Christmas Cranberry Sangria

Sangria = Instant party, right? This Christmassy Cranberry Sangria is a great festive drink to make and serve at any festive gathering. I love making large pitchers for people to serve themselves and it will make a beautiful addition to any bar at your holiday parties.

Don’t you just love Sangria? I remember my mom loving Sangria when I was younger and how I thought it was just the coolest drink. Fruit IN your wine? Revolutionary!

Then I grew up and started drinking it myself. But you guys, there exists a thing like bad Sangria and I’m not on board for that. Sangria might sound like any old punch to some people but I take it seriously. There needs to be a balance of flavours and I am always careful to venture into the too-sweet side of things. I like a good bit of acidic/dry bite in my Sangria’s and of course, LOTS of fizz.

This Christmas Cranberry Sangria recipe is all of that. The cranberries lend just the right amount of sweet tang to the sangria without making it cloyingly sweet. The Prosecco and soda water (club soda) add all the right amount of dry fizz that I so love and orange, rosemary and star anise bring Christmas to the party.

It’s SUCH a great recipe for the holiday season but be warned, it’s hard to pace yourself with this stuff!

Ingredients 

• Cranberries. Frozen/fresh. Cranberry juice can be used as substitute.
• Sugar.
• Water.
• Fresh oranges. Sliced apples are also a good addition.
• Star anise. Cinnamon sticks will also be delicious.
• Rosemary
• Prosecco. You can absolutely make this recipe non-alcoholic. Simply use orange juice or apple juice instead of the Prosecco.
• Soda water/Club soda.

How do you make Cranberry Sangria?

1. Make the simple syrup: Combine cranberries, sugar, water and spices in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until bright red and fragrant. Strain and allow to cool.
2. Make the sangria: Stir together the cooled cranberry syrup, chilled prosecco, club soda (soda water), rosemary and orange slices in a big jug with ice. Serve immediately.

What type of alcohol is in sangria?

You can really add any type of wine or liquor to sangria but the following work best in my opinion:

1. Red wine. Something light and fruity works best for example Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.
2. Prosecco.
3. Moscato.
4. White wine. Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are my favorites
5. Vodka.
6. Rum.
7. Brandy.
8. Grand Marnier. Or other orange liqueur.

Can I make this ahead?

The cranberry syrup can be made up to a week in advance and kept in the fridge. The sangria can be made up to an hour in advance but only add the ice and soda water just before serving.

Christmas cocktails

1. Cranberry and ginger mojito
2. Christmas spiced white Russian
3. Gingered cranberry poinsettia cocktails