Winter Sangria is a delightful twist on the classic Spanish punch, typically enjoyed during warmer months. Infused with the cozy flavors of the season, winter sangria incorporates ingredients like red wine, pomegranate juice, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, and warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.
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This cold-weather rendition offers a comforting and festive beverage perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
What is Sangria
Originating from Spain, classic red wine sangria is a traditional alcoholic beverage crafted from a base of red wine and brandy, steeped with citrus and an assortment of diced fruits. Variations of this cocktail may include white wine, juices and occasional additions of bubbles like sparkling water or prosecco.
Ingredients
Most of the ingredients in Winter Sangria are things you either have on hand or are easily found at the nearest grocery or liquor store.
Red Wine- Since you are making a spiced red wine I highly recommend NOT using a super expensive bottle of red. A mid range or even cheap bottle will be totally acceptable here. Something in the $5-$10 range will be great. A Merlot is usually what we use. But since this is Sangria (Spanish) a Tempranillo or Garnacha would be great too!
Sugar- Just 2 tablespoon of sugar is all you need for this recipe. It doesn’t really make things sweet, it just balances the flavors.
Pomegranate Juice- A perfect winter juice, this adds a depth of flavor to the red wine that is perfect for a Winter Sangria. We also love to use this in a pomegranate martini or pomegranate margarita.
Apple Juice or Apple Cider- A little apple juice adds a bright note to the Sangria. If you want to add extra spice a Cider would be great too.
Triple Sec- Orange liqueur brings a citrus note to the Sangria. I usually use Cointreau because it is what I have on hand for making Margaritas, but a Grand Marnier would be excellent too.
Garnishes- use the fruit that is in the winter sangria. You can also add fresh fruit like lemons, oranges, pomegranate arils, or spices like cinnamon sticks or star anise, even fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs are great.
Mulling Spices
I cannot tell you how much I love simmering Mulling Spices during the fall and winter. It perfumes the ENTIRE house with the most festive scents of cinnamon, clove, apple, and citrus. My kids say it makes our home feel cozy.
If you do not have time to order Mulling Spices and you cannot find them in the store, you can pull together similar ingredients from your spice cabinet.
Homemade Mulling Spice Mix
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- ½ teaspoon Whole Allspice
- ½ teaspoon Whole Clove
- 2 Star Anise
- Optional- 1 slice of Fresh Ginger
More Cocktails Perfect For Winter
Red Wine Winter Sangria Recipe
Ingredients
- 2- 750 ml Bottles Red Wine - (Merlot, Tempranillo, or Garnacha are great)
- 1 cup Apple Juice
- 1 cup Pomegranate Juice - I use Pom Wonderful
- 2 tablespoon Mulling Spices - (store bought or make your own, see notes)
- 2 tablespoon Sugar
- Orange Rind Peeled from 1 Orange
- ½ cup Triple Sec
- Fruit cut into small wedges: 2 oranges, 1 lemon, 1 granny smith apple
Optional Garnishes
- lemon wedges, orange wheels, cinnamon sticks, star anise, rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- In a large pot combine the wine, apple juice, pomegranate juice, mulling spices, sugar, and orange rind.2- 750 ml Bottles Red Wine, 1 cup Apple Juice, 1 cup Pomegranate Juice, 2 tablespoon Mulling Spices, 2 tablespoon Sugar, Orange Rind Peeled from 1 Orange
- Warm over LOW heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. DO NOT LET IT BOIL!!! (You shouldn't have to worry about it boiling if you keep it over low heat.)
- Turn the heat off and let the wine mixture cool on the stove for 10 mins.
- Strain the wine mixture thru a colander into a large pitcher. Dispose of the mulling spices and orange rinds.
- Stir the triple sec and fruit wedges into the pitcher of wine.½ cup Triple Sec, Fruit cut into small wedges: 2 oranges, 1 lemon, 1 granny smith apple
- Put the sangria in the fridge for 5 hours up to 24 hours. The longer it sits in the fridge the more flavorful it becomes.
Garnish
- Spoon some of the fruit from the Winter Sangria into each glass.
- Garnish the glass with fresh fruit like lemon wedge, orange wheel, pomegranate arils, or spices like cinnamon sticks or star anise, even fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs are great.
Serving Options:
- Cold- Serve it straight out of the fridge over ice. Add a little fruit to each glass.
- Room Temperature- Take the wine out of the fridge an hour before serving and let it come to room temp. Pour into glasses and add a few pieces fruit from the pitcher.
- Hot- Keep the Sangria on the stove top over low heat and serve in mugs for a hot mulled wine cocktail.
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Recipe Tips and Notes:
-
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
-
- ½ teaspoon Whole Allspice
-
- ½ teaspoon Whole Clove
-
- 2 Star Anise
-
- Optional- 1 slice of Fresh Ginger
Davina
What’s the shelf life for this drink?
Susie Weinrich
Should be good in the fridge for about 5 days.
Emily Bruno
Having a “Favorite Things” party with some girlfriends soon – this will be perfect!!
Susie
Definitely perfect for a girls night out… or I guess girls night in.
Tawnie Kroll
I can’t wait to make this for my next holiday party!
John
Perfect for a Christmas get together!
Susie
Christmas is my fave