Say “Muscat” and most people picture a sweet dessert wine. The kind that shows up at the end of a meal, maybe a bit too sugary, maybe a little old-school. But Muscat is having a real glow-up! When it’s made with care, it’s bright, balanced, and beautifully aromatic. In other words, it’s an unexpected but perfect base for cocktails.

At Xavier Vignon, we’ve always seen Muscat’s potential. It’s not just a wine to sip on its own but a clever way to bring a fresh, wine-based twist to your favorite cocktails. Here’s why Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise deserves a spot in your next cocktail and how to make it shine.

A sweet wine and so much more: Where Muscat meets mixology

So, what exactly is Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise? Since 1943, only wines made from small-berry Muscat grapes, either white or black, and grown in the villages of Beaumes-de-Venise and Aubignan, can use the name. By appellation decree, all grapes must be harvested by hand. Fermentation has to happen at low temperatures to preserve the wine’s delicate aromatics. One key step in the process is called mutage, which involves stopping fermentation by adding a neutral spirit. This has to be done with the utmost care and precision.

The result is a sweet wine that is never heavy or cloying. Each style, whether red, white, or rosé, brings its distinct personality. That aromatic range and subtle complexity make Muscat an unexpected but brilliant secret weapon for savvy mixologists.

After all, if the secret to a great cocktail is balance, Muscat ticks all the right boxes:

• A moderate alcohol level
• A natural sweetness that can replace syrups or added sugar
• A fresh, lively acidity
• Clear, expressive aromas that bring structure without overpowering the drink

Today, we’re sharing three simple recipes to help you rediscover Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise in a whole new light. Whether you’re whipping up a summery aperitif or a more refined cocktail, this wine steps in easily to replace stronger spirits, giving your creations a fresh, flavourful twist.

Muscat Rouge Xavier Vignon, punch-style: a bold twist on a classic

Muscat Rouge Xavier Vignon is a flavour bomb bursting with red berry aromas, gentle sweet spices, and a delicate hint of lychee. It’s the perfect base for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing punch. Thanks to its slightly fuller body compared to white Muscat, it balances the bright acidity of citrus beautifully, without getting lost in the mix.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 50 cl Muscat Rouge Xavier Vignon
• 1 organic orange
• 1 organic lemon
• 1 tbsp cane sugar syrup (optional)
• A few mint leaves
• Crushed ice

How to make it:

1. Juice the orange and lemon.
2. Pour the juice and Muscat Rouge into a large pitcher.
3. Add the syrup if you like your cocktails on the sweeter side.
4. Stir well and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
5. Serve over crushed ice, garnish with mint leaves and a slice of citrus.

Pro tip:

Add a few strips of orange and lemon zest to the mix while it chills. This step brings extra depth and just the right touch of zesty bitterness to your drink.

Muscat Blanc Xavier Vignon, a floral Mojito makeover

Our Muscat Blanc Xavier Vignonbrings a more floral profile and a bright, refreshing palate. With notes of white peach, apricot, and citrus, it pairs beautifully with mint and lime. The result? A fragrant, thirst-quenching cocktail that’s far lighter in alcohol than your standard Mojito but just as satisfying.

Ingredients (for one glass):

• 12 cl Muscat Blanc Xavier Vignon
• ½ lime
• 6 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tsp cane sugar
• A splash of sparkling water
• Crushed ice

How to make it:

1. In a glass, muddle the sugar, mint, and lime wedges.
2. Add crushed ice.
3. Pour in the Muscat Blanc.
4. Top off with a splash of sparkling water.
5. Stir gently and serve right away.

Pro tip:

For an extra-refreshing twist, chill your bottle of Muscat well ahead of time: a few hours in the fridge will make all the difference.

Muscat Rosé Xavier Vignon, a spritz with a summer twist

Craving a sparkling apéritif, but not into the bitterness of Aperol? Our Muscat Rosé Xavier Vignon is the perfect contender to change up your spritz game. With its crisp red berry aromas and bright, zesty character, it softens the Apérol’s bite and adds a gorgeous summer-pink hue to your glass.

Ingredients (for one glass):

• 6 cl Muscat Rosé Xavier Vignon
• 4 cl Apérol
• 6 cl Prosecco
• Ice cubes
• Slice of orange

How to make it:

1. Fill a large balloon glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Muscat Rosé, Apérol, and Prosecco.
3. Stir gently.
4. Garnish with an orange slice.

Pro tip:

Prefer a drier cocktail? Dial down the Apérol and let the Muscat and Prosecco take the lead.

Why use Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise in your cocktails?

Let’s be honest, Muscat isn’t your average sweet wine. With hand-harvested grapes, a carefully timed mutage, and aging in stainless steel, wooden vats or even Wine Globes (yes, that’s a thing), it keeps its freshness and purity like a pro. Whatever the cuvée, it stays crisp, bright and full of life.

The alcohol level? Nice and moderate. Which means you get all the flavour without the knockout punch of hard spirits. And those intense aromas? They’re practically begging to be mixed. As for the natural sweetness, it lets you ditch the syrupy extras and still end up with a cocktail that’s smooth, balanced and dangerously easy to love.

Dare to experiment!

Think of these recipes as a starting point, not a rulebook. Feel like adding a dash of bitters? Go for it. Swapping mint for basil? Why not! You can even turn them with a splash of tonic and a little flair.

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is that rare kind of wine that plays well with others. It’s made for easy, joyful moments with friends. The kind you want to share, remix, and make your own.

Curious to learn more? Come visit us at the estate. Whether you’ve got questions, ideas, or just want to chat over a glass or a cocktail, we’re always happy to see you.

Cheers!