Ah, winter sangria! It’s like a warm hug in a glass, and trust me, it’s the perfect drink for cozy gatherings during the chilly months. I remember the first time I made this delightful concoction at a holiday party, and the way the house filled with the sweet scent of citrus and spices was simply magical. The combination of red wine with fresh orange juice, tangy cranberries, and a hint of maple syrup creates a refreshing, festive beverage that’s bursting with seasonal flavors. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! You can make it ahead of time and let the flavors mingle, which is a total lifesaver when you’re entertaining. So, let’s dive into this winter sangria recipe that I know you’ll love just as much as I do!
Ingredients List
To make the most refreshing winter sangria, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750ml) of red wine
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup of brandy
- 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 cup of fresh cranberries
- 2 cups of soda water
How to Prepare Winter Sangria
Making winter sangria is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be the highlight of your holiday gatherings! Let’s break it down step by step so you can impress your friends and family with this festive drink.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a large pitcher. Pour in the entire bottle of red wine, followed by the cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, add the 1/2 cup of brandy – this gives the sangria that warm kick that’s perfect for chilly nights. Then, drizzle in the 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup. You can adjust this later if you want it sweeter!
- Now, it’s time for the fun part! Toss in the diced apple, sliced orange, sliced lemon, and fresh cranberries. Just imagine the burst of colors – it’s like winter in a glass!
- Stir everything gently but thoroughly, making sure all those flavors intertwine beautifully. Oh, the anticipation!
- Now, cover your pitcher and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time lets the fruits infuse their delightful goodness into the sangria. If you can wait longer, even better! Overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
- When you’re ready to serve, add in the 2 cups of soda water for that fizzy touch. It adds such a refreshing twist!
- Finally, fill your glasses with ice, pour in the sangria, and don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of extra fruit on top. Cheers to a fabulous winter treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Refreshing and flavorful, bringing a delightful twist to winter celebrations.
- Utilizes seasonal ingredients that are both vibrant and festive.
- Can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Perfect for sharing, making it a crowd-pleaser at any holiday party.
- Customizable sweetness, so you can adjust it to your taste preference.
- Non-alcoholic option available, so everyone can join in on the fun!
Tips for Success
To make the best winter sangria, here are a few handy tips that I’ve learned along the way. First off, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness! If you prefer it a bit sweeter, just add more maple syrup – it’s easy to customize to your taste. Also, feel free to switch up the fruits based on what you have on hand or your favorites. Pears, pomegranates, or even some fresh berries can add a unique twist!
Another great tip is to make your sangria in advance. I usually prepare it the night before, allowing all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to add the soda water right before serving to keep that refreshing fizz. Trust me, with these tips, your winter sangria will be a total hit, and everyone will be asking for your secret recipe!
Serving Suggestions
Winter sangria is so versatile when it comes to pairing! I love serving it alongside a charcuterie board filled with creamy cheeses, cured meats, and some crunchy nuts. The flavors meld together beautifully! For a sweet touch, consider some gingerbread cookies or spiced apple tarts that echo the warm notes of the sangria. If you want something lighter, a fresh spinach salad with citrus vinaigrette is a perfect match. Whatever you choose, your winter sangria will be the star of the show!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the nutritional profile of your winter sangria, keep in mind that values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always recommend checking the labels if you have specific dietary needs or preferences. This section doesn’t provide precise nutritional data, but here are some common values you might find per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 180
- Sugar: About 15g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 20g
- Sodium: Around 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Enjoy your winter sangria while being mindful of these values, and remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying the flavors of the season!
FAQ Section
How do I store leftover winter sangria?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but just in case!), store your winter sangria in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a couple of days, but the flavors will still be nice for up to 3 days. Just remember to add a splash of soda water before serving again for that refreshing fizz!
Can I make winter sangria non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! To create a delicious non-alcoholic version, simply swap out the red wine and brandy for sparkling grape juice or a non-alcoholic red wine alternative. You can still use the fresh juices and fruits to keep those vibrant flavors. Your guests will love it!
What types of wine work best for winter sangria?
I recommend using a fruity red wine, like Merlot or Garnacha, as they pair beautifully with the seasonal flavors. But honestly, use what you enjoy! If you prefer something a bit bolder, a Cabernet Sauvignon can work too. Just avoid overly sweet wines, as the maple syrup adds enough sweetness already!
Can I make winter sangria in advance?
Yes, yes, yes! In fact, I encourage it! Making sangria a day ahead allows all those lovely flavors to meld together perfectly. Just remember to add the soda water right before serving for the best fizz and freshness!
What fruits can I use besides those listed in the recipe?
The great thing about sangria is its versatility! Feel free to experiment with seasonal fruits like pears, pomegranates, or even some frozen berries. Just chop them up and toss them in – it’s all about making it your own!
Winter Sangria: 7 Reasons to Love This Cozy Drink
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing winter sangria with seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 cup cranberries
- 2 cups soda water
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange juice, brandy, and maple syrup.
- Add the diced apple, sliced orange, sliced lemon, and cranberries.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and infuse flavors.
- When ready to serve, add soda water for fizz.
- Serve over ice and garnish with additional fruit if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
- Feel free to use your favorite seasonal fruits.
- This sangria can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: winter sangria, holiday drink, festive beverage
