We only have 22 days left in 2020–now is the perfect time to relax with your loved ones. Relaxing doesn’t have to be fancy. If this year has taught us anything, it’s how to be creative with what you have. With that in mind, here are 5 recipes for cocktails that feature a special ingredient that’s almost always on hand–wine!
Because we’re far past the days of apple cider and eggnog, let’s end the year right. Keep reading to learn how to make the best winter (wine) cocktails around.
1. Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Can you name a better pairing than wine and chocolate? We couldn’t think of one either. This recipe from Wholefully.com is just the right amount of sweet, fruity, and decadent. Try it with a 2018, Royal Prince Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from Wine Library.
2. Mulled Wine
This one’s a classic. If you haven’t heard of it before, Mulled Wine is a spiced holiday beverage typically served hot. But the full, complex flavor also works well chilled or slightly below room temperature. You can make it with this 2017, Elodia El Manzano Estate Malbec from Wine Library. Try this recipe from Delish when you want to elevate your celebrate-the-holidays-from-home game.
3. The fireside cocktail
If you’re ready to kick things up a notch, check out this comforting treat from WineMag. Instead of a classic Merlot, switch to a more interesting blend like the 2015, Yokayo Buteo Rockpile Cab that’s slightly sweet with more intense fruit flavors. This cocktail is easy to improvise and customize to your taste, so it’s perfect after a long day of working from home or if you’re lucky enough to entertain friends for the holidays. Just don’t forget to add a piece of basil or mint before you sip, if you’re trying to be fancy.
4. Hawaiian Spritzer
Maybe you can’t go to the tropics this year, but you can make this cocktail (and that’s kind of close). This recipe comes from WineMag.com and it’s the perfect blend of bright, tropical flavors and intense holiday spices. Try it with a 2019, Chateau Lacombe Cadiot Bordeaux Supérieur–a blend that’s bound to take the guesswork out of picking the right spices to give this cocktail that special holiday feel.
5. Dripping Springs Seltzer
This is another fire recipe from WineMag.com. Switching from the reds, this recipe calls for a light, sunny, wine spritzer. Try this Cruset Blanc De Blancs from Wine Library that’s bright, fruity, and light. Similar to the Hawaiian Spritzer it’s best when sipped in the sun and thinking of the tropics.
Your content consistently fosters meaningful conversations.
This was such a helpful post—thank you for sharing your insights!
This post was pure value from start to finish.
This gave me a much-needed boost—thank you.
It’s clear you put a lot of thought into this.
I could read your posts all day, seriously.
Thanks for such a thoughtful and well-organized post.
Your posts always encourage me to keep growing.
I feel more confident tackling this now.
I can’t believe I didn’t know this sooner. So useful.
Your writing style makes complex topics easy to understand.
So many practical takeaways—I’m definitely trying these out.
I’m always impressed by the depth of your content.
Thanks for breaking this down so well – I finally understand it now.
You nailed it with this post – incredibly helpful.
This was incredibly well-researched and informative.
I’m so glad I found your blog — it’s a goldmine.
This really helped me understand a complex topic.
You’ve explained this concept better than most sources I’ve come across.
You make such valuable points throughout.
I didn’t expect to learn this much—thank you!