If you’re looking to elevate your holiday gatherings with a vibrant splash of flavor, I’ve got just the concoction that merges everything our favorite season offers in a glass: my festive winter sangria.
I love making this Winter Sangria to heat up cold nights. Its rich marriage of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, brandy, and orange liqueur forms a potent base, while the cranberry and pomegranate juices add a pop of merry-tasting sharpness.
I adore using sliced citrus and fresh cranberries in the recipe as an icy-cold, not-so-secret weapon that gets the sangria tasting super-fresh.
Winter Sangria Recipe Ingredients
- Red Wine: A heart-healthy base rich in antioxidants that add a robust flavor.
- Brandy: Adds warmth and depth, with hints of oak and vanilla.
- Orange Liqueur: Offers a sweet citrus note, balancing tart flavors.
- Cranberry Juice: Provides tartness and rich color, loaded with Vitamin C.
- Pomegranate Juice: Adds a tangy kick and is packed with antioxidants.
- Fresh Cranberries: Supplies tartness and a festive touch, high in fiber.
- Pomegranate Seeds: A crunchy, tart addition rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Cinnamon Stick: Infuses warmth and spiciness, with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Star Anise: Imparts a licorice-like flavor, adding aromatic depth.
Winter Sangria Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 bottle of red wine (750ml), such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- Seeds from 1 pomegranate
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 star anise
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 1 pear, cored and diced
- 1 cup club soda or ginger ale (optional, for serving)
How to Make this Winter Sangria Recipe
1. In a big pitcher or a bowl, mix together the red wine, the brandy, the orange liqueur, the cranberry juice, and the pomegranate juice. Make sure to stir it thoroughly.
2. If you wish to add simple syrup for sweetness, do so now, depending on the level of sweetness you prefer. Then mix everything together really well.
3. Include the mixture with the orange, lemon, and lime, cut into thin slices.
4. Mingle the fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, diced apple, and diced pear with the sangria.
5. Add the cinnamon stick and star anise for a pleasant, spice-scented aroma.
6. Combine everything gently, making sure the fruit is evenly spread throughout.
7. Place the pitcher or bowl in the refrigerator and cover. Chill for at least 2 to 4 hours or overnight so the flavors can meld.
8. Prior to serving, take a taste and adjust the sweetness level, if needed, by adding more simple syrup.
9. If you want to add a sparkling touch when serving, mix in some club soda or ginger ale.
10. Ensure each serving gets a mix of fruit and liquid when serving over ice in glasses. If you fancy, garnish with even more star anise or with additional slices of citrus. Enjoy your winter sangria!
Winter Sangria Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pitcher or bowl
2. Long spoon or stirrer
3. Measuring cups
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife
6. Refrigerator
7. Serving glasses
8. Ice cube tray (for ice)
9. Sieve or strainer (optional, for removing seeds if desired)
10. Wrap or cover (to cover the pitcher or bowl in the refrigerator)
11. Ladle (optional, for serving)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of wine for this sangria?Indeed, you can employ other red wines such as Zinfandel or Shiraz to achieve a distinct flavor profile.
- What can I use if I don’t have brandy on hand?Substitution with rum or whisky in equal amounts is possible; however, the taste will not remain constant.
- Is the simple syrup necessary in this recipe?It’s not mandatory and can be changed according to your flavoring preference. Adjust it to suit your sweetness levels.
- Can I prepare this sangria in advance?For sure, it’s optimal when it resides in the refrigerator for no less than several hours or a whole night to allow the flavors to blend.
- What non-alcoholic substitute can I use for the orange liqueur?Non-alcoholic alternatives to cocktails can include orange juice. Just don’t expect them to be quite as flavorful as a drink made with booze.
- Can I make a non-alcoholic version?Of course! Swap the wine for grape or cranberry juice and leave out the liqueurs.
- How do I serve Winter Sangria?Pour it over ice in a glass, and then add a splash of club soda or ginger ale. Those are the two basic ways of making it refreshing and wobbly.
Winter Sangria Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Red wine: Swap in a white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a lighter sangria.
Use whiskey or rum instead of brandy to create a different flavor profile.
Liqueur d’orange : Utilisez Grand Marnier ou un schnaps de fruits en substitution.
Cherry juice or a berry blend juice can be used to add variation.
Cranberries that are fresh: If they aren’t available, you could use frozen ones instead. Though I would say, just leave them out if you have neither fresh nor frozen.
Pro Tips
1. Choose Quality Wine and Liquor: Use a good quality red wine that you enjoy drinking on its own, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The quality of the wine and liqueur is crucial since they provide the base flavor of the sangria.
2. Customize Sweetness: Instead of adding simple syrup all at once, add it gradually and taste as you go. This allows you to tailor the sweetness to your preference and also account for the natural sweetness from the fruits.
3. Make the Most of Fresh Fruits: When preparing the fruits, ensure they are fresh and ripe. Ripe fruits will release more juices and enhance the overall taste of the sangria. Allowing the fruit to macerate in the wine for several hours or overnight will enrich the infusion.
4. Chill for Optimal Flavor Development: Chilling the sangria for at least 2 to 4 hours, or ideally overnight, enables the flavors from the fruits, spices, and liquids to meld perfectly. This resting time allows the sangria to develop a deeper, more harmonious taste profile.
5. Serve with a Sparkling Finish: Just before serving, add a splash of club soda or ginger ale to provide a refreshing fizz. It’s best to add the sparkling component just before serving to maintain the effervescence. This can enliven the sangria and add a refreshing touch when served.
Winter Sangria Recipe
My favorite Winter Sangria Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pitcher or bowl
2. Long spoon or stirrer
3. Measuring cups
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife
6. Refrigerator
7. Serving glasses
8. Ice cube tray (for ice)
9. Sieve or strainer (optional, for removing seeds if desired)
10. Wrap or cover (to cover the pitcher or bowl in the refrigerator)
11. Ladle (optional, for serving)
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (750ml), such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- Seeds from 1 pomegranate
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 star anise
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 1 pear, cored and diced
- 1 cup club soda or ginger ale (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a big pitcher or a bowl, mix together the red wine, the brandy, the orange liqueur, the cranberry juice, and the pomegranate juice. Make sure to stir it thoroughly.
2. If you wish to add simple syrup for sweetness, do so now, depending on the level of sweetness you prefer. Then mix everything together really well.
3. Include the mixture with the orange, lemon, and lime, cut into thin slices.
4. Mingle the fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, diced apple, and diced pear with the sangria.
5. Add the cinnamon stick and star anise for a pleasant, spice-scented aroma.
6. Combine everything gently, making sure the fruit is evenly spread throughout.
7. Place the pitcher or bowl in the refrigerator and cover. Chill for at least 2 to 4 hours or overnight so the flavors can meld.
8. Prior to serving, take a taste and adjust the sweetness level, if needed, by adding more simple syrup.
9. If you want to add a sparkling touch when serving, mix in some club soda or ginger ale.
10. Ensure each serving gets a mix of fruit and liquid when serving over ice in glasses. If you fancy, garnish with even more star anise or with additional slices of citrus. Enjoy your winter sangria!