Holiday Red Wine Sangria
This classic red wine sangria is easy, fruity, and perfect to serve for a holiday cocktail because it's made in a big batch. Choose a red wine that's light but dry with some character, like an inexpensive Spanish Garnacha or a Merlot. Part of the fun in making sangria is showcasing your favorite fresh fruit, so use an assortment, but go heavy on the citrus. The only requirement to making sangria in my book is that it contains wine. Everything else is based on your personal preference. Now that's a cocktail I can get behind!
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 115kcal
Ingredients
- 750 ml bottle full-bodied dry red wine such as Merlot, Spanish Garnache, or Pinot Noir
- ½ cup simple syrup see Notes below
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- 2 oz. orange liqueur such as Cointreau
- 2 oz. brandy or rum
- 2 cups fresh seasonal fruit whole, sliced or chopped , such as oranges, lemon, apple, pear, plum, raspberries,
- Chilled prosecco optional
- Sugared cranberries for garnish see Notes below
Instructions
- Combine the wine, simple syrup, orange and pineapple juice, brandy or rum, and orange liqueur in a large glass pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Fill wine glasses with ice and arrange ¼ cup of the chopped fruit in each. Pour the sangria into the glasses, top with a splash of Prosecco, if desired. Garnish with frosted cranberries and/or other seasonal fruit.
- Cheers!
Notes
To make simple syrup: In a small saucepan, mix 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Immediately remove from the heat and let cool. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 month.
To make sugared cranberries: In a medium small bowl, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries with ⅓ cup simple syrup, stirring to coat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cranberries from the syrup and place them on a cooling rack set over a sheet pan to drain. Let the cranberries dry for about 30 minutes. (Save the syrup for cocktails or another batch of cranberries.) Spread about ½ cup sugar into a shallow dish and roll the cranberries, a few at a time, in the sugar until completely coated. Let them dry completely then store in an airtight container room temperature for up to a week.
Looking some great appetizers to serve with Holiday Red Wine Sangria? Try these:
Baked Brie with Blackberries, Honey, and Thyme. Lemon Goat Cheese Balls in Dukkah
Baked Brie with Blackberries, Honey, and Thyme. Lemon Goat Cheese Balls in Dukkah
Nutrition
Serving: 8g | Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.4g | Protein: 1.4g | Fat: 2.7g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 15.1mg | Sugar: 20.1g