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Holiday Sangria: Festive Red Wine Cocktail with Apple Cider and Cranberries

A chilled glass filled with dark red holiday sangria, garnished with fresh cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
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Make this festive holiday sangria blending red wine, apple cider, cranberries, and cozy spices like cinnamon and star anise. It is easy to prepare ahead for a stress-free Christmas cocktail that looks beautiful and tastes great for your gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1 cup spiced apple cider
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 1/4 cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (added just before serving)
  • Ice for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine the red wine, spiced apple cider, brandy, orange liqueur, and orange juice in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
  2. Add the fresh cranberries, sliced orange, sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods to the liquid mixture.
  3. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, stir in the optional sugar until dissolved.
  4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fruit flavors to infuse the wine. This make ahead step is key.
  5. Just before serving, gently stir in the sparkling water or club soda for effervescence.
  6. Serve the holiday sangria over ice, making sure each glass gets some of the festive fruit.

Notes

  • For a non-alcoholic option, substitute the wine and brandy with 4 cups of cranberry juice blend and an extra cup of apple cider.
  • If you do not have spiced apple cider, use regular apple cider and add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the mixture.
  • Garnish the serving glasses with fresh rosemary sprigs for an extra festive look.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/holiday-sangria-recipe-apple-cider-cranberry/