Dust off your best cocktail shaker, break out the shot glass, and get ready to serve! We know the holidays can be an overwhelming time to create fun, new menus— that’s why we’ve put together three amazing recipes for the most delicious wine cocktails. We know your guests will love sipping these great drinks as you pass around great food and play your favourite games.
Sparkling Wine Cocktails to Serve at Your Holiday Party
Popping the cork isn’t the only fun part of sparkling wine! Nothing is more refined or enjoyable than a fancy sparkling wine cocktail. And the best part is: this one is so easy to make! Impress your guests by serving a Sparkling Wine French 75.
French 75 Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- 1 ounce gin
- 3 ounces dry sparkling wine, very chilled
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions:
Squeeze and juice 1 lemon into the cocktail shaker. Do this over your hand or a strainer so that you catch any seeds. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Strain into chilled champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a thin lemon peel, if desired.
Dry sparkling wine works best with this recipe. This allows you to add some bubbles, without adding any unnecessary sweetness. The drier the sparkling wine, the less sugar!
Red Wine Cocktails to Serve at Your Holiday Party
If there was a ranking for “most traditional holiday drink”, it just might be this one. Nothing says winter or holidays more than a steamy cup of mulled wine. This festive beverage has been around since the 2nd century and we aren’t surprised it’s stuck around! Warm and spicy in the best way, our mulled wine recipe will keep everyone feeling grateful.
Red Mulled Wine Recipe
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 x 750-ml bottles of Merlot
- 250 mL water
- 10 whole cloves
- 2 clementines or medium orange
- 2 cups fresh apple cider
- 4 apples (optional)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (and 6 for optional garnish)
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
Press the pointed end of cloves into each clementine/orange through the skin. Place clementines/orange, wine, cider, apples (if using), cinnamon sticks, and vanilla into a large pot. Bring to a slight simmer over medium-low heat, cooking gently for 20-25 minutes. Cover and let stand at room temperature. Rewarm gently over medium-low heat before continuing. Serve and garnish with a cinnamon stick and slice of apple, if desired.
Merlot is the preferred red wine for making mulled wine. This is largely because it is more fruit-forward, has higher alcohol content that can handle being cooked off, and typically has a bold flavour palate that can stand up to the spices.
White Wine Cocktails to Serve at Your Holiday Party
Looking to go a little beyond tradition? Mix things up with white wine Sangria — holiday-style. This refreshing, light cocktail is synonymous with warmer weather. We might be knee-deep in snow in most of the country over the holidays, but that doesn’t mean we have to avoid delicious Sangria. Add a seasonal twist to this white wine favourite and have your holiday guests asking where you got such a great idea!
Cranberry & Rosemary White Sangria Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4-6):
- 2 x 750ml bottles Pinot Grigio
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 250 ml sparkling water
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 2 Granny Smith apples, chopped
- 3 rosemary sprigs
- Garnish: rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
Chop apples into small cubes. Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Stir together with a large spoon until the sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Serve chilled and include fruit from the pitcher in each glass!
This refreshing yet festive sangria will be everyone’s favourite drink in no time. The Pinot Grigio is so light and bright, while the rosemary and apple cider adds some spice.
Holiday Party Cocktails to Remember
There is something special about visiting with loved ones this time of year. And nothing adds to a celebration quite like having a special cocktail in hand. We’re happy to share these recipes with you and hope to bring some extra cheer your way, in a glass, this holiday season.
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