It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays and the festive season calls for merry celebrations and delightful libations. What better way to toast to the festivities than with a refreshing glass of holiday sangria? Check out this three-step recipe that will have you raising your glass and spreading holiday cheer when the time comes around. Get ready to indulge in the vibrant flavors of fruit, spices, and a touch of holiday magic!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To start off, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (preferably a fruity variety like Merlot or Rioja)
- 1 cup of cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup of orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
- 1/4 cup of brandy
- 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup of simple syrup (made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water)
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., oranges, apples, cranberries, pomegranate seeds)
- Cinnamon sticks and star anise for garnish
Step 2: Mix and Infuse
In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, brandy, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup. Stir well to ensure all the flavors are incorporated. Then, add in the fresh fruits, such as sliced oranges, diced apples, whole cranberries, and juicy pomegranate seeds. Give the mixture a gentle stir, allowing the fruits to infuse their flavors into the sangria. For an extra touch of holiday charm, drop in a few cinnamon sticks and star anise.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Once everything is mixed and infused, cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and develop a harmonious taste. Before serving, give the sangria a final stir to ensure that all the goodness is evenly distributed. Fill individual glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled sangria over them, making sure to include some of the fruit pieces in each glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise for that extra festive touch.
