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Festive Winter Sangria

This holiday-inspired sangria combines rich red wine with warming winter spices, dried fruits, and bright citrus slices. It’s prepared by infusing the ingredients together in a pitcher, allowing flavors to meld overnight for a cozy, vibrant beverage with a beautiful deep amber hue and sparkling finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings, its smooth, fruity, and spiced profile creates a celebratory atmosphere in every glass.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 750 ml bottle of red wine (Spanish tempranillo or Merlot)
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 2 oranges oranges preferably blood oranges for deeper color
  • 1 lemon lemon
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots
  • 2 sticks cinnamon sticks
  • 2 stars star anise
  • 4 cloves whole cloves
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda

Equipment

  • Large pitcher or jug
  • Citrus zester or peeler
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or stirrer

Method
 

  1. Slice the oranges and lemon into thin rounds, keeping the rinds on to release aromatic oils, and set aside.
  2. Pour the red wine into a large pitcher, then add the brandy and maple syrup. Stir gently to combine, allowing the sweetness and spirits to meld.
  3. Add the citrus slices to the pitcher, distributing them evenly throughout the liquid. Then, toss in the dried cranberries and apricots for added sweetness and texture.
  4. Place the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves into the mixture, pressing them slightly to release their fragrant oils as the flavors infuse.
  5. Cover the pitcher tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dried fruits to soften.
  6. Before serving, give the sangria a gentle stir to lift the flavors, then taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding a little more maple syrup.
  7. Just before serving, pour in the sparkling water or club soda for a lively fizz, stirring gently to combine without losing the bubbles.
  8. Fill glasses with some of the fruit pieces and pour the chilled sangria over, garnishing with a fresh citrus slice if desired for a festive touch.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, rim glasses with sugar or add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. This sangria can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to deepen and intensify.