Best red wine for sangria?

Rioja, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Malbec are perfect for mixing with your favorite sangria ingredients. But the best red wine for sangria is the one you enjoy drinking on its own, without any added ingredients.

Simple tricks for the best sangria?

Use lots of fruit! A colorful combination of 3 different types. And don't skip chilling in the fridge. The flavors need a chance to meld together so the drink will be extra delicious. Do a taste test. Adjust and balance the flavor as needed. If desired, add some extra sweetness or extra booze.

Sangria recipe variations?

Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits in this festive beverage. You can use red or green pears, strawberries, red apples, pomegranate seeds, or blood oranges. For extra holiday cheer, add a bit of effervescence: a splash of sparking water just before serving.

What to serve with Christmas sangria?

Serve this fruity drink with savory hors d'oeuvres like BBQ meatballs , whipped feta dip , buffalo chicken wontons , or everything bagel hummus with warm pita bread.

Christmas Sangria | Best-Tasting Recipe

Description

The ultimate Christmas sangria. This holiday drink features delicious red wine along with fruits and flavors of the season. Serve over ice. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole star anise.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Christmas Sangria

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup very hot water
1 bottle (750 ml / 25 fl oz) red wine
1/2 cup Cointreau (orange liqueur)
1 orange, sliced
1 green apple, cored and diced
1 cup cranberries or pomegranate granules
3 cinnamon sticks
3 whole star anise

Garnishes

Rosemary sprigs
Whole star anise
Sliced fruit: oranges and/or apples

Instructions

Add honey to tall (heat-safe) glass pitcher. Add hot water to the pitcher. Stir until the honey has dissolved (about 30 seconds). Briefly, let the mixture shed heat.
Pour in red wine and orange liqueur. Add the sliced orange, diced apples, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
Mix with a wooden spoon for several minutes to fully combine. Do a taste test. Adjust and balance the flavor as needed. If desired, add extra sweetness or extra booze.
Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap. Let the Christmas sangria chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
To serve, pour Christmas sangria over ice. Garnish the drinks with fresh slices of orange and/or sliced green apple, plus fresh rosemary sprigs and whole star anise. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

No Cointreau? Use Grand Marnier. Or try 1/2 cup brandy plus 1/2 cup Triple Sec. In a pinch, you can also use vodka.

Add extra holiday sparkle: Make the drinks effervescent with a splash of sparkling water just before serving.

Storage: Sangria can be made up to 24 hours in advance. If storing it longer, remove the fruit with a slotted spoon. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. If the fruit is allowed to sit in the sangria for longer than 24 hours, it may cause the drink to become bitter.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Chill Time: 4 Hours (or Overnight)
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Spanish

Keywords: Christmas Sangria, Holiday Sangria, Christmas Sangria Recipe, Holiday Sangria Recipe, Red Wine Sangria