Wine-Based Cocktails for the Holiday Season
When it comes to holiday entertaining, there’s no better time for embracing fun and festivity—and for us, that starts with the drinks menu! You’ve already got the wine (if not, you know where to find it)… all you need now is a few more tasty ingredients and you’re on your way to crafting the best blends yet.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail that hits especially well at friendly gatherings, a spiced berry spritzer to join you on your quest to string the lights, or maybe a hot cider wine to dissipate the family-induced stressors… there’s a festive drink out there for every occasion.
Check out a few of our favorites below and bring out your inner mixologist this season!
Spiked Mulled Wine Cocktail
Source: New York Times
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 1½ ounces bourbon
- ¼ ounce amaro, preferably Nonino
- ½ ounce crème de cassis
- Dash ground nutmeg
- 1½ ounces Lula Cabernet Sauvignon
Directions
Fill a copper Moscow Mule mug or rocks glass with ice cubes. Add the bourbon, amaro, cassis and nutmeg and stir 20 seconds until cold. Top off with wine.
Naughty or Nice Wine Cocktail
Source: Liquor.com
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 3 ounces Lula Chardonnay
- 3 ounces Lula Pinot Noir
- 2 ounces cognac
- 2 ounces maraschino liqueur
- 4 ounces ginger ale
- Garnish: blood orange slices
Directions
These quantities serve 2, but can be multiplied to fill a punch bowl.
Add the chardonnay, pinot noir, cognac, maraschino liqueur and ginger ale, along with a large block of ice, to a punch bowl.
Divide between punch cups or rocks glasses with fresh ice, and garnish each with a blood orange slice.
Simple Apple Cider Wine
Source: McClain Cellars
Ingredients (serves 8)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cloves
- 3 tart apples
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 bottles Lula Zinfandel
Directions
Peel and cut apples.
Place cinnamon sticks and cloves on a cheesecloth folded to double thickness. Gather corners, and tie with a string.
Place the spice bag into a crockpot or saucepan on the stovetop. Add the wine, peeled apples, and lemon juice
Cover and cook on low, leaving to simmer. You’ll want to keep the heat low enough to avoid reducing, but warm enough to let the spices infuse.
Remove the spice bag before serving. Serve while warm.
Spiced Cranberry Rosé Spritzers
Source: Half-Baked Harvest
Ingredients (serves 10)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon cardamon pods or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 bottle Lula Rosé of Pinot Noir
- 4 ounces elderflower liquor
- 1/3 cup cranberry or pomegranate juice
- 2-3 dashes orange bitter
- 2 blood oranges or regular oranges, sliced
- 4-6 (12 ounce) ginger beers, to your taste
Directions
To make the cranberry syrup: In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, cranberries, rosemary, and cardamon to a boil over high heat. Boil 5 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst, then remove from the heat. Let cool. Remove the rosemary and cardamon pods. If desired, strain out the cranberries.
In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry syrup, rosé, elderflower liquor, cranberry juice, and orange bitters. Chill until ready to serve, up to 2 days.
Add the orange slices and ginger beer just before serving. Garnish each drink with a candied rosemary (recipe below), if desired.
CANDIED ROSEMARY
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently run rosemary sprigs under a little water to dampen and place on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the rosemary with granulated sugar on all sides, making sure the rosemary is thoroughly coated in sugar. Allow to dry on the baking sheet for 1 hour. The rosemary can be made 1 day in advance and stored at room temperature.
The Lula Holiday Shop has returned for yet another season of gathering, gifting, and festive cheer all around!
Filled with some of the merriest gift packs for your loved ones, friends, colleagues, or whoever you just want to send a simple thanks to, our team has curated this collection of wines to perfectly complement all of this season’s endeavors.
Holiday Packs Shipping
To help you shop, we’re also offering $10 flat-rate ground shipping on all holiday wine packs. We hope you enjoy browsing our selections, and we wish you a happy holiday season!
