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Let me share my favorite holiday cocktail that never fails to get the party started! I've perfected this Holiday Sangria recipe over many celebrations and it's become my signature drink. The way the red wine mingles with warm brandy bright citrus and those festive cranberries creates pure magic in a glass. Plus it's so beautiful your guests will be reaching for their phones to snap photos!
What Makes Holiday Sangria Special
This isn't your ordinary sangria! The sparkling apple juice adds such wonderful effervescence and those jewel like cranberries floating among citrus slices create a stunning presentation. I love how the cinnamon sticks add warmth to every sip making it perfectly festive for winter gatherings.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Red Wine: I love using Tempranillo it's so perfectly balanced.
- Brandy: Just enough to add that cozy warmth.
- Fruit: Those citrus slices and cranberries are gorgeous!
- Spices: Cinnamon sticks are a must for holiday vibes.
- Sparkling Apple Juice: Creates the most delightful bubbles.
- Sugar: Just a touch to bring everything together.
Let's Mix It Up
- Getting Started
- First things first slice those citrus fruits nice and thin they'll look like little suns floating in your drink!
- The Base
- Combine your wine brandy and sugar this is where the magic begins.
- Add the Goodies
- Now for the fun part! Add all those beautiful fruits and cinnamon sticks. The longer it sits the better it gets.
- Final Sparkle
- Just before serving add that sparkling apple juice watch those bubbles dance!
- Time to Share
- Pour into your favorite punch bowl or pitcher and watch your guests' eyes light up!
My Best Tips
- Quality Counts: Use wine you'd happily drink on its own.
- Patience Pays: Overnight chilling makes such a difference!
- Make It Yours: Feel free to adjust the sweetness.
- Get Creative: Try adding star anise or pomegranate seeds.
- Keep It Cool: Cold sangria is happy sangria!
Planning Ahead
- Prep Early: Make the base up to two days ahead what a timesaver!
- Save Some: Leftovers keep well just remember the bubbles will fade.
- Serve Smart: A ladle and fruit tongs make serving so elegant.
The Perfect Party Drink
This sangria truly brings holiday magic to any gathering! The gorgeous colors the festive flavors and that delightful fizz create such a celebratory mood. It's become my most requested drink recipe and I know it'll become your go to holiday cocktail too!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the base should be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for best flavor. Add the sparkling cider just before serving.
- → What kind of red wine works best?
A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Tempranillo works well. Avoid anything too expensive as it will be mixed with other ingredients.
- → Can I make this non-alcoholic?
While traditional sangria is wine-based, you could create a similar flavor using grape juice and additional sparkling cider, omitting the wine and brandy.
- → How long does it keep?
The base mixture can be kept refrigerated for 2-3 days. Add the sparkling cider only when ready to serve.
- → Can I use different fruits?
Yes, you can customize the fruits based on what's available. Pears, pomegranate seeds, or other winter fruits work well in this recipe.
Conclusion
A festive and flavorful holiday cocktail that combines rich red wine, brandy, and a variety of seasonal fruits and spices to create a warming and celebratory beverage perfect for winter gatherings.