Best Red Wine Cocktails for the Holidays

Author: The Bar Team

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With warm weather firmly in the rearview and the colder months in full swing, it’s only a matter of time before the chill sneaks up on us and stays for a while. But before you dust off the snowblower or put away ingredients for your favorite summertime cocktail, consider winterizing it with the addition of red wine. These red wine cocktails will be your new favorite winter libations. We’ve even included a couple of recipes for batching – so you can turn wine night with friends into a fun cocktail party!

With warm weather firmly in the rearview and the colder months in full swing, it’s only a matter of time before the chill sneaks up on us and stays for a while. But before you dust off the snowblower or put away ingredients for your favorite summertime cocktail, consider winterizing it with the addition of red wine. These cocktails take your favorite reds and turn them into your new favorite winter libations. We’ve even included a couple of recipes for batching – so you can turn wine night with friends into a fun cocktail party!

If you enjoy Grenache Wine, try this Red Sangria

Because of its bold red and black fruit flavors and tannic structure, red wine has the ability to transform into libations that aren’t just meant for the wine glass. This batched Grenache in the Winter Wonderland Red Sangria wonderfully complements the toasty flavors of vanilla and spiced oak showcased within Zacapa No. 23 dark rum. Rum, which is often associated with hot-weather Mojitos and Piña Coladas, easily transforms into a fall favorite with the addition of orange and cinnamon. If you’re playing host to holiday fêtes this season, consider brewing up a pitcher for your next dinner party.

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A graphic compares Grenache wine with a Winter Wonderland Red Sangria recipe, listing ingredients: rum, Grenache wine, navel orange, red apple, pear, raspberry sparkling water, and cinnamon sticks.

Engravable

Zacapa

Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Rum

750ml

Other Colors Available

Estelle

Wine Stemware, Set of Two

Coral Peach

Other Colors Available

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The Bar

Glass Cocktail Picks

Green

A comparison chart suggesting that if you enjoy Malbec wine, you should try an NYC x ATL Sour cocktail made with whisky, Malbec wine, simple syrup, lemon juice, and peach slice.

If you enjoy Malbec wine, try this New York Sour

The New York sour puts the spotlight on the flavors of Crown Royal Peach Flavored Whiskey with Malbec topping off the cocktail. The creamy vanilla and juicy peach flavors of the whiskey are intensified by the black fruit flavor of the Malbec, resulting in a delightfully sweet confection that would fit right in alongside homemade dessert during the holidays.

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Crown Royal

Peach Flavored Whisky

750ml

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Nude

Caldera Double Old Fashioned Glass, Set of Four

A black cocktail shaker set with a jigger, cocktail shaker, bar spoon, and strainer displayed against a plain background.

Viski

Gunmetal Mixologist Barware Set

If you enjoy Zinfandel, try this Bulleit Mulled Wine

In this batched Bulleit Mulled Wine recipe, two of the season’s biggest players are combined: Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey Blenders’ Select and mulled wine. The bold, spicy character of this high-rye whiskey lends itself to the warming flavors of star anise, clove and cinnamon. When combined with Zinfandel, a jammy wine replete with plum and blackberry tasting notes, the bourbon’s toffee-flavored finish sings. Sip this one fireside for a chance to warm up from the inside out.

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Bulleit

Blenders' Select

750ml

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Tartan Blanket Co.

Tartan Picnic Blanket

Illustration suggesting that if you enjoy Gamay wine, you should try a Ruby Red Margarita with mezcal, Gamay wine, lime juice, triple sec, and a lime slice.

If you enjoy Gamay wine, try this Ruby Red Margarita

Perhaps the cocktail most synonymous with summer is the margarita. Luckily, the beverage’s penchant for customization makes it easy to modify for the autumn season. When Casamigos Mezcal is combined with Gamay, a light-bodied red wine bursting with flavors of cranberry and red currant, the herbal aromas of the agave spirit are enhanced, bringing out the thyme, mint and licorice.

Get the Recipe

Caldera Double Old Fashioned Glass, Set of Four

Viski

Gunmetal Mixologist Barware Set

The Bar Team

The Bar Team is a group of behind-the-scenes writers, bartenders and drinks lovers who share tips, trends and easy how-tos. We mix real bar experience with a love of great drinks to help you try new ideas, learn and get inspired.