The Bourbon Whiskey Sangria is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic sangria, perfect for anyone who enjoys rich, spiced drinks with a seasonal touch. Red wine forms the base, offering depth and body, while bourbon adds warmth and a smooth, oaky flavor. Low-carb apple cider brings a crisp, refreshing sweetness, and sugar-free grenadine ties in a fruity note without being overly heavy. Fresh fruits and aromatic spices are added, infusing the sangria with layers of flavor as it chills. This make-ahead cocktail is ideal for cozy gatherings, autumn celebrations, or simply sharing with friends on a cool evening.

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Tasting Notes

Bourbon Whiskey Sangria blends the bold richness of whiskey with the fruit-forward freshness of a traditional sangria. Red wine provides body and tannin, while apple cider adds orchard sweetness and crispness. Grenadine contributes depth and a touch of tart cherry flavor, harmonizing with fresh cranberries and sliced fruit. Bourbon adds warmth, caramel, and oak notes that give the drink a layered finish, while spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and star anise infuse aromatic complexity. Each sip delivers a balance of fruit, spice, and whiskey character, making it both refreshing and bold, with a seasonal twist that’s perfect for gatherings.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare this Bourbon Whiskey Sangria, you’ll need a large pitcher or mixing bowl for combining all the ingredients and steeping the fruit and spices. A long-handled spoon is essential for stirring and ensuring the flavors meld evenly. A sharp knife and cutting board are required for slicing apples and oranges, while a small spoon or muddler can be used to gently press fruit if you want stronger infusion. For serving, stemless wine glasses or tumblers are ideal, leaving enough room for fruit pieces and ice. If you want a polished finish, garnish with extra fruit slices and whole spices.

Ingredients

1 bottle red wine
8 oz bourbon whiskey adjust to taste
8 oz grenadine
16 oz apple cider
½ teaspoon cardamom bitters optional
1 medium apple cut into pieces
1 medium orange cut into pieces
½ cup fresh cranberries
6 whole cloves
3 whole cinnamon sticks
3 whole green cardamom pods
2 whole star anise
Fresh fruit and whole spices for garnish optional

Instructions

In a large bowl or pitcher, combine the red wine, low-carb apple cider, sugar-free keto grenadine, apple pieces, orange pieces, fresh cranberries, and all the whole spices (cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and star anise).
Stir the mixture well to combine the ingredients and release the flavors of the spices.
Taste the mixture, and if desired, add bourbon whiskey to your preferred strength and flavor.
Cover the sangria and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors infuse and deepen.
Before serving, give the sangria a final stir and garnish with additional fresh fruit slices and whole spices, if desired, for an attractive presentation.
Serve the sangria chilled in glasses over ice, if preferred, and enjoy!
This sangria can be made a day or so ahead of your gathering and will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips

Choose a fruit-forward red wine such as Merlot or Garnacha for balance.
Use a mid-range bourbon that offers caramel and spice without overpowering the wine.
Chill overnight for deeper flavor infusion, but serve within 3 days for freshness.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce grenadine or replace with pomegranate juice.
Use whole spices rather than ground for cleaner infusion and presentation.
Freeze extra cranberries to use as decorative ice cubes.
Adjust bourbon amounts based on whether you want a lighter sangria or a bolder whiskey-forward version.
Serve in pre-chilled glasses for best effect.

When to Serve

Bourbon Whiskey Sangria is perfect for gatherings where you want a batch cocktail that feels both bold and approachable. Its combination of fruit, spice, and whiskey makes it well-suited for fall and winter celebrations, particularly Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. It pairs beautifully with hearty meals, cheese boards, or roasted dishes, offering balance between sweetness and spice. This sangria works equally well for casual get-togethers and more formal holiday dinners, with its layered flavors appealing to both wine and whiskey lovers. Made ahead of time and served cold, it’s a convenient yet impressive option for entertaining.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Red Wine: Apothic Red, Campo Viejo Rioja, Menage à Trois
Bourbon Whiskey: Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Bulleit
Grenadine: Rose’s, Liber & Co., Collins

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