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Festive Red Christmas Sangria with Cranberries and Apple

Close-up of a glass filled with bubbly Christmas sangria, loaded with orange slices, cranberries, and red apple pieces.
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Make this easy and refreshing Christmas Sangria for your holiday parties. It features red wine, seasonal fruits, and warming spices for a crowd-pleasing winter cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise pod
  • 1 medium orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup club soda or sparkling water, chilled (for serving)
  • Ice for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange juice, orange liqueur, sugar, cinnamon stick, and star anise pod.
  2. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Add the sliced orange, sliced apple, and cranberries to the pitcher.
  4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. This make ahead Christmas cocktail step is important for the best taste.
  5. When ready to serve, remove the cinnamon stick and star anise pod.
  6. Pour the sangria into ice-filled glasses. Top each glass with a splash of chilled club soda or sparkling water for effervescence.
  7. Garnish each glass with a fresh orange slice or a few floating cranberries.

Notes

  • For a White Christmas Sangria variation, substitute the red wine with a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio and use white cranberry juice instead of regular cranberries.
  • If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the granulated sugar to 2 tablespoons.
  • You can substitute the club soda with prosecco for a more festive holiday punch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/christmas-sangria-recipe-festive-punch/