As winter settles into its rhythm, with frost painting morning windows and evenings drawing in early, the season invites slowing down and savoring moments made for coziness. It also calls for drinks that do more than simply quench thirst. They should wrap you in comfort, spark conversation, and transform ordinary nights into occasions worth remembering, especially on a cold night.
Enter the winter cocktail: a sophisticated answer to the season’s chill. While many reach for spirited drinks during these months, we suggest something more versatile, more nuanced, and equally soulful: wine-based winter cocktails. These elegant libations combine the complexity of organically farmed wines with seasonal spices, winter flavors, and thoughtful additions like simple syrup, citrus, or even sparkling wine for a subtle spritz.
The result? Drinks that feel celebratory, with the extra benefit of conscious craftsmanship. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or looking to elevate a quiet evening at home, winter wine cocktails offer a soothing balance of aroma, flavor, and seasonal charm. Let’s explore how to craft cozy libations that capture winter’s essence in every sip.
Why Winter Wine Cocktails Are Perfect for the Season
Winter cocktails hold a special place in the seasonal entertaining repertoire. Unlike their summer counterparts—bright, citrusy, and often served over ice—winter red wine cocktails embrace warmth, depth, and aromatic spices that mirror the season’s character. They invite us to linger over each sip, to savor rather than refresh.
The beauty of using wine as your cocktail base lies in its inherent versatility and food-friendliness. While hard spirits can overwhelm the palate or limit food pairing options, wine-based cocktails maintain a lighter touch. This makes them ideal companions for winter’s heartier fare—from roasted meats to rich stews—without competing with the meal’s flavors.
At Bonterra, our thoughtfully crafted wines bring something extra to these seasonal libations. Each bottle tells a story of our organic winery and sustainable viticulture, where blankets of beneficial plants grow between our vines and owl boxes dot our vineyards. This commitment to organic, regenerative farming creates wines with pure, fruit-forward flavors that shine through even when paired with warming spices and sweeteners.
Consider how red wine like our Cabernet Sauvignon naturally complements cinnamon and clove, or how our Chardonnay’s subtle richness provides the perfect canvas for vanilla and nutmeg. These aren’t happy accidents—they’re the result of grapes grown in harmony with nature, expressing their terroir without interference from synthetic inputs.
The ritual of preparing a winter wine cocktail itself becomes part of the experience. As aromatics steep and wine gently warms, your kitchen fills with scents that signal the season: orange zest releasing its oils, star anise perfuming the air, honey dissolving into amber liquid. It’s an invitation to slow down, to be present, to transform the everyday act of making a drink into something approaching ceremony.
Essential Ingredients for Winter Wine Cocktails
Creating memorable winter wine cocktails begins with understanding your ingredients. Like any craft, success lies in selecting quality components that work in harmony rather than competing for attention. At Bonterra, we approach cocktail creation the same way we approach winemaking, with respect for natural flavors and an appreciation for balance.
The Foundation: Bonterra Wines
Your cocktail’s character begins with the wine you choose. For rich, warm drinks, our Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon brings dark fruit notes and structured tannins that stand up beautifully to bold spices. Its layers of blackberry and subtle oak create depth that only intensifies when gently warmed. It also adapts beautifully to additions like Earl Grey tea, bergamot, or subtle fig syrup for depth. Even rosé pairs well with cranberry and spice.
For those preferring lighter expressions, our Bonterra Chardonnay offers a versatile canvas. Its balanced acidity and subtle fruit notes—think pear and cantaloupe—provide elegance without overwhelming delicate spices. Even our Rosé wine, typically associated with warmer months, transforms beautifully in winter cocktails when paired with cranberries and pomegranate.
Seasonal Spices and Aromatics
Winter’s signature flavors come from spices that have warmed cold-weather drinks for centuries. Cinnamon sticks provide sweetness and depth without the sharpness of ground cinnamon. Star anise adds its distinctive licorice note; use sparingly, as it can dominate. Whole cloves bring a sense of warmth and slight sweetness, while cardamom pods contribute exotic, almost floral notes.
Fresh aromatics elevate these cocktails from good to exceptional. Orange and lemon peels release their essential oils when warmed, brightening the drink and adding visual appeal. Fresh rosemary brings an herbaceous quality that pairs particularly well with white wine, while a vanilla bean split lengthwise infuses subtle sweetness and complexity.
Natural Sweeteners
Balance is crucial in winter wine cocktails, and the right sweetener can make all the difference. Local honey brings floral notes and dissolves beautifully in warm wine. Maple syrup contributes a distinctly autumnal character with its caramel undertones. For a more refined touch, consider demerara sugar or a touch of Cognac to deepen the complexity.
We encourage choosing organic ingredients when possible. Not only do they support a more resilient planet, they also tend to deliver more concentrated, authentic flavors: exactly what you want in a thoughtfully crafted cocktail.
Seasonal Fruits
Winter fruits bring both flavor and visual appeal to your cocktails. Cranberries offer tartness and stunning color, whether fresh or dried. Pears and apples, when poached with spices, create a luxurious texture. Pomegranate arils add jewel-like beauty and a burst of sweet-tart juice. Even citrus—blood oranges, Cara Cara oranges, and Meyer lemons—are at their peak during winter months.
Easy Winter Wine Cocktail Recipes
The beauty of winter wine cocktails lies in their approachability. These creative winter cocktail recipes require no special equipment or advanced mixology skills, just quality ingredients and a willingness to embrace the season. Each recipe serves four to six guests, making them perfect for intimate gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Classic Mulled Bonterra Red
This timeless winter cocktail transforms our Cabernet Sauvignon into something magical. The wine’s dark fruit notes—blackberry, black cherry—intensify when gently warmed, while aromatic spices add layers of complexity that unfold with each sip.
Ingredients:
• 1 bottle Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup • 1 orange, sliced into rounds • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds • 3 cinnamon sticks • 4 whole star anise • 6 whole cloves • 1/4 cup brandy (optional) • Fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
Pour the Cabernet Sauvignon into a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add honey, stirring gently until dissolved. Add all citrus slices and spices, allowing them to steep as the wine warms. This isn’t a race; let the wine heat gradually over 15-20 minutes, never allowing it to boil. Boiling will cook off the alcohol and can make the wine taste harsh and bitter.
When the wine is steaming and fragrant—you’ll know by the intoxicating aroma filling your kitchen—remove from heat. Stir in brandy if using. Strain into heatproof glasses or mugs, garnishing each with an orange slice, a cinnamon stick, and a few fresh cranberries.
Tasting notes: This winter wine cocktail opens with bright citrus and comforting spice, giving way to the wine’s dark fruit core. The honey adds subtle sweetness without cloying, while the brandy, if used, contributes depth and a sense of warmth that lingers on the palate.
Spiced White Wine Cider
This elegant winter cocktail showcases our Chardonnay’s versatility. The addition of apple cider creates a drink that’s simultaneously sophisticated and comforting; perfect for afternoon gatherings or as a refined alternative to traditional hot apple cider.
Ingredients:
• 1 bottle Bonterra Chardonnay • 2 cups quality apple cider • 2 tablespoons honey • 2 pears, sliced • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise • 3 cinnamon sticks • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
Combine Chardonnay and apple cider in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add honey and stir until fully dissolved. Scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the mixture, then add the pod along with pear slices, cinnamon sticks, and allspice berries.
Allow the mixture to warm gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The kitchen will fill with an intoxicating blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and apple: winter’s signature scent. When the liquid is steaming but not boiling, remove from heat. Let it steep for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to marry.
Strain into heatproof glasses, adding a few pear slices to each serving. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig. The herb’s aromatic oils will release when warm, adding a final layer of complexity.
Tasting notes: Delicate and flavorful, this cocktail balances the Chardonnay’s citrus notes with apple cider’s natural sweetness. The vanilla adds a creamy dimension, while rosemary brings an unexpected herbaceous note that makes each sip interesting.
Cranberry-Rosé Winter Warmer
This unexpected winter wine cocktail reimagines our Rosé for the colder months. The addition of cranberry and warming spices transforms this typically summery wine into something perfect for winter gatherings. Proof that creativity in cocktail-making knows no season.
Ingredients:
• 1 bottle Bonterra Rosé • 2 cups fresh cranberry juice (not cocktail) • 1/4 cup honey • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries • 2 blood oranges, sliced • 2 cinnamon sticks • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom pods, lightly crushed • Pomegranate arils for garnish
Instructions:
In a large saucepan, combine the Rosé, cranberry juice, and honey over medium-low heat. Stir until the honey dissolves completely. Add cranberries, blood orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and crushed cardamom pods.
Warm gently for 15-20 minutes, watching for the cranberries to begin popping—this releases their tart juice into the wine. The mixture should steam but never boil. Once fragrant and warm throughout, remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
Strain into heatproof glasses, ensuring each serving gets a few cranberries and a blood orange slice. Top with pomegranate arils for a jewel-like garnish that adds both beauty and a burst of sweetness.
Tasting notes: This winter cocktail surprises with its vibrant color—ruby red with hints of rose—and its balanced flavor profile. The cranberry’s tartness plays beautifully against the Rosé’s natural sweetness, while cardamom adds an exotic note that makes this drink feel both familiar and adventurous.
Tips for Making the Perfect Winter Wine Cocktail
Mastering winter wine cocktails isn’t about following recipes to the letter; it’s about understanding principles that guide you toward balanced, flavorful drinks. These tips, refined through countless batches in our own kitchens, will help you create winter cocktails that feel both intentional and effortless.
Temperature: The Critical Element
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of winter wine cocktails is temperature control. Your goal to warm, not heat excessively. The ideal serving temperature for these drinks falls between 140-160°F—hot enough to release aromatic compounds and provide comfort, but not so hot that it cooks off the alcohol or turns the wine harsh.
Watch for visual cues: when small bubbles begin forming around the pan’s edges, you’re approaching the right temperature. The liquid should steam gently, releasing its aromatics into your kitchen. If the wine begins to boil—marked by large, rolling bubbles—you’ve gone too far. Reduce heat immediately and let it calm down before serving.
Just as we pay attention to wine serving temperature for our wines, winter cocktails demand the same care. A wine thermometer can help if you’re uncertain, but with practice, you’ll develop an intuitive sense for when your cocktail reaches its perfect temperature.
Balancing Flavors
Every palate is different, which is why we encourage you to taste and adjust as you go. Start with less sweetener than the recipe calls for; you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. The same applies to spices: begin conservatively, especially with powerful flavors like star anise or cloves.
The quality of your base wine matters enormously. Our organically farmed wines offer pure, expressive flavors that shine through in cocktails, with no need to cover or compensate. With a strong foundation, you can use fewer ingredients and create drinks that feel elevated yet effortless. It’s the same principle we follow in food pairing: complement, don’t compete.
The Art of Garnish
Never underestimate the power of a thoughtful garnish. Beyond visual appeal, garnishes add aromatic complexity that enhances the drinking experience. A cinnamon stick releases its essential oils with each sip. Orange slices offer bursts of bright flavor. Fresh cranberries bob like ruby jewels while adding tartness.
Consider the full sensory experience: the curl of steam rising from the glass, the jewel-like colors of cranberries and pomegranate, the aromatic oils from citrus peels. These elements transform a simple drink into something that engages all the senses—the hallmark of truly memorable entertaining.
Presentation Matters
Serve your winter wine cocktails in heatproof glasses or ceramic mugs—the vessel should feel substantial in hand, capable of holding warmth without becoming too hot to hold. We love clear glass for its ability to showcase the wine’s color and floating garnishes, but glazed ceramic mugs create a cozier, more intimate feel.
Consider keeping a small pot of cocktail warming on low heat throughout your gathering. This allows guests to serve themselves seconds at their leisure, and the sight of steam rising from a beautiful pot becomes part of your event’s ambiance. Just remember to keep the heat very low—you’re maintaining temperature, not cooking.
Batch Preparation
For larger gatherings, consider preparing your winter cocktail base ahead of time. Combine wine, sweeteners, and spices in the morning, letting them steep at room temperature. When guests arrive, gently warm the mixture. This extended steeping time actually deepens the flavors, creating an even more complex drink.
This approach also allows you to adjust flavors when your palate is fresh, ensuring the perfect balance before the pressure of entertaining begins. It’s the same principle we apply in winemaking: patience and planning yield superior results.
Embracing Winter’s Warmth
Winter wine cocktails represent more than just a trend in seasonal drinking. They embody a philosophy of slowing down, savoring quality ingredients, and creating moments of connection. With Bonterra wine, we’ve spent decades nurturing our vineyards with this same intention, understanding that the best things develop gradually, naturally, in harmony with the seasons.
As you explore these festive recipes and develop your own variations, we encourage you to embrace experimentation. Try our Merlot in place of Cabernet Sauvignon for a softer, fruitier profile. Swap blood oranges for cara cara for subtle sweetness. Add a split vanilla bean to nearly any recipe for depth and flavor.
The beauty of winter wine cocktails lies in their forgiving nature. Unlike precise baking or technical cocktail-making, these drinks reward intuition and personal preference. Trust your palate, use quality ingredients, and don’t be afraid to make these recipes your own.
Looking for more ways to enhance your winter entertaining? Explore our guide to seasonal wine selection or discover how to host the perfect wine and charcuterie night. And if you’re ready to ensure you always have delicious, thoughtfully made wines on hand for impromptu gatherings, order wine online.
This winter, let your glass hold more than just wine. Let it hold warmth, connection, and the season’s quiet magic. Here’s to cozy evenings, meaningful conversations, and the simple pleasure of a perfectly crafted winter cocktail.
CITATIONS
Wine Enthusiast. (2022). Mulled Wine: Everything You Need to Know About This Winter Classic. https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/mulled-wine-guide/
Forbes. (2023). 7 Cozy Winter Cocktails to Sip Fireside. https://www.forbes.com/sites/karlaalindahao/2023/12/08/best-winter-cocktails/?sh=28ef64534e9f
Liquor.com. (2023). 15 Best Winter Cocktails to Keep You Cozy All Season Long. https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/best-winter-cocktails/
