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Festive Christmas Sangria

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A vibrant and easy holiday cocktail combining sparkling wine, fresh citrus, and warming spices for a festive and refreshing drink perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 750 ml (25 oz) red wine (fruity, medium-bodied like Tempranillo or Merlot)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sparkling water or club soda
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange liqueur (Triple sec or Cointreau)
  • 1 large fresh orange, sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh cranberries
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1–2 star anise pods
  • 1 medium apple, cored and sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh pomegranate seeds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Wash all the fruit thoroughly. Slice the orange and apple into thin rounds or half-moons, leaving the peel on. Set aside the cranberries and pomegranate seeds.
  2. In a large pitcher, pour in the red wine followed by the orange liqueur. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Drizzle in the honey or maple syrup and stir until dissolved.
  4. Add the sliced orange, apple, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods. Stir carefully to distribute evenly.
  5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally 6-8 hours, to let flavors marry and spices infuse.
  6. Just before serving, add the sparkling water or club soda to the pitcher and stir gently to combine without losing fizz.
  7. Pour into glasses, ensuring each gets a mix of fruit. Garnish with extra pomegranate seeds or a cinnamon stick if desired.

Notes

For stronger spice flavor, leave cinnamon sticks and star anise in overnight but remove before serving to avoid overpowering taste. Use fresh, ripe fruit for best flavor. Adjust sweetness to taste. Add sparkling water just before serving to keep fizz. Variations include white wine version, non-alcoholic version, and spiced rum addition.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas sangria, holiday cocktail, festive drink, sparkling sangria, holiday party drink, easy sangria recipe, Christmas cocktail

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/festive-christmas-sangria-recipe-easy-vibrant-holiday-cocktail-ideas/