The Cranberry Orange Mulled Sangria

The Cranberry Orange Mulled Sangria

The Cranberry Orange Mulled Sangria is a festive and aromatic hot cocktail that combines the beloved elements of sangria with the warmth of mulled wine. Infused with the vibrant tartness of cranberries, the citrusy zing of oranges, and a blend of aromatic spices, this delightful beverage is perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion where you want to spread warmth and cheer.

• Ingredients:

• 1 bottle red wine (e.g., Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)

• 1 cup cranberry juice

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup brandy

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• 1 orange, thinly sliced

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4-5 whole cloves

• Optional: Star anise for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Hot

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Wine

Method:

In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, brandy, and honey or maple syrup. Add the thinly sliced orange, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves to the mixture. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat, allowing the mixture to heat gently. Be cautious not to bring it to a boil to preserve the alcohol content.

Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the fruits and spices to infuse their flavors into the sangria. Once heated, ladle the Cranberry Orange Mulled Sangria into heat-resistant glasses or mugs. Garnish each serving with a star anise for an extra layer of aroma.

The Mulled Wine

About The Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a beloved hot cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries, especially during the colder months. This comforting beverage involves heating red wine with a mix of aromatic spices and sweeteners, creating a delightful concoction that warms both the body and spirit. The combination of red wine and spices not only provides a cozy and fragrant experience but also makes it a versatile drink that can be tailored to personal taste preferences.

• Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (choose a medium to full-bodied variety like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3-4 whole cloves

• 1 star anise

• Optional: a shot of brandy or rum for an extra kick

• Optional garnish: orange peel or cinnamon stick

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Hot

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Wine

Method:

Pour the entire bottle of red wine into a large saucepan or pot. Use a wine you enjoy but avoid overly expensive ones as the flavors will be infused with spices. Stir in honey or sugar. Adjust the sweetness to your liking, considering the natural sweetness of the wine. Add the sliced orange, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and star anise to the pot. These ingredients contribute to the rich aroma and flavor of the mulled wine.

Place the saucepan over low to medium heat. Warm the mixture gently, avoiding boiling to preserve the alcohol content. Allow the flavors to meld for at least 15-20 minutes. If desired, add a shot of brandy or rum just before serving for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. Before serving, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the spices and citrus slices. This ensures a smooth and pleasant drinking experience.

Pour the mulled wine into heat-resistant glasses or mugs. Garnish with a twist of orange peel or a cinnamon stick for an elegant touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth.

The Sake Bomb

About The Sake Bomb

The Sake Bomb is a popular and entertaining cocktail that combines the rich and smooth taste of sake with the effervescence of beer. Here's the classic recipe for the Sake Bomb:

Ingredients:

• 1 glass of Japanese Sake

• 1 pint of Japanese beer (lager or light beer)

• 1 pair of chopsticks

• 1 shot glass

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:  Medium

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Pour a glass of Japanese sake. Fill a pint glass halfway with Japanese beer. Place the shot glass containing the sake on top of the pint glass, balancing it with the help of the chopsticks. Position the chopsticks horizontally over the glass, with the shot glass on top. Position the sake-filled shot glass on top of the chopsticks, making sure it's stable.

The New York Sour

About The New York Sour

The New York Sour is an IBA Official Cocktail that mirrors the traditional method of creating a sour; using egg whites. The drink itself is thought to be of New York City origin, but various “New York Sours” have been on menus across the country with different ingredients. Make sure to pair with a wine you enjoy to custom craft the recipe to your liking. (Shiraz is just our suggestion).

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye)

• ½ oz. Shiraz Red Wine

• ¾ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• Few Drops of Egg White

• Lemon Wedge/Orange Zest and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour the whiskey, syrup, lemon juice, and egg white into shaker with ice cubes. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Float the wine on top. Garnish with lemon or orange zest and cherry.

The Red Rover

About The Red Rover

The Red Rover is a fun wine cocktail with the body of red wine and the palette of a liquor-based cocktail. This recipe is simple, easy, and overall palette pleasing. The original recipe calls for Shiraz and Navy Rum, but to be a bit more accommodating to different wines we felt that dark rum paired up a bit more nicely.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Red Wine

• 1 oz. Dark Rum

• ½ oz. Raspberry Liqueur

• Lemon Slice for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice gently and strain into ice filled glass.

The American Beauty

About The American Beauty

Another Washington D.C. original cocktail, the American Beauty is an eclectic cocktail creation named after the District’s Official Flower; the American Beauty Rose. This cocktail combines Cognac and Port Wine along with Creme de Menthe. The resulting flavor profile is strong willed, yet smooth as well. Certainly, a sipping drink, the American Beauty is best served in good company.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Cognac

• ¼ oz. Creme de Menthe

• ¼ oz. Port Wine

• ¼ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Orange Juice

• ½ oz. Grenadine

• Mint Sprig for garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the remaining ingredients except the port and mint. Shake well; strain into a chilled martini glass. Stir in the port. Garnish with the mint.

The Amaretto Sangria

About The Amaretto Sangria

For those that like a less wine-like flavor in their Sangria, we bring you the Amaretto Sangria. This recipe adds the namesake Italian sweet liqueur to add a different dimension of flavor and a bit of a different punch as well. The addition of citrus fruits like orange and lemon also help to dull the sharp wine taste. The following recipe is designed for a pitcher but can also easily be scaled down to a single cocktail serving.

Ingredients: (makes a pitcher)

• 10 oz. Amaretto Liqueur

• 10 oz. Pinot Noir

• 5 oz. Triple Sec

• 5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

• 5 oz. Simple Syrup

• 15 oz. Sparkling Water

• Orange Wheels, Lemon Wheels, and Cherries

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Stir all ingredients in a pitcher with ice and cut up fruits. Serve chilled and refrigerate after serving.

The Fall White Sangria

About The Fall White Sangria

Just in time for the upcoming fall season, meet the Fall White Sangria. This crisp and refreshing recipe is simple and flavorful. The crisp blending of fruits in this sangria make for a cool and refreshing flavor without the heavy-bodied feeling of a red sangria. This recipe is sure to become one of your favorites as we delve deeper into the fall season.

Ingredients: (makes a pitcher)

• 1 750mL Bottle of Pinot Grigio (or your preference)

• 2 oz. Brandy

• 8 oz. Lemon Lime Soda

• 1 Sliced Asian Pear

• 1 Sliced Fuji Apple

• 1 Cinnamon Stick

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Stir all ingredients in a pitcher with cut up and peeled fruits. Refrigerate and serve after six hours.

The Red Sangria

About The Red Sangria

Meet the Empire Mixology Red Sangria. This recipe focuses on the use of red wine (obviously) with various fruits and even a bit of brandy to create that perfect springtime/autumnal wine cocktail. The following recipe is designed for a pitcher although could be scaled down to a single serving as well. Make sure to use YOUR favorite type of red wine as everyone has a unique palette for wine.

Ingredients: (makes a pitcher)

• 1 750mL Bottle of Red Wine

• ½ Cup of Brandy

• 1 Cup Orange Juice

• 8 oz. Club Soda

• ¼ Cup of Granulated Sugar

• 1 Sliced Orange

• 1 Sliced Apple

• 1 Cup of Blueberries

• 1 Cup of Sliced Strawberries

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Stir all ingredients in a pitcher with ice and cut up fruits. Serve chilled and refrigerate after serving.

The Frosé

The Frosé

Meet the pinnacle of our Valentine’s Day cocktail series. The Frosé is a fun and flavorful cocktail that includes perennial favorite rosé wine and the fruity flavors of fresh watermelon and strawberries. This cocktail is perfect for date night or just keeping cool in the summer heat as well. There’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet watermelon and tart strawberry. We originally used Castello del Poggio’s Sweet Rosé line for this recipe. We highly recommend using fresh fruit and freezing it yourself to guarantee ingredient quality, however the store-bought frozen fruit works just as well. Try our luxurious libation recipe and keep cool in the heat and have fun that can’t be beat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Rosé Wine to (preference)

• 1 cup frozen watermelon

• 1 cup frozen strawberries

• 2 tablespoons sugar

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Frozen

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Add more ice for a thicker consistency. Serve immediately garnished with fresh fruit.

The Rosé Lemonade

The Rosé Lemonade

A perfect Valentine’s Day or springtime afternoon cocktail, the Rosé Lemonade is simple, light, and refreshing. The rosé creates a unique twist on the homemade lemonade without adding the punch of a harder spirit. We originally created this cocktail during the Valentine’s Day season with Castello del Poggio and their Sweet Rosé line and it quickly became a major hit. If you don’t feel like going through the motions of making homemade lemonade, store-bought will substitute fine. Try out our relaxing afternoon cocktail creation and let us know what you think!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Rosé Wine

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 cup cold water

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Light

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

To make the lemonade, combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Let cool. Add the fresh lemon juice and water to the sugar mixture and stir to dissolve. Refrigerate until cold. Before serving, mix the lemonade with the rosé wine. Divide between two glasses and serve.

The Funny Valentine

The Funny Valentine

This light and crisp cocktail is perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner date, or just a romantic evening with your loved one. This past Valentine’s Day we had a love affair with Rosé; specifically Castello Del Poggio Sweet Rosé, so when they provided us with this recipe we couldn’t help but share it to you. This cocktail has a light flavor to it that also maintain a certain sweetness with a crisp finish. It’s a perfect sipping cocktail and is sure to bring a smile to your personal Valentine.

Ingredients:

• 0.5 oz. Gin

• 2 oz. Rosé Wine

• 2 dashes simple syrup

• 0.4 oz. lemon juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Combine simple syrup, lemon juice, and gin in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass, then top with rosé.

The Kir

About The Kir

 The Kir is a French cocktail that hails from the 19th century. Formerly known as the Blanc-Cassis, the drink was renamed after Mayor Kir of Dijon, Burgundy who would serve this cocktail at his receptions for visiting delegations after World War II. Part of the reason why this cocktail become so popular was that during World War II, the German military removed a large amount of red wine from the country, leaving large reserves of white wine behind. This cocktail was used as a way to use what was available and in excess.  

Ingredients:

• 5 oz. White Wine

• 1 oz. Crème de Cassis

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 3.5 Stars

• Served: Neat

• Strength: Medium

• Difficulty: Simple

• Flavor: Spirit Forward

Method:

Add the crème de cassis to the bottom of the glass and add the white wine above it.

The Porto Flip

About The Porto Flip

Say hello to the long forgotten and formerly extremely popular Porto Flip Cocktail. First officially referenced in the mid 1800s, this recipe was almost completely lost after the turn of the century. Although the ingredients may make you cringe this cocktail is actually fairly sweet and creamy with a strong spirit flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz brandy

• 3/4 oz port wine

• 1/4 oz simple syrup

• 1 whole egg

• Nutmeg (for garnish)

• Ice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Put all ingredients (yes, even the egg yolk) into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake very well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg and enjoy? Maybe?