With the arrival of persistent cold weather, we crave warmth and light even more. In December, walking through winter markets with a hot, aromatic drink in hand becomes especially appealing. While enjoying mulled wine or hot punch at Christmas markets is a classic experience, these drinks can also be easily prepared at home, allowing you to explore your creativity.
All you need are good-quality ingredients, and you can create special festive drinks. Here are some recipes that can bring a holiday atmosphere to your own home.
Cherry Christmas – the classic reimagined
A fruity twist on traditional mulled wine, where the rich taste of red wine is enhanced by the crisp flavor of cherries or sour cherries. In addition to the usual spices – cinnamon, cloves, and allspice – this version also includes exotic tonka bean. The sweet and tart character of red berries combined with Christmas spices makes this drink truly festive.
Recipe:
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150 ml fruity red wine
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30 ml rum (optional)
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50 ml cherry or sour cherry juice
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1 cinnamon stick
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2 orange wedges
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2 cloves
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2 allspice berries
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1/2 tonka bean
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2 tsp brown sugar
Mix the ingredients, heat to 70–80°C, then strain and serve warm.
Garnish: orange, cloves, cinnamon stick.
Red Hot Chili Chocolate – the perfect winter drink?
Chili and chocolate make a wonderful pair, complemented perfectly by red wine.
Recipe:
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50 ml dry red wine
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50 g of chocolate
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60 g condensed milk
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150 ml milk
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2 ml vanilla extract
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2 g cinnamon
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10 g cocoa powder
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1–2 tsp Tabasco sauce
Melt the chocolate over a water bath, then mix in the other ingredients.
Garnish: whipped cream, grated chocolate, cinnamon, or marshmallows.
Winter White – the mulled wine that breaks all rules
This special white mulled wine challenges preconceptions: fresh, citrusy flavors, honeyed sweetness, and a mild tingle from ginger. The fruitiness of the white wine and the refined harmony of the spices create an elegant winter cocktail. Optionally, a splash of citrus gin can be added.
Recipe:
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50 ml fresh, fruity dry white wine
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30 ml gin (optional)
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20 g honey
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50 ml unfiltered apple juice
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1 star anise
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10 coriander seeds
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2 cardamom pods
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1 slice of ginger, julienned
Mix the ingredients, heat to 70–80°C, then strain. Serve warm.
Garnish: star anise.
Redspresso – for coffee lovers
This energizing winter cocktail balances the bitter notes of coffee with the sweetness of raspberry syrup, while red wine adds fruitiness and spice for a complete flavor experience. The effect is guaranteed!
Recipe:
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60 ml fruity red wine
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40 ml of coffee
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30 ml raspberry syrup
Shake the ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass.
Garnish: raspberries, coffee beans.
Starry Night – sparkling New Year’s Eve in a glass
This cocktail adds color to New Year’s celebrations, combining the fruity character of sparkling wine with elderflower and the exotic, velvety notes of coconut. Edible glitter gives it a festive sparkle.
Recipe:
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150 ml dry white sparkling wine
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10 ml elderflower syrup
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30 ml coconut water
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2 drops colored edible glitter
Layer the ingredients and serve immediately.
The article in Hungarian can be read here.
