Christmas Sangria
User Reviews
5
Christmas Sangria
Description
Christmas Sangria combines a 750 ml bottle of white wine such as chardonnay or pinot grigio with cranberry juice and brandy, infused overnight with sliced apples, oranges, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. The chilling allows the spices and fruit flavors to meld thoroughly. Just before serving, sparkling apple cider and ginger ale are stirred in to provide a refreshing fizz that enlivens the sangria without making it flat. The garnishes of rosemary sprigs and additional star anise enhance its seasonal presentation.
The flavor is a harmonious fusion of bright citrus and tart berries balanced by the warmth of cinnamon and anise. The apple and orange slices add texture and a fresh element, while the cranberry juice intensifies the sour fruit notes. The mixture should be served well chilled to highlight the crisp, sparkling components.
This sangria works well as a festive, non-traditional holiday drink to serve at parties or family dinners. It pairs nicely with a variety of foods due to its balanced sweetness and spice profile. Adding sparkling beverages last helps keep the drink lively when poured.
Choosing apples like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith impacts the freshness and texture. Substituting clementines for oranges can vary the citrus brightness and visual appeal. Store the sangria chilled and add sparkling liquids just before serving to maintain carbonation.
Ingredients
- 750 ml bottle white wine such as chardonnay or pinot grigio
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice unsweetened
- ½ cup brandy
- 1 apple sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- ½ cup cranberries fresh
- 4 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 1 cup ginger ale
- 1 cup sparkling apple cider
- rosemary sprigs for garnish
- star anise sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the white wine into a large pitcher.
- Add the cranberry juice and brandy.
- Place the apple slices, orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks and star anise in the pitcher.
- Stir, then chill the white wine mixture for at least 2 hours.
- Remove the pitcher from the fridge, then pour in the apple cider and ginger ale.
- Serve, with extra star anise and rosemary sprigs for garnish if desired.
Notes
- Add the ginger ale and apple cider only when serving to preserve the fizz.
- Choose apples such as Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for optimal flavor and texture.
- For a different citrus note, try two smaller clementines instead of one large orange.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 207 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 207kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.04g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Sodium | 10mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 194mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 87IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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