Can I make this holiday cocktail recipe ahead of time?

Yes, if you like, you can prepare a large batch of these gluten free holiday cocktails ahead of time, and store them in the fridge (without ice) for up to 4 days. However, they are best when consumed right away! Answer goes here...

Can I serve this recipe warm?

In all honesty, I haven’t tried serving these wine cocktails warm, but I wouldn’t recommend doing so.

Can I use different fruits?

Yes and no. You see, the combination of cherry, bourbon, and merlot are what make this cocktail EPIC. However, you could try thawed frozen cherries or cranberry and cherry juice if you run out of cherries!

Can I make this without a muddler?

Yes! Just place the cherries in a tall glass, and use a spoon to press out the juices. Then, pour the liquid over a mesh strainer before serving to catch any cherry pieces.

Yuletide Moon Red Wine Cocktails

Description

Refined sugar-free, these Yuletide Moon Red Wine Cocktails are perfect for the holidays! Serve them on the rocks for a refreshing drink your guests will love.

Ingredients

Units Scale

9 cherries, pitted (fresh or in a jar)
3 ounces fresh orange or clementine juice (keep part of the fruit to muddle, if desired)
5–6 ounces Merlot wine
2 ounces bourbon (See notes for gluten free option)
1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
Ice
Orange slices or lemon zest/peel to garnish

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Instructions

Place the cherries in a tall cocktail shaker. (See notes if you don’t have a cocktail shaker.)
Muddle the cherries.*
Add the orange juice (plus optional 3 wedges of orange or 1 clementine, sliced in half), merlot, bourbon, maple syrup, and optional spices to the cocktail shaker.
Muddle the ingredients again. Then, close the cocktail shaker, and shake to combine.
Pour the mixture into individual glasses over ice.
Stir the ingredients, and top the drinks with citrus peel and dash of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Notes

*If you don’t have merlot, use a bold red wine.
Check here for gluten free bourbon options.
*Muddling means to press with a spoon or a tool called a muddler to extract the juice. Keep the cherries once muddled.
Optional sparkling mix-ins: kombucha (cranberry or ginger work best) or sparkling apple juice.
No cocktail shaker? Use a tall glass and long spoon to muddle the cherries. Add the remaining ingredients, muddle the mixture again, and stir. Use a mesh strainer to pour into a serving container before pouring individual glasses

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Category: drinks
Method: mix
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drink
Calories: 132
Sugar: 9.5 g
Sodium: 4.4 mg
Fat: 0.1 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12.3 g
Fiber: 0.4 g
Protein: 0.3 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: holiday cocktails, holiday drinks, cocktail recipes, gluten free cocktails, red wine, bourbon