We are approaching the holidays. Some people look forward to the holidays, while others count down the days before they can decorate the tree or host holiday gatherings. You might be apprehensive about the holidays and wish that you could avoid all the bustle and small talk with family members you only see once a year. Wine cocktails are great for any season. Grab your favourite Christmas mug and fancy glass, and enjoy a glass of holiday cheer!

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a classic holiday cocktail and a great choice for a quick drink. Combine your favourite red wine with orange slices, holiday spices, and brandy. Let it simmer on the stove. This is a relaxing and comfortable way to relax, whether you’re catching up with family or adding warmth to a holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

1 (750-ml.) 1 (750-ml.) bottle of red wine

1 orange, cut into rounds and garnished with more

6 whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks plus additional garnish

Three-star anise

1/4 c. honey

1/2 c. brandy

Jingle Juice

Gather your family and friends for some old-fashioned carolling, or make a batch to help you get through gift-wrapping. This wine cocktail is a perfect combination of red Moscato, hint bubbles, Sugar on the rim, and mint as garnish. Jingle Juice makes singing Jingle Bells a lot more enjoyable, whether you’re singing it along to holiday music or just walking down the street.

Ingredients:

4 c. Cranapple Juice

2 (750-ml.) 2 (750-ml.) bottles of red Moscato

1 (750-ml. ) bottle Prosecco

1/2 c. vodka

2 c. frozen Cranberries

1/3 c. mint leaves

1/2 c. granulated Sugar for rimming glasses

2 limes, cut into rounds

Holiday Wine Punch

Mix up this holiday wine punch if you dream of a white-wine Christmas. This is a popular choice for white wine lovers. It can also be mixed up quickly and served at holiday parties.

Ingredients

1 bottle of white wine

3 cups Cranberry-raspberry cocktail

2 cups apple juice

1 cup cranberries

Topping with blood orange soda (optional).

Foggy Dew

This Irish version of eggnog is a must for holiday parties. This Irish version of eggnog is festive and fun. It can also be used as a transitional piece to holiday party conversation that gets heated or dull. It is best served in chilled glasses.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey (preferably 12-year-old).

1-ounce Jamaican Rum

1 ounce Pedro Ximenez sherry

1 1/2 ounces half-and-half chilled

1/2 ounce Vanilla Simple Syrup

1 large egg

Ice

For garnish, a pinch of freshly grated Nutmeg

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

You can make it a cozy evening inside, even if the weather is bad outside. A cup of red wine hot cocoa will warm you up as you snuggle on the sofa with your Hallmark movie and blanket. This drink is best enjoyed as a dessert in small cups due to its rich decadence. 

Ingredients:

2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/3 cup red wine

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons of sugar, optional

Salt a pinch

Avoid holiday stress by purchasing and storing wine in advance. Your wines can be stored in a wine fridge until they are ready to use for your cocktail. You can then enjoy your wines while you wait for Santa Claus.