Winter calls for drinks that bring both comfort and heat, and hot cocktails are the perfect answer. In this article, you’ll find 14 must-try hot winter cocktails that deliver warmth and bold seasonal flavors. Keep reading to discover simple recipes that will transform your cold-weather drink lineup.
Cranberry Orange Sangria
Cranberry Orange Sangria is the perfect festive drink. It combines cranberries, oranges, and other ingredients for a vibrant taste. Ideal for winter gatherings, this sangria offers a refreshing twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml)
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup orange liqueur
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 medium orange, thinly sliced
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
To make the sangria:
- Mix wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and sugar in a large pitcher.
- Add cranberries, orange slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours.
Before serving, remove the cinnamon sticks. Add ice to glasses for a refreshing chill. Garnish each glass with a slice of orange or cranberries.
For a stronger aroma, let the sangria chill overnight. This ensures that the flavors meld beautifully.
Spiced Apple Cider Sangria
Warm spices combine beautifully in spiced apple cider sangria, making it a perfect winter cocktail option. This drink is easy to prepare and offers a delightful blend of flavors. It’s a popular choice for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup club soda
Instructions:
- Mix Spices and Cider: In a saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, half the orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix cooled cider mixture, wine, chopped apple, remaining orange slices, and brandy. Stir to combine.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. Allowing more time enhances the flavors.
- Serve: Before serving, add club soda for a sparkling touch. Pour over ice if desired.
This spiced apple cider sangria brings warmth and joy to any festive occasion.
Pomegranate Sangria
Pomegranate Sangria is delightful in the winter months. This recipe combines fruity, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors. Gather your ingredients to craft this refreshing beverage.
Ingredients:
- 2 bottles of dry red wine
- ½ cup brandy
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh fruit (apple slices, pear chunks, pomegranate seeds)
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
- Add sliced fresh fruit, like apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds, to a large pitcher.
- Pour in red wine, brandy, pomegranate juice, orange juice, and lemon juice.
- Add cinnamon sticks for a warm, spiced aroma.
After mixing, refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours. This enhances the flavors as they meld together.
Serve over ice in glasses, if desired. This Pomegranate Sangria pairs well with festive occasions or cozy evenings at home.
Red Wine Winter Sangria
Red Wine Winter Sangria is a delightful holiday drink that combines red wine with seasonal fruits and spices. It’s perfect for cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine (recommended: Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup Grand Marnier
- 1/4 cup apple brandy
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 cup cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
Instructions
- Add the sliced orange, apple, and cranberries to a large pitcher.
- Pour in the orange juice, Grand Marnier, and apple brandy over the fruits.
- Add cinnamon sticks and star anise for warmth and spice.
- Sweeten with honey or agave nectar, adjusting to taste.
- Stir in the red wine until everything is well mixed.
- Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a richer flavor.
- Serve over ice for a refreshing taste.
White Winter Sangria
White Winter Sangria brings a refreshing twist to classic winter flavors. You can easily prepare this delightful drink at home. Choose a crisp white wine to start.
Ingredients:
- 750 ml Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 cup light rum
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 1 1/2 cups white cranberry juice
- 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions:
- Mix the wine, rum, apple cider, and white cranberry juice in a large pitcher.
- Add sliced apples and cranberries. Stir well to combine.
- Chill for 2 to 6 hours before serving.
For added flavor, consider additional ingredients such as:
- Sliced pears
- Pomegranate arils
- Mint simple syrup
This sangria is ideal for festive gatherings. You can also experiment with adding herbs like rosemary to enhance the aroma. It’s a surefire way to impress guests with minimal effort.
Mulled Wine Sangria
Mulled Wine Sangria combines the warmth of classic mulled wine with the refreshing kick of sangria. This drink is perfect for cozy winter gatherings. It offers a flavorful blend of spices and citrus notes, making it both fragrant and inviting.
Here’s how you can make your own Mulled Wine Sangria:
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon works well)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cloves
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the red wine, orange juice, and honey.
- Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to the mixture.
- Heat over medium-low heat. Ensure it warms without boiling, for about 8-10 minutes.
- For an extra kick, incorporate the brandy.
- Let it steep. This enhances the flavors. Adjust spices to your taste.
This Mulled Wine Sangria recipe lets you enjoy rich flavors. It’s ideal for winter nights and holiday parties.
Cinnamon Pear Sangria
Cinnamon Pear Sangria is a delightful choice for cozy winter gatherings. Its inviting flavor profile combines sweet and spicy notes.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe pear, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple brandy
- 1 bottle white wine
Instructions:
Make the syrup:
- Combine chopped pear, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and vanilla in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Strain syrup. Discard solids.
Mix the sangria:
- In a large pitcher, add syrup, apple brandy, and white wine.
- Stir well. Chill for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
This sangria pairs well with winter desserts. Garnish with fresh pear slices before serving.
Cranberry Pomegranate Sangria
Cranberry Pomegranate Sangria is a festive drink. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings. The blend of cranberry and pomegranate flavors creates a delightful winter beverage.
Ingredients:
- 750 ml bottle of white zinfandel wine
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 cup club soda
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
- Combine wine, cranberry juice, and pomegranate juice in a large pitcher.
- Add brandy, club soda, and Grand Marnier.
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
- Drop in apple, orange, and lemon slices.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours. Serve chilled.
This Cranberry Pomegranate Sangria recipe combines familiar flavors with a refreshing twist. You can substitute the wine with a different type if needed. Try adding fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds for extra texture. Remember to adjust sweetness according to preference by adding simple syrup if desired.
Apple Cinnamon Sangria
Apple Cinnamon Sangria is perfect for a festive winter gathering. It’s delicious with a warm hint of spices. You can easily prepare it with simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1 cup of apple cider
- ¼ cup of rum
- ¼ cup of cinnamon liquor
- 1 large apple, chopped
- 1 pear, chopped
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
Instructions:
- Chop the fruit: Dice the apple and pear into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare sangria base: In a large pitcher, combine red wine, apple cider, rum, and cinnamon liquor.
- Add fruit and spices: Mix in the chopped apple, pear, and cinnamon sticks.
- Sweeten: Stir in the sugar until dissolved.
- Chill: Place the pitcher in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Before serving, stir again and enjoy as is or with ice.
Apple Cinnamon Sangria is both easy to make and delightful to serve.
Blood Orange Winter Sangria
Create a festive Blood Orange Winter Sangria with fresh fruit and spices. It adds a bright, tangy twist to your winter gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle white wine (750 ml)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened apple cider
- 16 oz pure pomegranate juice
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 large blood orange, cut into wedges
- 1 honeycrisp apple, cored and cut into wedges
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher.
- Stir well until everything mixes.
- Cover and chill for at least 8 hours.
- Pour into individual glasses, including fruit.
This sangria showcases the vibrant color and flavor of blood oranges. Pair it with cinnamon sticks and maple syrup for an earthy touch. The apple cider and pomegranate juice add sweetness and depth.
Holiday Sparkling Sangria
Elevate your holiday festivities with a delightful Holiday Sparkling Sangria. This refreshing cocktail combines vibrant fruits and sparkling wine for a seasonal delight.
Ingredients:
- 750 ml sparkling wine (Prosecco or Cava)
- 1/2 cup light rum
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup white cranberry juice
- 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Chill the Wine: Begin by chilling your sparkling wine for at least two hours. Cold wine enhances the sparkling sangria’s fresh taste.
- Combine Liquids: In a large pitcher, mix the rum, apple cider, and white cranberry juice. This combination forms the fragrant base of your sangria.
- Add Fruits: Carefully add sliced apples, cranberries, and orange slices to the liquid mixture. The fruit will infuse with the drink, adding amazing flavor and color.
- Sweeten (Optional): Adjust the sweetness by adding sugar to taste. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Combine with Wine: Just before serving, gently pour the chilled sparkling wine into the mixture. This step adds the final sparkling touch to your sangria.
- Serve: Pour the sangria into glasses, ensuring some fruit floats in each.
Maple Bourbon Sangria
Maple Bourbon Sangria combines warmth and rich flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s a delightful twist on a classic sangria concept with deep and cozy notes.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml)
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 cups club soda
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2-3 star anise
Instructions
Combine Ingredients
- In a large pitcher, mix red wine, bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and orange juice.
- Add sliced apple, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
Chill
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Serve
- Before serving, stir in the club soda.
- Pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with additional fruit slices if desired.
Rosemary And Citrus Sangria
Winter evenings call for a refreshing Rosemary and Citrus Sangria. This blend of citrusy flavors with aromatic herbs brightens any gathering.
You’ll need:
- 2 bottles of white wine
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup triple sec
- 1/2 cup citrus juice
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- 1-2 oranges, sliced
- 1-2 blood oranges, sliced
- 2 rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
- Place sliced oranges and blood oranges in a large pitcher.
- Add vodka, triple sec, citrus juice, and agave nectar to the pitcher.
- Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the pitcher, refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Serve over ice if desired.
Gingerbread Sangria
Gingerbread Sangria is a festive twist perfect for holiday gatherings. You’ll love this spice-infused drink. It’s like a gingerbread cookie in a glass.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1/2 cup ginger liqueur
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 1 apple, diced
- Cinnamon sticks and star anise for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine Wine and Spirits
Pour the red wine, ginger liqueur, and brandy into a large pitcher. - Add Cider and Molasses
Stir in the apple cider and molasses until well combined. - Spice it Up
Add the cinnamon stick and ginger slices to the mixture. - Mix in the Fruits
Include sliced oranges and diced apple. - Chill
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Garnish and Serve
Serve in glasses garnished with cinnamon sticks and star anise.
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