetables.
• Use in pickling brines for vegetables.

Practical Storage Tips for Leftover Wine

How to Store Leftover Wine Properly

Whether you're saving for your next glass or for a recipe, these tips ensure your wine stays fresher longer.

Best Practices for Sealing and Storing Opened Wine Bottles

1. Re-cork or Use a Wine Stopper
• Always re-cork the bottle with its original cork, placing the stained side down to prevent contamination.
• Use a wine stopper designed explicitly for airtight closure for a more secure seal.
2. Store Wine Upright
• Keeping the bottle upright minimizes the surface area exposed to air, reducing oxidation.
3. Refrigerate Opened Bottles
• Even red wines benefit from refrigeration after opening. This slows down chemical reactions that cause spoilage.
4. Use a Wine Preservation System
• Preserve your wine’s freshness and quality with a wine preservation system. These systems help remove air from the bottle, extending freshness.
5. Check the Expiry Timeline

• How long is leftover wine good for? Wine doesn't typically have an "expiration date" like some foods. Instead, it has an optimal drinking window. Over time, wine's quality can degrade, and eventually, it may become undrinkable. 

Recommended Wine Storage Options

How do you store wine so it doesn’t go bad? Use the right wine storage systems.

Vacuum Pumps

Vacuum pumps remove air from the bottle to slow oxidation, making them a popular solution for storing leftover wine.

Argon Gas Wine Preservers

Argon gas creates a protective layer over the wine, preserving its flavor. 

Wine Fridges and Coolers

A wine fridge or cooler maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level, ideal for both opened and unopened bottles.

Freezing Wine

To use leftover wine for cooking, freeze it in an ice cube tray. This method is practical for non-drinkers who want to use expired wine.

How to Tell if Wine Has Gone Bad

1. Check the Smell
   Spoiled wine smells like vinegar, nail polish remover, or wet cardboard.
2. Look at the Color
   Red wines that turn brownish or white wines that appear yellow or dull may have oxidized.
3. Taste Test
   If the wine tastes sour, overly acidic, or flat, it’s likely gone bad.

Non-Drink Uses for Leftover Wine

Leftover wine isn’t just for cooking or cocktails. It can find new life around your home, garden, and even beauty routine. These non-drink uses for leftover wine will help you make the most of every drop.

Around the House

1. Cleaning with Leftover Wine
• Degreasing Surfaces: Red or white wine’s acidity works well for cutting through grease.
• How-To:
• Mix 1 part leftover wine with 1 part water.
• Use it to wipe down greasy countertops, stovetops, or stainless steel.
• Shining Surfaces: Especially for glass or metal, the slight alcohol content can leave a streak-free shine.
2. Wine as a Fruit Fly Trap
• What do you do with leftover wine if you’re not keen on cooking or making cocktails? The sweetness of old wine attracts fruit flies, making it an effective trap.
• How-To:
• Pour a small amount of wine into a jar or bowl.
• Add a drop of dish soap to break the surface tension.
• Cover with plastic wrap and poke small holes to allow fruit flies in but not out.

In the Garden

1. Using Old Wine as Compost or Fertilizer

Wine for your garden? Of course. Wine’s organic content enriches compost and nourishes plants when diluted.

How-To:

• Add leftover wine directly to your compost bin to speed decomposition.
• Alternatively, dilute it with water (1 part wine to 3 parts water) and use it as a soil conditioner.

1. Creating a Natural Pesticide with Wine

The acidity and sugar content in wine can repel certain garden pests.

How-To:

• Mix equal parts leftover wine and water.
• Spray directly on plants to deter slugs, snails, and aphids.

Beauty and Health

1. Wine Bath Soak

Thanks to its antioxidants, old wine can create a luxurious and relaxing bath soak.

How-To:

• Add 1–2 cups of leftover wine to warm bath water.
• Soak for 20 minutes to leave your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.

1. DIY Wine Facial Masks

Resveratrol in wine benefits your skin by reducing inflammation and boosting hydration.

How-To:

• Mix 1 tbsp wine with 2 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp plain yogurt.
• Apply to your face, avoiding the eye area.
• Leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Conclusion

Old, expired, and leftover wine doesn't have to go to waste. From practical uses for leftover wine around the house to creative leftover wine recipes in the kitchen, there are countless ways to make the most of every drop. The process can be fun and rewarding whether you're cooking, crafting cocktails, or experimenting in your garden.

Take it further by ensuring your wine stays fresh with the right storage tools. Browse our wine preservation systems and storage solutions to prepare your wine for its subsequent use.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite leftover wine tips and recipes in the comments. 

FAQs

How to Save a Bad Wine?

• Repurpose it:
• Use it for cooking.
• Turn it into vinegar.
• Use it in cleaning or gardening.
• Add a splash of fruit juice or soda to mask unpleasant flavors for casual drinking.

Is It Okay to Drink Opened Wine After 2 Weeks?

It's not recommended. Most wines spoil within 3–5 days of opening. Taste and smell the wine to check for spoilage before drinking it.

Can You Drink Opened Wine After 3 Months?

Drinking wine that has been opened and stored for 3 months is generally not advisable. Once a bottle of wine is opened, it's exposed to oxygen, which causes it to deteriorate over time. Here are some guidelines:

• Red Wine: Typically lasts 2-4 days if re-corked and stored in a cool, dark place.
• White and Rosé Wines: Usually last 3-5 days in the refrigerator with a cork.
• Sparkling Wines: Best consumed within 1-3 days to retain their bubbles.
• Fortified Wines (like Port or Sherry): Thanks to their higher alcohol content, they can last up to a month.

After 3 months, the wine will likely lose its freshness, flavor, and aroma and may taste sour or off. However, if you find the taste acceptable and it hasn't developed any off-putting smells or tastes, it may be safe to use in cooking.

Is Wine Bad After Its Expiration Date?

Not always. Unopened wine may still be drinkable if stored properly. Opened or poorly stored wine likely loses quality and could be unsafe.

What Happens to Leftover Wine?

Leftover wine, when not stored correctly, oxidizes and loses flavor over time. It can turn sour and develop a vinegar-like taste. Repurpose it in recipes or household uses before it spoils.

When Should You Throw Out Wine?

• Oxidation: If exposed to air for too long, it will taste flat and lack freshness. It may develop a brownish color for red or dull yellow for white.
• Vinegar Smell: If the wine smells like vinegar or nail polish remover, it's likely gone bad.
• Corked Wine: A musty or moldy smell indicates "cork taint," caused by a chemical compound (TCA) in the cork.
• Off Flavors: Tastes sour, overly bitter, or has an unpleasant aftertaste.

Randy Green

Randy is a true wine storage aficionado and expert in wine cellar design. He gained construction experience as a partner in a general contracting business before niching into and passionately focusing on creating wine storage solutions for clients in 2016. He takes great pride in bringing these designs to life, and is dedicated to ensuring that every wine cellar he creates is not only functional but also a beautiful addition to any home or business. The Wine Cellar HQ team also includes refrigeration sizing experts and licensed HVAC technicians to ensure optimal climate control for your wine cellar, so that your wines can age to perfection.