Three Easy Fall and Winter Cocktails to Make with Wine

As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing better than cozying up with a delicious, comforting drink. While a simple glass of your favorite Johnson Estate wine is always a perfect choice, using our wines as a foundation for a creative cocktail can bring new life to your gatherings or quiet evening at home. 

We've put together three of our favorite easy-to-make recipes that showcase some of our most beloved wines. From a sophisticated Port cocktail to a classic mulled wine, these drinks are perfect for celebrating the flavors of the season. 

1.) Port in a Storm 

This cocktail is for those who appreciate depth and complexity in their glass. "Port in a Storm" is a stunningly rich and layered drink that perfectly showcases two of our most robust wines: our luscious Port and bright, fruit-forward Chambourcin. It's a sophisticated and memorable way to enjoy our wine, perfect for a cold evening or a special occasion. 

Ingredients: 

• 1oz Brandy 
• 2oz Johnson Estate Port 
• Johnson Estate Chambourcin (Fill) 
• Ice 
• Fresh Mint sprig for garnish 

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the brandy and the Johnson Estate Port. 
2. Shake well until the mixture is chilled 
3. Fill a tall glass with fresh ice 
4. Pour the Johnson Estate Chambourcin into the glass, filling it about halfway. 
5. Strain the brandy and Port mixture from the shaker over the chambourcin. 
6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig before serving. 

2.) Apple Maple Toddy 

Embrace the cozy side of fall with this wonderfully comforting and easy-to-make toddy. The classic combination of apple and whiskey gets a sweet, local twish from our very own Johnson Estate Maple Liqueur, creating a drink that is perfect for a crisp afternoon or a chilly evening by the fire. It's delicious served over ice, or you can warm it up for a truly soothing experience. 

Ingredients: 

• 2oz Whiskey 
• 1oz Johnson Estate Maple Liqueur 
• Apple Cider (to fill) 
• Ice (if serving cold) 
• Garnish: A cinnamon stick and fresh mint sprig 

Instructions (Cold): 

1. Fill a glass with ice 
2. Add the whiskey and the Johnson Estate Maple Liqueur 
3. Fill the rest of the glass with apple cider 
4. Stir gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of fresh mint. 

Instructions (Warm): 

1. In a small saucepan, gently warm the apple cider over low heat. 
2. Pour the whiskey and Johnson Estate Maple Liqueur into a heatproof mug. 
3. Fill the mug with the warm apple cider. 
4. Stir gently and garnish with a cinnamon stick and sprig of fresh mint. 

3.) Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

No fall or winter drink menu is complete without the warming embrace of Gluhwein. A beloved European tradition, this recipe uses a full-bodied dry red wine, gently spiced to create an aromatic and soothing hot beverage. This simple recipe is a perfect way to turn our Cabernet Sauvignon into a comforting treat for a chilly day. 

Ingredients: 

• 6 oz Johnson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken
• 2 whole cloves 
• 1 teaspoon honey 
• A pinch of nutmeg 
• Garnish: A lemon twist and an orange slice 

Instructions: 

1. In a small saucepan, combine the Johnson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, broken cinnamon stick, whole cloves, honey, and nutmeg. 
2. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat. Stir gently to dissolve the honey. 
3. Continue to heat until the wine is hot, but do not allow it to boil. The goal is to warm the wine and infuse the spices without cooking off the alcohol. 
4. Carefully pour the mixture into a mug. 
5. Garnish with a lemon twist and an orange slice before serving. 

For those who prefer a sweeter mulled wine, our Red and White Ipocras are a perfect pour after simply warming to your desired temperature. All these wines are available by clicking the highlighted links above, we hope that you, your family, and friends enjoy!