Description

This vibrant Christmas Sangria is a festive and refreshing holiday drink that combines rich red wine with brandy, orange liqueur, fresh fruit, and a splash of soda water for a sparkling finish. Perfect for entertaining, it offers a colorful mix of diced apple, orange, lemon, and cranberries steeped in a sweet and citrusy blend that brings warmth and cheer to any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Alcohol & Liquids

1 bottle red wine (750ml)
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur
2 cups orange juice
2 cups soda water

Fruit & Sweetener

1/4 cup sugar
1 apple, diced
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 cup cranberries

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Instructions

Combine Alcohols and Sugar: In a large pitcher, pour the bottle of red wine, then add the brandy, orange liqueur, and the 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir well to combine all the alcohols and sugar evenly.
Add Orange Juice: Pour in 2 cups of orange juice and continue stirring thoroughly until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring a well-balanced sweetness throughout the sangria.
Add Fresh Fruit: Toss in the diced apple, sliced orange, sliced lemon, and whole cranberries. These fresh fruits will infuse the sangria with vibrant flavors and a festive appearance.
Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors of the wine, spirits, fruit, and citrus to blend beautifully for a richer taste experience.
Add Soda Water Before Serving: Just before serving, pour in the 2 cups of soda water to add a refreshing fizz. Stir gently and serve chilled for a lively holiday cocktail.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute red wine and brandy with grape juice and omit the orange liqueur.
Adjust the sugar level to your taste or substitute with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Add cinnamon sticks or cloves during the chilling step for a warm spice note if desired.
Use fresh, firm fruits to ensure they stay vibrant and crisp during refrigeration.
Sangria tastes best after chilling but can be stored up to 24 hours in the fridge without soda water added.