Pin it
I've gotta tell you about my go-to festive drink that always kicks off celebrations right! After tweaking this Holiday Sangria through countless get-togethers, it's now my signature beverage. There's something magical when deep red wine blends with smooth brandy, zesty fruit and those festive little cranberries. And it looks so darn pretty your friends will grab their phones for pictures before the first sip!
The Charm Behind Holiday Sangria
This stands miles apart from regular sangria! Bubbling apple juice gives it that amazing fizz while those ruby-red cranberries swimming with slices of fruit make it a total showstopper. The way cinnamon sticks bring that cozy feeling to each mouthful really nails the winter party vibe.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Red Wine: Tempranillo works great with its perfect flavor balance.
- Brandy: A splash brings that snug warmth everyone loves.
- Fruit: The mix of bright citrus and cranberries looks amazing!
- Spices: You can't skip cinnamon sticks for that holiday feeling.
- Sparkling Apple Juice: This adds those wonderful little bubbles.
- Sugar: A small amount helps blend all flavors together.
Let's Mix It Up
- Getting Started
- Cut your citrus super thin first they'll float like tiny suns throughout your drink!
- The Base
- Mix your wine with brandy and sugar this is where everything starts coming together.
- Add the Goodies
- Here comes the exciting part! Toss in all those pretty fruits with cinnamon sticks. Remember it tastes better the longer it sits.
- Final Sparkle
- Right before you serve pour in the sparkling apple juice and watch the bubbles pop up!
- Time to Share
- Fill your punch bowl or favorite pitcher and enjoy seeing your guests smile with delight!
My Best Tips
- Quality Counts: Pick a wine you'd enjoy drinking straight.
- Patience Pays: Letting it chill overnight really works wonders!
- Make It Yours: Don't hesitate to tweak how sweet you want it.
- Get Creative: Maybe throw in some star anise or pomegranate seeds.
- Keep It Cool: Sangria always tastes better nice and chilled!
Planning Ahead
- Prep Early: You can make the base mixture two days ahead and save yourself stress!
- Save Some: It stays good in the fridge though the fizz will calm down eventually.
- Serve Smart: Having a ladle and some fruit tongs makes serving look fancy.
The Perfect Party Drink
This sangria brings such a special touch to any gathering! From its stunning colors to its merry flavors and that lovely fizz, it sets such a fun mood. Friends always ask me for this recipe now and I bet it'll soon be your holiday party favorite too!
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can it be made beforehand?
Sure, make the base mix the night before and chill it. Hold off on adding the cider until you're about to serve it.
- → What wine should I pick?
Go for a medium-bodied type like Merlot or Tempranillo. No need for pricey bottles since it gets mixed with other ingredients.
- → Is there a non-alcoholic option?
Skip the wine and brandy. Replace them with grape juice and extra sparkling cider for a similar taste experience.
- → Does it stay fresh?
You can keep the base refrigerated for a couple of days. Just add the cider when you're ready to drink it.
- → Can I switch up the fruits?
Totally! Add pears, pomegranate seeds, or whatever fruit you've got on hand that fits the season.
Conclusion
This is a heartwarming seasonal drink with a mix of fruity flavors. Bold red wine, smooth brandy, and rich spices make it perfect for cool-weather parties.