What is a Wine Cooler? - Beverage or an Appliance

So, you’re faced with the baffling question: is wine cooler a beverage or an appliance for storing wine?

No worries, we got both of the options covered. However, in this post, we will quickly explain what those wine cocktails known as wine coolers are all about and then dive into more detail on what is a good wine fridge and how exactly it works.

What are Wine Coolers Cocktails?

A wine cooler is a beverage (that got extremely popular in the 80s) made by mixing wine with other ingredients such as fruit juice, soda, or other drinks.

It typically has a lower alcohol content compared to regular wine, making it a suitable option for those who want to enjoy the taste of wine without excessive alcohol consumption. Some popular examples of a wine cooler are Mimosa, Kir, Sangria, and others. (1)

How to Make Delicious Wine Cooler Beverages?

If you want to prepare a tasty wine cooler drink at home, I’ll tell you the secret. It is all about the ratio between wine and fruit juice, or wine and carbonated water. After trying many wine cooler combinations, this is what we recommend:

If using fruit juice to make a wine cooler, pour 60% of the wine and 40% of the juice into a blender or a shaker, and mix it for 10 seconds. Pour it in a glass over ice, add some fruit if you feel like it, and enjoy!
If you don’t want your cocktail to be on the sweet side and you like it bubbly, use 50% wine and 50% fizzy water and serve it over ice for maximum enjoyment. Do not shake it or blend it, as it may cause the bubbles to disappear and the drink would eventually be flat.

Wine Cooler as an Appliance

A wine cooler, also known as a wine refrigerator, is a type of refrigeration appliance that is specifically designed to store and chill wine bottles at the perfect temperature, preserving their flavor and quality.

This device can either be installed as a standalone or built-in unit, and it is commonly found in kitchens, bars, and wine cellars. Generally, it contains two sections that are customized to preserve different wine varieties at their optimal temperatures.

Some of the most popular features of the different types of wine fridges include:

adjustable temperature control, which allows you to set the temperature according to the type of wine you are storing.
humidity control, which helps maintain the proper humidity level in the cooler.
UV-resistant glass doors, which prevent harmful UV rays from affecting the wine.

How Does a Wine Cooler Work?

These appliances operate by utilizing a refrigeration system, similar to that of a regular refrigerator, to cool the air inside the unit.

The chilled air is then circulated around the wine bottles to maintain the desired temperature. Some models also include a humidifier to regulate the humidity level inside the cooler, which helps to prevent the corks from drying out and air from spoiling the wine.

Apart from temperature and humidity control, wine refrigerators also offer features such as UV-protected glass doors that block harmful light and vibration-damping technology to minimize the impact of movements on the wine.

Types of Wine Coolers

Wine coolers come in different sizes, capacities, and styles:

Built-in

A built-in wine cooler is designed to be integrated into kitchen cabinet or bar area.

Under-Counter

An under-counter wine cooler is a type of built-in wine cooler that can easily be installed under a countertop.

Countertop

Unlike a built-in wine fridge, a countertop wine fridge is a unit that can be placed anywhere in a house or office and is usually smaller than other freestanding wine refrigerators.

Freestanding

Freestanding wine coolers are flexible and convenient appliances that can be placed anywhere, without needing to be installed into cabinets. As standalone units, they can sit on the floor or countertop, giving you the freedom to choose the best location for your wine cooler in any room.

Large

Large wine fridges come in various sizes, ranging from 50 to 150 bottles or more, can be freestanding or built-in, and often feature multiple temperature zones.

Tall

Tall wine coolers are a great option for those who have limited space, but still want to store a moderate-sized wine collection. They are tall and narrow, designed to fit in tight spaces.

Single Zone

A single-zone wine cooler is a type of wine refrigerator that maintains a single, consistent temperature throughout the entire unit. This type of wine cooler is designed to store all types of wine at the same temperature.

Dual Zone

Unlike single-zone, dual-zone wine coolers have multiple temperature departments, for storing different types of wine bottles. Perfect for wine lovers that like storing both red and white wines.

Compressor

A compressor wine cooler uses a compressor to regulate the temperature and maintain a consistent, optimal storage environment for wine.

Thermoelectric

Unlike compressor, thermoelectric wine coolers use a thermoelectric element to transfer heat from the inside of the cooler to the outside.

Wine Cooler as an Ice Bucket

When someone mentions a “wine cooler,” they might be referring to an ice bucket. An ice bucket is a container made of plastic or metal, designed to hold ice and keep it from melting too quickly.

It is commonly used to chill beverages, including wine. The ice in the bucket helps to lower the temperature of the wine when the bottle is placed in it.

Author
Recent Posts

Stan Kushkin

Stan Kushkin is the heart and soul of Wine Rooster. As a certified sommelier and devoted wine lover, he brings his expertise and passion to every aspect of our website. Join us in discovering the world of wine through the eyes of a true connoisseur!