Description
A simple, make-ahead holiday cocktail featuring seasonal fruit and spices, perfect for Christmas parties. This recipe provides instructions for both a classic red and a bright white version.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) OR dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 apple (Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 cup chilled sparkling water or Prosecco (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Combine the wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and simple syrup in a large pitcher. Stir well.
- Add the sliced orange, apple slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs to the pitcher.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fruit to infuse the wine.
- When ready to serve, taste the sangria and adjust sweetness if needed.
- If using, top each glass with a splash of chilled sparkling water or Prosecco before serving.
- Garnish each glass with fresh cranberries or an orange slice.
Notes
- For the White Christmas Sangria, use white wine and omit the cinnamon sticks if you prefer a lighter spice profile.
- You can substitute the brandy with spiced rum for a different flavor base.
- Make the sangria base (without the sparkling water) up to 24 hours ahead of time for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Maceration
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0