Drink Recipes

Three Holiday Wine Cocktails to Sleigh Your Taste Buds!

The holidays are here, and it’s time to ditch the eggnog and pour yourself something a little more local. At It’s About Wine, we’re all about crafting unique beverages that bring people together, so we’ve whipped up three festive cocktails that showcase the best of what our customers can create. Whether you’re looking for a …

The holidays are here, and it’s time to ditch the eggnog and pour yourself something a little more local. At It’s About Wine, we’re all about crafting unique beverages that bring people together, so we’ve whipped up three festive cocktails that showcase the best of what our customers can create. Whether you’re looking for a bubbly toast, a warming mug of spiced cider, or a decadent sip of something sweet, these recipes are packed with holiday cheer—and a splash of personality. So grab your creations and let’s get this party started!

1. Cranberry Sparkle Sangria

This isn’t your average sangria—it’s a holiday party starter featuring your own It’s About Wine  Grenache Rosé and a splash of spirits!

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle of  Grenache Rosé
  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup orange Triple Sec
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a sprig of rosemary for garnish
  • Club soda for some fizzy holiday fun

Instructions:

  1. Mix the wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir until you’ve got a grin as wide as Santa’s!
  2. Add cranberries and orange slices for a dash of festive flair.
  3. Chill overnight, resisting any sneak sips.
  4. Before serving, add club soda and garnish with rosemary to impress your guests.

This sangria blends your own wine with the best spirits—what’s not to love?

2. Raspberry Chocolate Port Martini

A rich and velvety martini that brings out the best in your It’s About Wine Chocolate Raspberry Dessert Wine. Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Chocolate Raspberry Dessert Wine
  • 1/2 cup Chocolate Liqueur
  • 1/4 cup Raspberry Liqueur
  • 2 tbsp cream or milk for extra decadence
  • Ice cubes for shaking
  • Shaved chocolate for topping
  • Rim of cocoa powder

Instructions:

  1. Rim your martini glass with cocoa powder—extra points for adding a pinch of cinnamon sugar!
  2. In a shaker filled with ice, add the port, chocolate liqueur, raspberry liqueur, and cream. Shake until you feel your holiday spirit rising.
  3. Strain into your prepared glass and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
  4. Sip, savour, and take a moment to appreciate the best dessert wine you ever made!

This martini is a toast to luxury—and to you, our favourite It’s About Wine crafters!

3. Warm Spiced Holiday Cider

A cozy and aromatic cocktail featuring Dry BC Cider, simmered with warming spices, citrus, and a hint of sweetness to bring out the holiday spirit.

Ingredients:

  • 1 750ml bottle of Dry BC Cider
  • 1/2 cup fresh apple juice
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
  • 2 oz Spiced Rum

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine Dry BC Cider, apple juice, maple syrup or honey, orange slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise (if using), and ginger.
  2. Warm the mixture over low heat. Avoid boiling to retain the cider’s flavour; instead, let it gently simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
  3. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  4. Add the spiced rum during the last 5 minutes of heating.
  5. Ladle the warm spiced cider into mugs. Garnish with an orange slice, cinnamon stick, or a few floating cloves for a festive presentation.

Cozy, fragrant, and full of holiday warmth—this Warm Spiced Holiday Cider is perfect for chilly nights and holiday gatherings, with Dry BC Cider as the staple.

Yuletide Punch Recipe, Candy Cane Martini, Mulled Wine Red & White

YULETIDE PUNCH RECIPE   CANDY CANE MARTINI RECIPE   MULLED WINE RED Ingredients 1 (750-ml.) bottle red wine 1 orange, sliced into rounds, plus more for garnish 6 whole cloves 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish 3 star anise 1/4 c. honey 1/2 c. brandy   Directions Step 1  In a medium saucepan over medium heat, …

YULETIDE PUNCH RECIPE

 

CANDY CANE MARTINI RECIPE

 

MULLED WINE RED

Ingredients

  • 1 (750-ml.) bottle red wine
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds, plus more for garnish
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
  • 3 star anise
  • 1/4 c. honey
  • 1/2 c. brandy

 

Directions

Step 1  In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients. Bring to a simmer not a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes.

Step Serve warm and garnish with more citrus slices and cinnamon sticks.

Nutrition (per serving): 172 calories, .5 g protein, 17 g carbohydrates, .5 g fiber, 14 g sugar, 0 g fat, 3 mg sodium

 

MULLED WINE WHITE

This warming drink has the flavorful depth of the classic red version but is lighter in body. Choose a white that’s not too acidic, such as a Viognier or an oaked Chardonnay (wines that are more astringent can develop a harsh edge when heated).

Prep: 10 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 6
Cook’s Notes

Mulled wine can be refrigerated overnight. (Strain at the end of step 2 to prevent the aromatics from overpowering the wine.) Reheat before serving.

Martha Stewart Living, January 2012

 

Pink Moscato Lemonade

FEATURING CLASSIC CALIFORNIA PINK MOSCATO Wanna kick it up a notch? Check out this recipe for Pink Moscato Lemonade! 2 (750 ml) bottles Classic Pink Moscato 3 c. lemon-lime soda 1 (12 oz) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed 1 c. raspberries Mix all liquid together in a large pitcher. Add raspberries. Refrigerate until chilled.

FEATURING CLASSIC CALIFORNIA PINK MOSCATO

Wanna kick it up a notch? Check out this recipe for Pink Moscato Lemonade!

  • 2 (750 ml) bottles Classic Pink Moscato
  • 3 c. lemon-lime soda
  • 1 (12 oz) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
  • 1 c. raspberries

Mix all liquid together in a large pitcher. Add raspberries. Refrigerate until chilled.