Christmas Sangria with Cranberries, Brandy and Citrus
A festive red wine punch with orange, apple, cranberries, brandy and warming spices.
This Christmas sangria combines red wine with brandy, orange liqueur, citrus, apple and cranberries for a chilled holiday pitcher. The fruit needs time to infuse, so refrigerate it for at least two hours and add sparkling water just before serving if you want a lighter drink. It contains alcohol; label the pitcher clearly and keep it away from children. For a non-alcoholic option, replace wine and spirits with chilled grape juice and orange juice. Pour wine, brandy and orange liqueur into a large pitcher. Add orange, apple, cranberries and cinnamon. Stir in sugar if desired until dissolved. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours so the fruit flavours infuse. Taste and add sparkling water just before serving if desired.
Recipe card
Christmas Sangria with Cranberries, Brandy and Citrus
Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a sharp knife, and the pan or baking dish specified in the method
Ingredients
Instructions
Combine
Pour wine, brandy and orange liqueur into a large pitcher. Add orange, apple, cranberries and cinnamon.
Sweeten
Stir in sugar if desired until dissolved.
Chill
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours so the fruit flavours infuse.
Finish
Taste and add sparkling water just before serving if desired.
Serve
Pour over ice, adding some fruit to each glass. Label clearly as alcoholic.
How to tell when it is ready
Pour over ice, adding some fruit to each glass. Label clearly as alcoholic.
Tips
- Pour wine, brandy and orange liqueur into a large pitcher.
- Stir in sugar if desired until dissolved.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours so the fruit flavours infuse.
- Taste and add sparkling water just before serving if desired.
Troubleshooting
- If too sweet, add dry wine or sparkling water.
- If citrus bitterness builds, remove orange slices after several hours.
Substitutions
- For a non-alcoholic version, use grape juice and orange juice instead of wine and spirits.
- Use sparkling apple juice instead of sparkling water.
Variations
- Add star anise while chilling, then remove.
- Use pear slices alongside apple.
Serving suggestions
- Serve over ice.
- Offer a non-alcoholic pitcher alongside.
- Use a ladle so fruit is portioned.
- Pair with savoury holiday snacks.
Make ahead
Prepare components ahead and store safely. Keep covered and refrigerated; use within 2 days. Discard fruit after serving.
Storage
Keep covered and refrigerated; use within 2 days. Discard fruit after serving.
Food safety
This drink contains alcohol. Clearly identify it and keep it away from children; do not serve to anyone under the legal drinking age.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make sangria ahead?
Yes. Mix and chill the wine, spirits and fruit for up to 12 hours. Add sparkling water immediately before serving.
How should I store christmas sangria?
Keep covered and refrigerated; use within 2 days. Discard fruit after serving.
Serve over ice. Keep covered and refrigerated; use within 2 days. Discard fruit after serving.
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