Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe
During the holiday season, there’s nothing quite like celebrating with a glass of festive sangria. This Christmas sangria recipe is not only delicious but also a colorful addition to your holiday table. The combination of fresh fruits and wine makes it a delightful choice for any gathering. Are you ready to bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen?
My grandmother always had a special recipe for holiday drinks, which she lovingly prepared with ingredients fresh from her garden. The magic of this sangria is that it brings back those warm, joyful memories. Over the years, I’ve adapted her cherished recipe to create a version that’s easy to make but still captures that nostalgic taste of home and tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sangria recipe is not only festive and flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare. Its vibrant color comes from a medley of fruits that also add a natural sweetness. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, meaning less stress on the day of your event. Perfect for serving at parties, this drink will keep your guests merry right from the first sip.
Ingredients Notes
To make the best sangria, use a good quality red wine, like a Spanish Rioja. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just flavorful. Feel free to mix in seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, and pomegranates for a festive touch. If desired, add a splash of brandy for an extra kick. This recipe is adaptable, so use your favorites or whatever you have on hand.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Slice the fruits into thin slices or small chunks. For best results, keep the skin on the apples for added color and flavor.
Step 2
In a large pitcher, combine the sliced fruits and a splash of brandy. Gently muddle the mixture to release the juices.
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Step 3
Add the entire bottle of red wine to the pitcher, and stir to combine with the fruit and brandy mixture.
Step 4
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the flavors to meld beautifully. This is the key to a flavorful sangria.
Step 5
Before serving, give the sangria a stir and taste for sweetness. Add a bit of sparkling water or a sweetener of your choice if desired. Serve over ice and garnish with some fresh mint.
Storage Options
Leftover sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep it in a glass pitcher to maintain freshness. If you want to make a larger batch, remember that sangria is even better after a day as the flavors intensify. Freezing is not recommended due to the fruit, which can become mushy upon thawing.
Variations & Substitutions
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine with grape juice and the brandy with apple juice. Add club soda for a fizzy touch. You can also experiment with different flavors by using white wine for a lighter version or adding spices like cinnamon and cloves for a warm, spiced note.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sangria ahead of time? Absolutely! Sangria is best when prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and add any sparkling components just before serving to keep the drink fresh and fizzy.
What types of fruits work best in this recipe? Apples, oranges, and pomegranates are seasonal favorites that add both sweetness and visual appeal to your sangria. Feel free to customize with berries, pears, or stone fruits like peaches, depending on your preference and availability.
Is it okay to use non-alcoholic wine for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute non-alcoholic wine to create a festive mocktail version. Complement the flavor with additional fruit juices and fizzy soda to maintain the refreshing quality of traditional sangria. Adjust the sweetness according to taste.
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Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups red wine use a fruity variety like Merlot or Shiraz
- 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed is best
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup to taste
- 1 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1 orange sliced leave the peel on
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange juice, and maple syrup. Stir well until the syrup is dissolved.
- Add cranberries and sliced orange to the mixture, stirring until combined.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnish with additional fruit slices if desired.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
