There’s something magical about Christmas, the twinkling lights, the smell of spices in the air, and of course, the clink of glasses as we toast to the year gone by. Whether you’re hosting friends, settling in for a cosy evening, or simply adding a bit of sparkle to your celebrations, wine-based cocktails offer a festive and sophisticated twist on your favourite Portuguese bottles.
From bright and bubbly to rich and warming, we’ve created five Christmas wine cocktail recipes using handpicked wines from our collection at Portugal Best Wines. You can use any red, white, sparkling or rose wine, but we have put together a popular collection that creates the best festive flavours. Each one is easy to make, full of seasonal notes and guaranteed to impress if you're a cocktail lover or just curious to try something new.
Ready to stir up some holiday spirit? Let’s get mixing.
1. Festive Sparkle: Portuguese Sparkling Wine Mimosa
Let’s start with a light and cheerful classic, the Mimosa. Perfect for Christmas morning or a relaxed brunch, this festive cocktail brings together Portuguese sparkling wine and citrus for a zingy, elegant sip.
What you’ll need:
- 100ml Quinta d'Amares Reserva Sparkling Wine
-
50ml freshly squeezed orange juice
-
Dash of cranberry juice (optional, for colour)
-
Garnish: Fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary
Method:
Pour the orange juice into a flute, then top with the chilled sparkling wine. Add a dash of cranberry juice for a festive hue, then garnish with cranberries and rosemary. Cheers!
Why it works:
The crisp acidity of this Brut Reserva balances beautifully with the sweetness of the juice, making it refreshing and celebratory without being overly sweet.
2. Winter Red Sangria with a Portuguese Twist
Sangria isn’t just for summer, with the right ingredients, it’s a fantastic winter warmer too. This version uses an elegant Portuguese red wine, seasonal fruit, and a hit of warming spice.
What you’ll need:
- 500ml Papa Figos Douro Red Wine
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, diced
- 2 tbsp aguardente (or brandy)
- 1 tbsp honey
- Sparkling water, to top up
-
Ice
Method:
In a jug, combine the wine, aguardente, honey, cinnamon stick, and fruit. Let it infuse in the fridge for 2–4 hours. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top with a splash of sparkling water.
Why it works:
This Douro red brings richness and bold flavour, standing up to the fruit and spice without being too heavy. It's festive, flavourful, and perfect for gatherings.
3. White Christmas Spritz
Looking for something light and refreshing before dinner? This crisp white wine spritz, featuring citrus and elderflower, is easy to make and looks stunning in a glass.
What you’ll need:
- 100ml Muralhas de Monção Vinho Verde White Wine
- 50ml elderflower cordial
- Sparkling water or tonic
- Ice
- Mint leaves and pomegranate seeds for garnish
Method:
Fill a glass with ice. Add the white wine and elderflower cordial, then top with sparkling water or tonic. Stir gently, and garnish with mint and pomegranate for a festive touch.
Why it works:
The Vinho Verde’s natural spritz and green fruit notes pair perfectly with floral elderflower and tart pomegranate, ideal as a light aperitif.
4. Rosé & Rosemary Fizz
This cocktail is a great middle ground: fruity, fragrant, and just strong enough to feel like a proper cocktail. The rosemary brings a subtle savoury note that elevates the wine beautifully.
What you’ll need:
-
100ml Arca Nova Rosé Wine
- 25ml gin
- Dash of fresh lemon juice
- Soda water, to top up
-
Garnish: Rosemary sprig and lemon peel
Method:
In a tall glass, combine the rosé, gin, and lemon juice over ice. Top with soda water, stir gently, and garnish with rosemary and lemon peel.
Why it works:
This rosé is fresh yet light, balancing well with citrus and botanicals. It’s an elegant and easy cocktail with a festive edge.
5. Mulled Port Punch
No Christmas list would be complete without something warm and comforting. This punch combines rich Ruby Port with apple and spice for a drink that tastes like Christmas in a mug.
What you’ll need:
- 500ml Cálem Velhotes Douro Port
- 250ml apple juice
- Peel of one orange
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cloves
- 1 star anise
-
(Optional) 25ml brandy
Method:
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and warm gently over low heat for 15–20 minutes. Do not boil. Serve warm in heatproof glasses or mugs.
Why it works:
Port brings richness and depth that’s enhanced by fruit and spice. It’s warming, comforting, and unmistakably festive, perfect for fireside sipping.
The Perfect Pour for the Holidays
This Christmas, why not bring a little Portuguese flair to your festive drinks? Each of these wine cocktails showcases the versatility of Portugal’s incredible wine regions, from the freshness of Vinho Verde to the depth of the Douro.
Whether you’re hosting a party, raising a glass at dinner, or simply looking for something new to try, our curated wine selection at Portugal Best Wines makes it easy to craft cocktails that you won’t want to leave your hand. Every wine featured in these recipes is available now, perfect for gifting or upgrading your own collection.
Explore our full range of festive Portuguese wine and make your Christmas drinks one to remember! (or forget if you have too many of them…)
Merry Christmas from the team at Portugal Best Wines!
