Celebrate the holiday season with this vibrant and festive Christmas Sangria. This easy-to-make cocktail combines the warmth of red wine with fruity flavors of cranberry, pomegranate, and citrus, sweetened by a cinnamon-infused syrup. Fresh fruit and aromatic garnishes make it as visually stunning as it is delicious—perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Equipment
- Long mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry red wine
- 2 oz Grand Marnier
- 8 oz cranberry juice
- 8 oz pomegranate juice
- 6 oz cinnamon simple syrup
- 1 honeycrisp apple thinly sliced
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the red wine, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, Grand Marnier, and cinnamon simple syrup. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
- Add the sliced honeycrisp apple, orange slices, fresh cranberries, and pomegranate arils. Stir gently to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For a deeper infusion, let it chill overnight.
- When ready to serve, pour the sangria into glasses over ice. Finish with a garnish of a cinnamon stick and a sprig of rosemary for a festive flourish.
Notes
- Use a high-quality dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for the best balance of flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add a splash of orange juice or extra cinnamon syrup.
- Freeze the cranberries beforehand to use as edible “ice cubes” that keep the sangria chilled without diluting it.
Tasting Notes
The Christmas Sangria greets your palate with a rich, fruity aroma of cranberry and pomegranate. The dry red wine provides a smooth, warming base, complemented by a subtle citrus tang and the cozy spice of cinnamon. Each sip is a harmonious blend of festive flavors, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.