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Hey friends!
The holidays are almost here, and that means it’s time to sip on something festive!
Today, I’m sharing a delicious recipe for Christmas cranberry sangria.
It’s bright, fruity, and packed with holiday cheer!
Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this drink will be a hit with everyone.
Grab your glasses, and let’s get mixing!
Ingredient Substitutions
For cranberries, dried cherries or pomegranate arils can be used as alternatives, offering similar tartness and festive appearance. Adjust quantities as dried fruit is more concentrated. Pomegranate juice could be replaced with cranberry juice or a blend of tart cherry and apple juices to maintain the drink’s fruity profile. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute brandy and Triple Sec with apple juice and orange juice respectively, adding a splash of almond extract for complexity. Rosé wine can be swapped for white grape juice or a sparkling cider to keep the light, fruity notes while making the drink alcohol-free. These substitutions allow for flexibility in dietary preferences while preserving the sangria’s festive flavor profile.
Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes |
Total Time | 40-60 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 2-4 g
- Fat: 0-5 g
- Carbohydrates: 150-180 g
Ingredients
- Cranberries
- Spices
- Star anise
- Cloves
- Cinnamon sticks
- Sugar
- Salt
- Brandy
- Triple sec
- Rosé wine
- Pomegranate juice
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
The night before you plan to make the sangria, begin by cooking the cranberries with aromatic spices.
Use star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, sugar, and a pinch of salt to enhance the berries’ natural flavors.
Add brandy, rosé wine, and triple sec to the mix.
Feel free to adjust the quantity of spirits according to your taste and what you have on hand.
Step 2: Cook and Cool the Cranberries
Allow the cranberries to cook until about half of them have burst open, releasing their juices and flavors into the mixture.
Once they have reached this stage, remove the pot from heat and allow the cranberries to cool completely.
This will be your flavorful base for the sangria.
Step 3: Assemble the Sangria
When you’re ready to make the sangria, start by measuring out 1 coffee cup of Spanish brandy and pouring it into a large pitcher.
Then add about half a coffee cup of triple sec for additional sweetness and citrus notes.
Step 4: Add the Wine and Juice
Fill the pitcher almost to the top with Spanish rosé wine.
Then, add a splash of pomegranate juice to the mixture for extra depth of flavor and a beautiful color.
Step 5: Incorporate the Spiced Cranberries
Now, add the prepared spiced cranberries to the pitcher, making sure to include some of the liquid for flavor.
Load the pitcher full of these delicious cranberries to infuse the sangria with their unique taste.
Step 6: Stir and Serve
Give the sangria mixture a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Once mixed, serve the sangria in chilled glasses and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!