Winter Sangria

a glass of red wine sangria with cinnamon sugar rim, fresh fruit, and cinnamon sticks

5 from 4 votes

This red winter sangria is a festive addition to any meal. It's mixed with apple, oranges, cinnamon and brandy for a citrus-spiced flavor to help you celebrate the season.

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Prep Time15

Chill Time2

Total Time2 15

Servings: glasses

Author: Molly Thompson

INGREDIENTS

Red Winter Sangria

1 bottle semi-dry red wine (I like Spanish Red Wine) (Note 1)
1/2 cup apple brandy
1/3 cup Grand Marnier or other orange liquor
2 Tablespoons agave, honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup
1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (about 3 oranges)
1 apple cored and sliced
2 pears sliced
1 orange, sliced with the peel
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
6-7 cinnamon sticks
1-2 whole star anise
2 sprigs rosemary plus more to garnish
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Ginger Ale, soda water or ginger beer to top

Cinnamon Sugar Rim

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

Place all of the ingredients, except for the soda water or ginger ale, in a large pitcher and stir to combine.
1 bottle semi-dry red wine, 1/2 cup apple brandy, 1/3 cup Grand Marnier, 2 Tablespoons agave, honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup, 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, 1 apple, 2 pears, 1 orange, sliced with the peel, 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, 6-7 cinnamon sticks, 1-2 whole star anise, 2 sprigs rosemary, 1 teaspoon whole cloves
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor it has, but don't go past 24 hours or the fruit can turn bitter.
If you’re making a sugar rim, add all of the ingredients to a shallow plate and mix well. Rim each glass with an orange to wet the sides then dip it in the spice mixture.
1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
When you’re ready to serve, fill the rimmed glasses with ice and pour the sangria in 3/4 of the way full. Top with ginger ale or soda water and garnish with soaked fruit, extra cinnamon sticks or rosemary.
Ginger Ale, soda water or ginger beer

Recipe Equipment

Wine Glasses or Mason Jar

Large Pitcher or Punch Bowl

Notes

Note 1. Red Wine. There's no need to break the bank here. Your favorite red wine will do. I personally like Spanish red wine for sangria. The best option is a Garnacha or Tempranillo because it's somewhat fruity and is low in tannins (bitterness). You can find this type of wine at any grocery store and it's usually in the $10 range. Check out this great post for other red wine options.

Note 2. Apple Brandy. You don't need to buy a whole bottle if you don't want to. Regular brandy works too, or use apple cider for a lighter, less boozy sangria.

White Sangria: swap the red wine for your favorite dry white wine, like sauvignon blanc.

Warm Winter Sangria: Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour. Do not go over or the fruit and orange rinds will start to taste bitter. When the hour is up, turn the heat to “warm” and serve with fresh fruit and cinnamon sticks.

Nutrition

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