If you’re looking to cozy up your gatherings with something festive yet refreshingly vibrant, this Winter Red Wine Sangria Recipe is an absolute must-try. It marries the deep, robust flavors of red wine with bright, zesty citrus and warming spices like cinnamon and star anise, creating a perfectly balanced drink that feels like a hug in a glass. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself on a chilly evening, this sangria brings a burst of color and cheer that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing its own magic to the Winter Red Wine Sangria Recipe. From the fruity sweetness of fresh apples and citrus to the aromatic spices that infuse warmth, every element plays a vital role in delivering that perfect wintertime sip.
- 1 750 ml bottle Red wine: The rich base that sets the sangria’s deep, fruity tone.
- 3 tablespoons Sugar: Balances tartness with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 ounce Orange juice: Adds bright citrus notes for freshness.
- 1 Cinnamon stick: Infuses warm, comforting spice throughout the drink.
- 2 Cloves: Offers aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
- 1 Star anise: Provides a unique licorice-like flavor that complements the red wine.
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier: Brings a sophisticated orange liqueur richness.
- 1 Grapefruit (sliced): Adds tangy brightness and vibrant color.
- 1 Orange (sliced): Enhances citrus complexity and visual appeal.
- 1 Apple (sliced): Contributes crisp fruitiness and texture.
- 1 cup Grapefruit sparkling water: Lightens the sangria with effervescence.
- 1 cup Fresh cranberries (optional): Boosts festive flair and tartness.
- 1 cup Pomegranate seeds (optional): Adds jewel-like sparkle and sweetness.
How to Make Winter Red Wine Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Combine All the Ingredients
Start by pouring your red wine into a large pitcher where the magic will happen. Add the sugar, orange juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and Grand Marnier. Then toss in the beautifully sliced grapefruit, orange, and apple. Give everything a good stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and all the flavors begin to mingle.
Step 2: Chill for Flavor Fusion
Pop the pitcher into your refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This waiting period is worth every moment because the spices and fruit will infuse the wine with incredible flavor, turning it into a luscious winter treat.
Step 3: Add Sparkle and Serve
Just before serving, gently stir in the grapefruit sparkling water to add a lively fizz that brightens the sangria without overpowering it. Pour the sangria over glasses filled with ice, ensuring each glass gets a mix of fruit slices and optional festive cranberries and pomegranate seeds for that extra wow factor.
Step 4: Enjoy the Moment
This is the fun part! Sip and savor the irresistible blend of fruity sweetness, warming spices, and refreshing bubbles that make this Winter Red Wine Sangria Recipe so special. It’s perfect for sparking conversation and creating cozy memories.
How to Serve Winter Red Wine Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual and flavor appeal of your sangria by adding a few fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, or extra cinnamon sticks as garnish. These touches not only elevate presentation but also contribute subtle aroma and texture that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Pair this sangria with hearty cheese boards featuring aged cheddar, gouda, or creamy brie. Spiced nuts, dark chocolate, and crusty bread with olive tapenade all harmonize beautifully with the winter spices and fruit notes of the drink, creating an irresistible spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the sangria in a clear glass pitcher or a decorative punch bowl so everyone can admire the stunning mixture of fruits and spices. For a festive touch, freeze some cranberries in ice cubes or rim glasses with cinnamon sugar for that extra seasonal sparkle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sangria left, simply cover the pitcher tightly and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy a second round without losing that delightful winter magic.
Freezing
While freezing sangria is not recommended because the water content and carbonation could separate, you can freeze fruit slices separately if you want to prepare garnishes ahead of time.
Reheating
This sangria is best served chilled or at room temperature. Reheating is not necessary and might alter the delicate balance of flavors and the sparkle.
FAQs
Can I use any type of red wine?
Absolutely, but full-bodied wines like Merlot or Tempranillo work best for this Winter Red Wine Sangria Recipe because they have rich fruit flavors that complement the spices and citrus beautifully.
What’s the role of Grand Marnier in this recipe?
Grand Marnier adds a subtle orange liqueur sweetness and complexity, enhancing the citrus elements and giving the sangria a luxurious depth that’s perfect for winter.
Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?
You can swap out red wine for a non-alcoholic grape juice and use orange juice or a non-alcoholic orange liqueur substitute to keep the bright citrus notes. Just omit the Grand Marnier to keep it alcohol-free.
How far in advance can I prepare this sangria?
It’s ideal to prepare it at least 2 hours in advance to let the flavors meld, but you can also make it up to 24 hours before serving to deepen the infusion of spices and fruit.
Can I customize the fruit used in the sangria?
Definitely! Feel free to swap or add seasonal fruits like pears, persimmons, or even pomegranate arils to customize the sangria to your taste and the season.
Final Thoughts
This Winter Red Wine Sangria Recipe is truly a treasure for the colder months, combining festive flavors and a sparkling spirit that lifts any occasion. It’s so easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with the people you love.
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Winter Red Wine Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Drink
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
This Winter Red Wine Sangria recipe is a festive and warming cocktail perfect for the colder months. Combining rich red wine with citrus juices, warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, and added depth from Grand Marnier, this sangria is garnished with fresh fruit and optional cranberries and pomegranate seeds for a beautiful presentation. It is easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and is ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Main Sangria Ingredients
- 1 750 ml bottle Red wine
- 3 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 ounce Orange juice
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Cloves
- 1 Star anise
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier
- 1 Grapefruit, sliced
- 1 Orange, sliced
- 1 Apple, sliced
Optional Garnishes
- 1 cup Grapefruit sparkling water
- 1 cup Fresh cranberries (optional)
- 1 cup Pomegranate seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, add the red wine, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, Grand Marnier, and the sliced grapefruit, orange, and apple. Stir thoroughly until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the spices to infuse the wine.
- Prepare to Serve: Just before serving, add the grapefruit sparkling water to the pitcher and optional fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds for added color and texture.
- Serve: Pour the sangria over ice-filled glasses, ensuring some fruit slices and optional garnishes are included in each glass.
- Enjoy: Sip and savor your flavorful, festive winter sangria!
Notes
- Allowing the sangria to chill for longer than 2 hours (up to 24 hours) intensifies the flavors.
- Use a fruity red wine like Garnacha, Tempranillo, or Merlot for best results.
- For a less alcoholic version, reduce the Grand Marnier or omit it.
- The sparkling water adds a refreshing fizz but can be omitted for a still sangria.
- Fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds provide a beautiful pop of color and texture, but are optional.
- Serve with cinnamon sticks as garnish for an extra festive touch.
