Christmas Sangria Recipe

As the holidays roll around, there’s truly nothing like kicking back with a glass of festive cheer, and this merry Christmas Sangria is my ultimate go-to for entertaining with flair and flavor!

Creating festive drinks that can wring out the spirit of the season is my specialty, and my Christmas Sangria does just that. This delightful mix (is a mix tonight)
of red wine, (Spanish wine)
apple cider, (fresh from the farm)
and a touch of brandy, (better than any Spanish triple sec)
with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick to flavor it all is a drink that can titillate your palate and your festive spirit.

It is delicious, easy to prepare, and perfect for your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• Red Wine: Rich in antioxidants, adds depth and body to the sangria.
• Apple Cider: Provides sweetness and a fruity autumn flavor.
• Brandy: Enhances warmth and complexity with a touch of vanilla.
• Orange Liqueur: Offers zesty sweetness and citrus notes.
• Orange: Packed with vitamin C, adds fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
• Cranberries: Tart, vibrant, and high in antioxidants.
• Cinnamon Stick: Infuses warm, spicy notes, perfect for the holiday season.
• Ginger Ale: Adds effervescence and a hint of spice.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml), such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup triple sec or orange liqueur
• 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups ginger ale, to top off
• Ice, for serving

How to Make this

1. In a big pitcher, mix together the red wine, apple cider, brandy, and triple sec. Stir well to combine the liquids.

2. Include in the pitcher the rounds of orange, the apple sliced thinly, and the fresh cranberries.

3. Place the cinnamon stick into the mixture. Let it develop the aroma and flavor it brings to the party.

4. Gently stir the mixture to ensure the fruits are evenly distributed and the cinnamon stick is completely submerged.

5. Put a lid on the pitcher and put it in the refrigerator. Let it stay there for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) so the flavors can come together in a way that ensures you won’t be able to resist pouring yourself a glass.

6. Right before serving, pour the ginger ale into the pitcher to finish off the sangria. Stir gently to mix.

7. Fill the glasses in which you will serve the drink with ice cubes to ensure that the drink is chilled.

8. Pour the sangria over the ice, ensuring that some of the fruit slices and cranberries are included in each glass as a very pretty garnish.

9. You can add a fresh slice of orange or apple to the rim of each glass, if you want some extra flair.

10. Immediately serve and savor your merry Christmas Sangria!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pitcher with a lid
2. Stirring spoon
3. Cutting board
4. Sharp knife
5. Measuring cups
6. Glasses for serving
7. Ice cube tray (for making ice)
8. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Can I use white wine instead of red wine for this recipe?It’s possible to use white wine instead, but the flavor profile will change significantly. Red wine provides a richer, more robust base, which pairs exceptionally well with the Christmas spices and fruits.
• What can I substitute for apple cider?If apple cider cannot be found, apple juice may be used, though it can be sweeter. Counteract the sweetness by just using less ginger ale.
• Can this sangria be made in advance?It can be made a day in advance. In fact, refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld together. Just add the ginger ale and ice before serving.
• What other fruits can I add to the sangria?Some other fruits like pomegranates, pears, or even a few slices of lemon can add a nice twist. Just make sure to balance the sweetness and flavors.
• Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?To make it alcohol-free, swap the wine for grape juice and use more apple cider or orange juice in place of the brandy and triple sec.
• How long will the sangria keep?Kept in the fridge, sangria will be good for as long as 2 days, even if the ginger ale’s fizz has turned flat.
• Is there a way to make the sangria spicier?To add an even spicier kick, you might toss in some extra cinnamon sticks or a few whole cloves to the simmering mix. You know, be careful; these spices can easily overpower everything else, and a true mixologist knows that it should all work together harmoniously.

Christmas Sangria Recipe Substitutions and Variations

One bottle (750 ml) of red wine, such as Shiraz or Zinfandel.
1 cup apple cider, or substitute with pear cider: 1 cup (8 ounces) of apple cider can be replaced with 8 ounces of pear cider. Kitchn offers two types of cider: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. For this reason, we will be giving a suggested substitution in case you have access only to one type of cider.
1/2 cup brandy; you can also use cognac.
One fourth cup of triple sec or orange liqueur, or use Grand Marnier in its place.
1 orange, cut into thin rounds, or use clementines in place of the orange.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Ingredients: Prior to mixing, refrigerate the wine, apple cider, and brandy to ensure the sangria is served as cold as possible, enhancing its refreshing taste.