7 Surprising Uses for Leftover Wine You Need to Try Now

Got some leftover wine and not sure what to do with it? 🍷 Don’t let it go to waste! There are plenty of creative ways to repurpose that unfinished bottle, making your everyday tasks a bit more exciting.

A table with various items: a pot of simmering sauce, a bowl of fruit, a dish of marinating meat, a vase with flowers, a container of vinegar, a glass of wine being used for cooking, and a bottle of wine with

You’ll discover fun and practical uses for leftover wine that go beyond just drinking it. From cooking to cleaning, and even a few unexpected tricks, these suggestions will help you get the most out of every drop.

1) Make a wine vinaigrette

A glass bottle of leftover wine sits on a kitchen counter next to a bowl of fresh herbs, a bottle of olive oil, and a small jar of Dijon mustard

Making a wine vinaigrette is super easy and adds a tasty twist to your salads.

All you need is some leftover wine, vinegar, olive oil, and a few seasonings🌿.

Start with a half cup of leftover wine.

Red or white wine both work great.

Add a quarter cup of vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is a good choice.

Pour in half a cup of olive oil.

This gives your vinaigrette a rich texture.

Mix it well until the ingredients are combined.

Season with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of mustard.

You can also add a clove of minced garlic for extra flavor.

Whisk everything together until smooth.

If you like a touch of sweetness, add a bit of honey🍯.

Store it in a jar in the fridge.

Shake well before each use, and you’ve got a fresh, homemade vinaigrette ready to go! 🥗

2) Whip Up a Wine Jelly 🍷

A pot of simmering wine jelly with assorted fruits and herbs, surrounded by empty wine bottles and a recipe book open to "7 Surprising Uses for Leftover Wine."

Got some leftover wine? Turn it into a delicious jelly! It’s super easy and a fun kitchen project.

First, pour your wine into a pot.

Add lemon juice and pectin.

Heat it up until it starts boiling.

Once it’s boiling, sprinkle in the sugar.

Stir constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking or burning.

After a minute, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.

Pour the jelly mixture into sterilized jars.

Seal the jars and let them cool completely.

Store them in the fridge, and you’ve got a yummy spread for toast or cheese.

Try this tasty treat next time you have extra wine on hand.

It’s a hit at breakfast or with snacks! 🥖🧀

3) Use it in a Wine Reduction Sauce

A pot simmering on a stove, filled with red wine reducing into a thick, glossy sauce.</p><p>Steam rises as the liquid bubbles and condenses, filling the air with the rich aroma of wine

One great way to use leftover wine is to make a wine reduction sauce. 🍷 It’s simple and adds big flavor to your meals.

First, pour the leftover wine into a saucepan.

Set the heat to medium and let it simmer.

As it cooks, the wine will reduce in volume.

This process concentrates the flavors, making the sauce richer.

Reduced wine can be used as a sauce for meats, like steak or chicken, giving them an extra depth of flavor.

You can also use it as a base for soups and stews. 🥣 Just add some of your favorite herbs and spices for an enhanced taste.

Adding a bit of wine reduction to pasta dishes can make them feel gourmet.

It’s a versatile sauce that works with many types of food without much effort.

4) Create a wine ice cream

A bowl of creamy wine ice cream sits on a wooden table, garnished with a drizzle of red wine syrup and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings

Ever thought about making ice cream with wine? 🍷🍦 It’s easier than you think and adds a fun twist to dessert time.

First, choose your favorite wine—red or white works.🍷 Make sure to reduce the wine on the stove until it’s slightly thickened.

This concentrates the flavor.

Next, mix your wine reduction with your regular ice cream base.

This usually includes cream, sugar, and egg yolks.

Whisk everything together until smooth.

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn it until it reaches a creamy consistency.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mix in a container, stirring occasionally to break up ice crystals.

Wine ice cream is perfect for summer parties or a fancy treat at home.

It’s deliciously unique and a great way to use leftover wine. 🍷🍨 Plus, your friends and family will be super impressed with your culinary skills!

5) Make Wine Popsicles 🍷🍡

A hand pours red wine into popsicle molds, adding fruit slices

Wine popsicles are a fun way to use up leftover wine, and they’re perfect for a hot day.

You can use any type of wine you like, whether it’s red, white, or rosé.

Mix your wine with fruit juices for extra flavor.

Try combinations like lemonade and berries or orange juice and pineapple. 🍋🍓🍊🍍

Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a few hours.

The alcohol might make them take longer to freeze, so be patient!

For a sparkling twist, add some tonic water or sparkling water to the mix.

This will give your popsicles a refreshing fizz. 🥂

If you have any leftover mixture, you can drink it as a spritzer while you wait for the popsicles to freeze.

Enjoy your cool treats!

6) Turn it into vinegar

Wine poured into a glass jar with a label reading "vinegar" surrounded by herbs and spices

Got some leftover wine? Why not turn it into vinegar? 🍷➡️🍇

First, grab a clean container.

Mix three parts red wine with one part vinegar.

Cover the container with a cloth and let it sit at room temperature.

You’ll need to wait a few weeks for the magic to happen. ⏳ The wine will ferment and turn into vinegar.

This can take three to four weeks.

Once it’s ready, you can use your homemade vinegar in salad dressings and marinades.

You can also mix it into sauces for a tangy kick.

Making your own vinegar is easy and a great way to use up leftover wine.

Plus, you’ll impress your friends with your DIY skills! 🎉

7) Add it to soup or stew

Leftover wine being poured into a bubbling pot of soup or stew

Adding leftover wine to soup or stew is a great way to boost flavor. 🍲 It adds depth and richness to the broth, making each bite more delicious.

Just a splash of red or white wine can make a big difference.

Red wine works well with hearty beef stews.

It enhances the flavors of the meat and veggies.

White wine pairs nicely with lighter soups like chicken or vegetable.

It adds a subtle tang that brightens the taste.

To use wine in soup or stew, simply add it while sautéing onions and garlic.

This helps to cook off the alcohol, leaving just the wonderful flavors behind.

You can also add it in the simmering stage.

This lets the wine blend in with all the other ingredients, making a warm and comforting bowl.

Using leftover wine in soups and stews is easy.

It’s a smart way to not let that extra wine go to waste. 🥳

Creative Culinary Uses

A bottle of wine sits half empty on a kitchen counter, surrounded by various cooking ingredients and utensils.</p><p>Steam rises from a pot on the stove as a chef pours a splash of wine into the simmering sauce

Leftover wine can turn your kitchen creations into something special.

From marinades to sauces and even desserts, here are some clever ways to make the most out of your leftover wine 🍷.

Flavorful Marinades

Marinating with wine can tenderize your meat and add layers of flavor.

Red wine works well with beef and lamb, while white wine pairs nicely with chicken and fish.

Mix your wine with herbs, garlic, and a splash of olive oil for a delicious marinade.

Add some soy sauce or Worcestershire for an extra kick.

Let your meat marinate for a few hours or overnight to soak up all the flavors.

Your grilled or baked dishes will taste amazing with this simple addition.

Savory Sauces

Wine-based sauces can elevate your dishes.

Red wine can create a rich sauce perfect for beef or pork.

Simmer wine with onions, garlic, and a bit of broth until it reduces.

For white wine sauces, pair it with seafood or chicken.

Mix it with butter, lemon, and capers for a tangy sauce.

These enhancements can make your meals taste like gourmet creations 😋.

A splash of wine in your pasta sauces can turn a simple dish into something extraordinary.

Delectable Desserts

Wine in desserts may sound unusual, but it’s quite delightful.

You can poach fruits like pears or peaches in wine with a bit of sugar and spices for a tasty treat.

Add leftover wine to your cake batters or brownie mixes for a moist and flavorful result.

Wine can even be used in making jellies or sorbets.

A rich red wine reduction over ice cream is a simple yet elegant dessert choice.

Enjoy your sweet endings with a twist of wine!

Household Hacks

A bottle of wine sits on a kitchen counter with a cork half removed.</p><p>A small bowl of fruit is nearby, and a plant is being watered with a splash of wine

Using leftover wine can be both practical and creative. 🛠️ Here are some ways to repurpose your wine around the house to tackle everyday problems.

Natural Cleaning Solution

Wine has natural disinfectant properties thanks to its alcohol content. 🍷 Use it as a cleaning solution for your kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Steps:

  1. Pour leftover wine into a spray bottle.
  2. Add a bit of water to dilute it.
  3. Spray onto countertops, sinks, or any surfaces that need cleaning.
  4. Wipe with a clean cloth.

Wine helps to kill germs and leaves surfaces shining.

Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought cleaners.

Fruit Fly Trap

Fruit flies are annoying, but wine can help deal with them. 🪰

Materials:

  • Leftover wine
  • A small bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • Toothpick

Steps:

  1. Pour some leftover wine into a small bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
  3. Poke small holes in the plastic wrap using a toothpick.

Fruit flies will be attracted to the wine, fly in through the holes, and get trapped inside the bowl.

This trick is simple but effective and helps keep your kitchen bug-free without chemicals.

Beauty and Wellness Benefits

A bottle of wine sits on a wooden table, surrounded by various beauty and wellness products.</p><p>A glass of wine is being used to create a DIY face mask, while another bottle is being repurposed into a homemade aromatherapy spray

Wine isn’t just for drinking; it has great benefits for your skin and wellness routine too! Here are a couple of ways to use leftover wine for your beauty and wellness needs.

Homemade Facial Toner

Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that can protect and nourish your skin.

You can make a simple facial toner by mixing equal parts red wine and water.

  1. Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
  2. Spritz it onto your face after cleansing.
  3. Let it sit for a minute, and then rinse off with water.

This kind of toner can help you reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Plus, the polyphenols in the wine can help exfoliate your skin, making it look smoother and more radiant. 🧖‍♀️

Antioxidant-Rich Bath

Transform your bath into a luxurious experience by adding a couple of cups of red wine to the water.

The antioxidants in the wine help to detoxify your skin and improve blood circulation.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Fill your tub with warm water.
  2. Pour in 1-2 cups of red wine.
  3. Soak for about 20 minutes.

This wine bath can help hydrate your skin and calm your nerves.

The polyphenols also fight free radicals, which can damage your skin. 🛀

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply