Paul Kushner
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a festive Holiday Sangria! This seasonal twist on classic sangria combines red wine with cranberry and pomegranate juices, a splash of Grand Marnier, and a touch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor. Fresh fruit, cranberries, and pomegranate arils add a burst of color and flavor, making this drink the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings.
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Equipment
- Large Pitcher
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 8 oz cranberry juice
- 8 oz pomegranate juice
- 2.75 oz Grand Marnier
- 6 oz cinnamon simple syrup
- 1 honeycrisp apple thinly sliced
- 1 navel orange thinly sliced
- Handful of fresh cranberries
- Pomegranate arils for extra flavor and color
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, Grand Marnier, and cinnamon simple syrup. Add the apple slices, orange slices, cranberries, and pomegranate arils.
- Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients until well mixed, allowing the fruit to start infusing the sangria.
- Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill for 2–4 hours to let the flavors meld. For a quicker option, serve immediately over crushed ice.
- Pour the sangria into glasses, including some fruit in each serving. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic touch.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Make Ahead: This sangria can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add a little more cinnamon simple syrup or a splash of orange juice.
- Optional Bubbles: For a sparkling twist, top each glass with a splash of club soda or sparkling water right before serving.
Tasting Notes
The Holiday Sangria is a festive blend of fruity and spiced flavors, perfect for celebrating the season. The red wine’s depth is beautifully balanced by the tart cranberry and pomegranate juices, while the Grand Marnier adds a hint of citrus warmth. The cinnamon simple syrup brings a cozy holiday note, and each sip is enhanced by the fresh fruit, cranberries, and pomegranate arils, making this sangria both refreshing and celebratory.
