Spruce up the holidays and make it 5 times more merry with 5 simple and comforting holiday wine cocktails. ‘Tis the season to pop the cork – whether you’re enjoying some quiet me-time fireside, throwing a fancy cocktail party or feasting with friends & family. Read on for deliciously cozy libations to get you in the holiday mood AND get you through the holidays!

 

The Turkey's Gobble Cocktail

A cozy, comforting cocktail perfect for sweater weather. Bonus – it will make your whole house smell fantastic.

The Turkey’s Gobble
Servings: 4

TRY IT WITH: Thanksgiving Sips

INGREDIENTS: 

1 bottle of red wine
1/4 cup brandy
Honey or your favorite sweetener, to taste
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
2 oranges, sliced into rounds
Additional star anise & cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a pot over the lowest heat setting, warm the wine, brandy, honey, spices and 1 sliced orange.

2. Continue to warm the wine on the lowest heat setting for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

3. Strain and serve warm with fresh orange rounds.

Optional: Garnish with additional star anise and cinnamon sticks.

 

Spiced Cranberry Sangria

Nothing says the holidays quite like this tart and sweet cocktail studded with fresh cranberries.

Spiced Cranberry Sangria
Servings: 6

TRY IT WITH: Moderna 2016 Muscat

INGREDIENTS: 

1 bottle of sweet white wine, such as Moscato or Riesling
1 orange
16 McCormick Gourmet™ Cloves, Whole
2 cups cranberry juice
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier
2 McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Cinnamon Sticks, Saigon
1 tablespoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut orange into 8 wedges. Press 2 cloves into each wedge. Set aside.

2. Mix wine, cranberry juice, cranberries, liqueur, cinnamon sticks and vanilla in large pitcher until well blended. Add orange wedges.

3. Refrigerate 3 hours or until ready to serve. Serve in ice-filled glasses, if desired.

*Recipe and Photo Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.

 

Spiced Pear Mulled Wine

White wine, sweet pears and cinnamon sugar are a fresh twist on classic mulled wine.

Spiced Pear Mulled Wine
Servings: 4

TRY IT WITH: Gather & Give Thanks

INGREDIENTS: 

1 bottle of dry, fruity white wine
2-4 tablespoons of honey or your favorite sweetener, to taste
5 cardamom pods
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
2 slices of ginger

1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
2 pears, cored and thinly sliced
Ground cinnamon, sugar, additional star anise & cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a pot over the lowest heat setting, warm the wine, honey, spices and 1 pear (thinly sliced).

2. Continue to warm the wine on the lowest heat setting for about 30 minutes, covered. Strain and serve warm.

Optional: Moisten rims of glasses in water and dip into cinnamon sugar mixture lightly to coat. Garnish with fresh slices of remaining pear, star anise and cinnamon sticks.

 

Slow Cooker Red Wine Hot Chocolate

There’s no better use for your slow cooker than whipping up this “adult” take on hot chocolate. Trust us. 

Slow Cooker Red Wine Hot Chocolate
Servings: 14

TRY IT WITH: Panache Lane Bodacious

INGREDIENTS: 

1 bottle of red wine
8 cups whole milk
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
12 ounces dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon McCormick® Nutmeg, Ground
4 McCormick® Cinnamon Sticks

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover.

2. Cook 60 to 70 minutes on HIGH or until chocolate is melted and mixture is heated through, stirring every 15 minutes.

3. To serve, reduce heat to LOW. Serve from slow cooker.

*Recipe and Photo Courtesy of McCormick & Company, Inc.

 

Caramel Apple Sangria - WineShop At Home

Caramel ✓, apples ✓, sangria ✓. This cocktail is autumn in a glass and will have them coming back for more.

Caramel Apple Sangria 
Servings: 10

TRY IT WITH: Mariana Vineyard 2016 Pinot Grigio

INGREDIENTS: 

1 bottle of dry, fruity white wine
1 cup caramel-flavored vodka or 1/2 cup caramel sauce
6 cups apple cider
2 medium apples, cored and chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add wine, vodka/caramel sauce and apple cider to a large pitcher and stir well. Add chopped apples and chill for a minimum of 1 hour. Serve cold or over ice.