We know, we know. We’re thinking the same thing. How did that wine manage to go go undrunk!? However shocking it may be that a bottle of wine has managed to survive the night at your house unfinished, it does happen on occasion. A few days may even pass, and while you won’t be eager to sip on days-old wine, you may feel guilty tossing it. But WHATEVER you do, you can’t let it go to waste! If and when the time comes, there a few great ways to reuse your leftover wine. Read on below.
Mussels
Mussels in white wine sauce is one of the most classic French recipes. It may be intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with cooking mollusks, but it’s so easy to make! All you need are mussels, onions, garlic, dry white wine, and cream. A squeeze of lemon and some freshly baked bread is always good, too. If you have a open bottle of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio laying around, give it a try.
Poached Fruit
Poached pears are another classic French recipe that can make use of spare wine. Usually made with spices like cinnamon, it has autumn/winter flavours. We love the sound of this spiced red wine poached fruit recipe which also uses red wine to poach figs.
Ice Cubes
Unlike spirits, wine is quite water-based, so it will freeze well. Frozen wine cubes are a great thing to have around to add to wine- or aperitivo-based cocktails (sangria, Campari soda, etc.). You can also make wine cubes and store them to use in stews or soups later, if you don’t plan on making a stew soon.
Vinaigrette
Making a vinaigrette is one of the best ways to use leftover wine, be it bubbly, rosé, white, or red. This shallot vinaigrette is made with just a few ingredients: shallots; sea salt; rosé wine (white would also work); sugar or honey; olive oil; and cream or crème fraîche. You can also add lemon or vinegar if you want to give it a little bit more edge.
Stew
Wine adds a hint of flavour to basically any stew or soup. Just add it during the cooking process and let it reduce. As a rule of thumb, red wines go well with beef- or tomato-based stews, and white wines go well in brothy or creamy soups and stews. This beautiful beef stew is made with red wine.
How do you use up your leftover wine? Share with us in the comments below!