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Festive Red Christmas Sangria with Cranberry, Orange, and Cinnamon

Close-up of a glass filled with sparkling Christmas sangria, garnished with bright orange slices and whole cranberries.
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This easy Christmas sangria recipe blends red wine with seasonal fruits and warming spices, making it a refreshing and flavorful holiday cocktail perfect for parties.

Ingredients

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  • 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup or granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (added just before serving)

Instructions

  1. Combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, orange juice, and simple syrup in a large pitcher. Stir well to mix the liquids.
  2. Add the sliced orange, cranberries, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs to the pitcher. Gently stir the fruit into the wine mixture.
  3. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the fruit flavors and spices to infuse the wine properly.
  4. Just before serving, remove the cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs if you prefer a less intense spice flavor.
  5. Top the sangria with the club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently one last time.
  6. Serve the Christmas sangria over ice in wine glasses, making sure each glass gets some of the festive fruit.

Notes

  • For a make ahead holiday cocktail, prepare the wine and fruit mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Add the club soda only right before guests arrive.
  • If you want a sweeter drink, increase the simple syrup amount slightly.
  • This recipe works well with a variety of red wines; choose one you enjoy drinking on its own.
  • For a non-alcoholic option, substitute the wine and spirits with cranberry juice, sparkling white grape juice, and extra orange juice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/christmas-sangria-recipe-easy-holiday-drink/