Sip on something robust, spicy and sweet this Christmas season with a Mulled Wine Sangria.
Do you know of the joys of tonight’s cocktail? Do you know what the name Mulled Wine Sangria implies when you see it? If not, have no fear. If you’ve assumed that this is a Christmastime cocktail, give yourself high marks. Because it is. And a fine, robust one at that.
To begin with, what exactly is mulled wine? The simplest explanation would be to describe it as a spiced, hot wine. The usually red vino is warmed and infused with ingredients like clove, cinnamon, honey, anise, sugar and citrus fruits. When the cold wind blows as you’re out caroling or choosing the perfect tree to trim, mulled wine would often warm the bones and fill one with festive, hearty holiday cheer.
Today’s concoction combines this seasonal tradition with the warm-weather favorite, Sangria. The result is a spiced and sweetened sipper that will both refresh and make those icy, snowy nights a little more comfortable.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Mulled Wine Sangria?
For the red wine, you’ll want a dry and fruity variety. Pinot noir, merlot and a Spanish rioja are all excellent choices, and will neither overwhelm or be overpowered by the complexity of the other ingredients. For the triple sec, choose a bottle of Cointreau for a more elevated experience, along with a brandy or cognac of your choosing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup mulling spices
- 1 strip orange peel
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1/2 cup Cointreau
- 1/2 cup brandy
- Rosemary sprigs, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and more cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- Add cranberry juice, cranberries, brown sugar, mulling spices, and orange peel to a saucepan. Cook until the brown sugar has dissolved completely. Set aside to cool.
- Pour into a large pitcher or dispenser. Add red wine, Cointreau, and brandy and stir thoroughly to combine. Chill completely. (At least one hour)
- Serve over ice with rosemary sprigs, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and a straw.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
You can use Mason jars or slender highball glasses to serve this beverage in. Fill with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick, some rosemary, some orange slices, and some fresh cranberries on top.
What are mulling spices?
Mulling spices are what is used in the preparation and production of things like cider, punch and mulled wine, mostly during the winter season, and often used in traditional holiday recipes as well. They are a blend of ingredients, such as dried citrus peel, fruits, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice and anise, amongst others. My mother loved to use mulling spices for her potpourri.
Other Christmas cocktails worth trying
Looking for more wintery beverages to serve at your next holiday gathering? Tonight’s drink is a festive and crowd-pleasing option. But if you like to keep an open mind and are wondering what other holiday treats you can try, check out some of these recipes from Twist & Toast.
- Christmas Punch – A fun and hearty sipper, full of flavor and cheer.
- Christmas Martini – Creamy and chocolatey, this delectable tipple is rumored to be Santa’s favorite.
- Eggnog Martini – Make your next seasonal libation a smooth and strong experience.
- Coquito – A coconut-flavored Christmas tradition that I look forward to every year.
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