5 Red Wine Cocktails for Autumn

The dog days of summer are over and it’s finally starting to cool down. Some of you may have already had snow. It’s still nice and warm during the day in Southern New Mexico with temperatures in the 80’s. The nights are cooling down nicely, falling into the 50’s. Halloween is starting to cross our minds with Thanksgiving and Christmas not far behind. It’s time to start pulling out those bottles of red wine that may have gone to the back of your collection in lieu of chilled white wines for the summer. Dust them off…How does David Lee Murphy’s song go?

“There might be a little dust on the bottle
But don’t let it fool ya about what’s inside
There might be a little dust on the bottle
It’s one of those things that gets sweeter with time”

Let’s have a little fun with those bottles of red and turn them into unforgettable cocktails that will be great for enjoying while sitting around the fire and sharing with friends.

Bittersweet Hot Chocolate with Red Wine

We love nibbling dark chocolate alongside a glass of red wine; the two flavors combined in a mug of hot chocolate is an unexpected treat! We recommend using Heart of the Desert Merlot for this cocktail. You’ll need bittersweet chocolate, milk, and red wine for this recipe.
Get the recipe here.

Kuhano Vino

In Europe, they keep warm through the fall and winter months with mulled wine. This spicy, warm cup of a hug in a mug contains cloves, peppercorns, star anise, nutmeg, and honey. Can you smell it already? We recommend Heart of the Desert Syrah or Merlot for this recipe.
Get the recipe here.

The Bishop Cocktail

The Bishop in its traditional form is a classic cocktail. This recipe was found in a 1935 edition of “The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book” by A.S. Crockett. It’s an easy one with only red wine, rum, simple syrup, and lime juice. We recommend using a Cuban or Jamaican rum and Heart of the Dessert Cabernet Sauvignon.
Get the recipe here.

Red Apple Cider Sangria

Red Apple Cider Sangria is the ultimate sangria for fall! It is sweetened with a touch of maple syrup and mixed with Grand Marnier for a hint of orange. We recommend Heart of the Desert Corazon Gitano for the wine. You’ll need apples, cinnamon sticks, apple cider and maple syrup for this recipe.
Get the recipe here.

Dominican Spiced Cider

In the Dominican Republic, this drink is called Mama Juana. Traditionally it’s made with a combination of rum, red wine, honey, and tree bark, it is said to be a cure-all (not to mention an aphrodisiac). It’s a many-day process with not the easiest to find ingredients. This version is easier to make, but still incredibly unique. You will need multiple spices, apple cider, honey, an amber rum—Dominican if you can find it, red wine—we think Heart of the Desert Syrah would work well with this. You’ll also need chamomile and valerian.
Get the recipe here.

These cocktails should warm your insides and put a smile on your face. We hope you will have the opportunity to share them with friends and family this fall season. If you make a batch, send us a photo and let us know what you think on our Facebook page.

Cheers!

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.