Spiced Cranberry Clementine Winter Sangria
Recipe Introduction
Hey everyone, ever get that itch for something festive? Well, I do! And what's more festive than a killer winter sangria ? You know? I've been playing with different variations, and oh my gosh, I think I’ve nailed the perfect one.
A Taste of Winter Wonder
This spiced cranberry & clementine winter sangria recipe is like Christmas in a glass. Think of this holiday sangria as a warm hug on a chilly evening.
It is easy to make, so you can relax and let the flavours mingle!
It's Spanish in origin, but with a festive winter twist. It is super easy to make. The recipe yields six to eight servings.
Plus, it only takes 15 minutes of prep, but you'll need to chill it for at least two hours.
Why You'll Love This Spiced Sangria Recipe
Honestly, this cranberry clementine sangria is a fantastic source of Vitamin C, thanks to all the citrus. It's the perfect drink for Christmas parties, New Year's Eve or any get-together during the colder months.
This Christmas sangria recipe is special because it's so easy to customise and really brings people together, you know?
Get Ready to Mix!
Ready to shake up your winter with this festive winter cocktails ? This red wine winter drinks will be the highlight of your holiday festivities.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Winter Sangria
Ready to whip up some festive winter cocktails ? This spiced sangria recipe is ridiculously easy. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for it to chill.
Main Ingredients for Winter Sangria Recipe
Let's gather what you need to make this cranberry clementine sangria sing. No need to stress about perfect measurements. This is more art than science. But, let's aim for these:
- Dry Red Wine: 750 ml (one bottle). Grab a Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon. It doesn't need to be fancy, just decent.
- Brandy: ½ cup ( 120 ml ). This adds a nice kick.
- Orange Liqueur: ¼ cup ( 60 ml ). Cointreau or Triple Sec works great.
- Simple Syrup: ¼ cup ( 60 ml ). (Optional). Taste the sangria first. It may be sweet enough without it.
- Cranberry Juice: 1 cup ( 240 ml ). This brings the festive colour!
- Clementines: 2, sliced into rounds. Makes it a true Christmas sangria recipe .
- Cranberries: 1 cup , fresh or frozen. Frozen is fine!
- Apple: 1 (Honeycrisp or Gala), chopped. Adds some sweetness.
- Cinnamon Sticks: 2.
- Star Anise: 3.
- Orange slices and rosemary sprigs, for garnish. These really elevate the look.
Quality red wine is key. You don't need the most expensive bottle. Just a good solid choice, it really impacts the flavor.
Seasoning Notes: Elevating Your Holiday Sangria
The cinnamon and star anise are your heroes here. This spiced sangria recipe gets its warmth from them. If you're missing star anise, use cloves.
A little goes a long way. Taste as you go.
Quick substitution: If you haven't got any Cointreau, any orange liqueur will do. If you are feeling extra festive you can use pomegranate instead of apple.
Equipment Needed to Create this Warm Winter Sangria
You really don’t need much to make this easy winter cocktails .
- Large pitcher. Obvious, right?
- Cutting board and knife. For the fruit.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Keep things simple.
- Optional: Saucepan and whisk. Only if you're making simple syrup.
Honestly, if you don’t have a pitcher, a large bowl will do in a pinch! This best sangria for winter is all about being chill and enjoying the process.
Whipping Up the Perfect Winter Sangria
Honestly, there's nothing quite like a good winter sangria to chase away the winter blues. A winter sangria recipe is your ticket to making the best festive winter cocktails .
It's like a warm hug in a glass, perfect for Christmas gatherings or a cozy night in. I remember one year, I was snowed in and needed something to lift my spirits.
A bit of spiced sangria recipe , a roaring fire, and a good book? Sorted.
Prep Like a Pro for Cranberry Clementine Sangria
First things first: mise en place, baby! Get all your bits and bobs prepped. Chop those clementines and apples. Have the wine ready.
This not only saves time but also ensures you don't end up frantically searching for the cranberry juice halfway through.
Nobody wants that stress.
For time saving organization, measure out all your liquids in advance. It's like a mini science experiment, but with booze. Regarding safety, watch those fingers when chopping!
step-by-step: Your Delicious Spiced Cranberry Clementine Sangria
Here's how we're going to make this magical holiday sangria :
- Slice 2 clementines and chop 1 apple.
- Combine 750 ml bottle red wine, 120ml brandy, 60ml orange liqueur, and 60ml simple syrup (if you're using it) in a large pitcher.
- Add the fruit, 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise, and 1 cup cranberries.
- Stir it all together like you mean it.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours , but overnight is better.
- Right before serving, stir in 240ml cranberry juice.
- Serve chilled. Garnish with orange slices.
Pro Tips for a Winter Sangria That Rocks
Want to take your Christmas sangria recipe to the next level?
Use good wine. A cheap bottle will make it taste like regret. Don't break the bank, but aim for something decent.
Don't skip the chilling time. This lets the flavours meld into a symphony of deliciousness. We want to make the best sangria for winter , so give it the time it deserves.
Common mistake? Overdoing the sweetness. Taste as you go, and adjust accordingly. You don't want it tasting like candy. I'd suggest to use frozen cranberries as it keep the warm winter sangria cool and delicious.
So there you have it. Give this easy winter cocktails recipe a go, and let me know what you think! A simple red wine winter drinks like this, and the memories, it helps make are absolutely priceless.
Recipe Notes for the Best Winter Sangria
Honestly, crafting the perfect winter sangria recipe is all about tweaking it to your taste. Don't be afraid to experiment.
I've made this so many times, and each batch is slightly different, which is part of the fun!
Get Your Presentation On
For plating and presentation, think festive! Orange slices clinging to the side of the glass are cute. And don't sleep on rosemary sprigs.
They bring such a lovely aroma. This Holiday Sangria looks stunning in a glass pitcher that can be easily refilled and enjoyed by your guests.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, sugar the rims of your glasses for a snowy effect. A cheese board with crackers is a total winner.
This cranberry clementine sangria also pairs so nicely with roasted nuts.
Storage Hacks
If you're not polishing off the spiced sangria recipe in one go, no worries. It keeps well. Store it in the fridge.
This red wine winter drinks need to stay covered in the fridge for up to three days. The longer it sits, the more the flavours meld.
I don't recommend freezing this Christmas sangria recipe . The fruit gets a bit mushy when thawed. When reheating this warm winter sangria just stir and enjoy!
Remixing the Recipe
Want to mix things up? Go crazy, fam! For a lower sugar version, skip the simple syrup altogether. The fruit's natural sweetness is often enough.
Try it with easy winter cocktails like sparkling water. For a non-alcoholic version, swap out the wine for grape juice.
Replace the brandy with apple cider.
Numbers That Matter
Okay, so roughly, each serving clocks in around 250-300 calories. No protein, virtually no fat, and around 25-35 grams of carbs.
Of course, this is just an estimate. The exact numbers depend on the wine. But remember, it's all about balance and moderation.
But the real health benefit? The joy it brings while sipping this best sangria for winter with friends and family.
So, go on, give this winter sangria a whirl. I think you'll love it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make winter sangria ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's recommended. The longer the sangria sits, the more the flavors meld together. Aim for at least 2 hours of chilling time, but overnight is even better. Just hold off on adding any sparkling components until right before serving to keep it bubbly, like a proper Sunday roast needs fresh Yorkshire puddings!
What's the best wine to use for winter sangria?
A dry red wine like Rioja, Garnacha, or Cabernet Sauvignon works beautifully. You don't need to break the bank a good quality, affordable bottle will do the trick. Think of it like choosing a house wine; it should be palatable on its own but won't overshadow the other lovely ingredients.
For a white winter sangria, a crisp Pinot Grigio would be amazing!
I don't have brandy. What can I substitute in my winter sangria?
No brandy, no worries! Dark rum or even a bit more of your orange liqueur, like Cointreau or Triple Sec, can work in a pinch. You could also use a fruit flavored liqueur that complements the cranberries and clementines.
Think of it like substituting custard for cream in trifle not quite the same, but still delicious!
My winter sangria is too tart! How can I make it sweeter?
If your sangria is too tart, the easiest fix is to add more simple syrup. You can also add a touch of maple syrup or agave nectar. Start with a tablespoon at a time, stir well, and taste until you reach your desired level of sweetness, just like adding sugar to your morning cuppa.
How long does winter sangria last?
Winter sangria is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it. Keep it refrigerated in a sealed pitcher. After that, the fruit can start to break down and the flavors may become less vibrant, much like day-old chips from the chippy. Enjoy responsibly and with good company!
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this winter sangria recipe?
Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic winter sangria, replace the red wine with grape juice, the brandy with apple cider or sparkling apple juice, and the orange liqueur with orange juice or a non-alcoholic orange extract. A splash of lemon juice will add some zing.
It's like swapping out the gin in a G&T for lemonade still refreshing and delicious!
Spiced Cranberry Clementine Winter Sangria
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | 1g |
