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

Scale

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)

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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.