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Christmas Holiday Sangria Recipe

Christmas Holiday Sangria Recipe

Christmas is the perfect time for festive drinks. A Christmas Holiday Sangria Recipe brings joy to any celebration. This fruity, spiced drink is easy to make.
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Course Drinks

Equipment

  • Large glass pitcher (2 quarts or bigger)
  • Sharp knife for cutting fruits
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wine opener

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle red wine 750ml, choose affordable
  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed is best
  • 1/4 cup brandy optional but recommended
  • 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
  • 1 orange sliced into rounds
  • 1 apple chopped into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3-4 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise optional
  • 2 cups sparkling water or ginger ale

Instructions
 

  • Wash all your fruits thoroughly under cold water.
  • Slice the orange into thin, round pieces.
  • Chop the apple into bite-sized chunks.
  • Keep the cranberries whole for best appearance.
  • Pour red wine into your large pitcher.
  • Add cranberry juice and orange juice next.
  • Stir in the brandy if you're using it.
  • Mix everything together with your wooden spoon.
  • Add honey or sugar to the mixture.
  • Stir until it dissolves completely into the liquid.
  • Drop in the cinnamon sticks and cloves.
  • Add star anise if you have it available.
  • Put all your prepared fruits into the pitcher.
  • Push them down gently with your spoon.
  • This helps release their natural flavors faster.
  • Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap tightly.
  • Put it in your refrigerator for minimum time.
  • Let it sit for at least 4 hours.
  • Overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
  • Before serving, add sparkling water or ginger ale.
  • This adds fizz and lightens the drink.
  • Fill glasses with ice cubes first.
  • Pour sangria over the ice generously.
  • Make sure each glass gets some fruit.

Notes

  • Choose a fruity, light red wine for best results.
  • You don't need expensive wine at all.
  • A $10 bottle works perfectly fine here.
  • Let the sangria rest for several hours minimum.
  • This allows flavors to blend together beautifully.
  • For non-alcoholic version, use grape juice instead.
  • Replace wine with red grape juice easily.
  • Add more sparkling water for lighter taste preference.
  • Fresh fruits make a huge difference in flavor.
  • Frozen cranberries work when fresh aren't available.
  • Adjust sweetness based on your personal preference.
  • Taste before serving and add more honey.
  • Make it 24 hours ahead for parties.
  • The flavor gets better with more time.
  • Serve in clear glasses to show colors.
  • Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for presentation.
Keyword Christmas Holiday Sangria Recipe