Holiday Sangria

Sangria, a traditional Spanish punch, is a delightful concoction of wine, fruit juices, soda water, fruit, and sometimes liqueurs. The name "sangria" comes from the Spanish word for blood, "sangre," referencing its typically deep red color. While the classic sangria dates back to at least the 18th century, with roots in Spain's Rioja region, the holiday version of this beloved beverage has evolved to suit the festive season's palate and ingredients.

The traditional sangria began as a way to make young, sometimes harsh, wines more palatable by mixing them with fruits and sweeteners. It was a popular drink among peasants and farmers. Over time, sangria gained popularity across Europe and the Americas, with variations emerging to suit different tastes and local ingredients.

Holiday sangria, a more recent adaptation, emerged as a seasonal twist on the classic recipe. Infused with spices, winter fruits, and often a touch of holiday spirits like brandy or cognac, this version captures the essence of the festive season. The addition of spices such as cinnamon and cloves, along with fruits like apples, oranges, and cranberries, gives it a warm and inviting flavor perfect for holiday gatherings.

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How to Prepare Holiday Sangria

Creating holiday sangria is a straightforward process, but it requires some time for the flavors to meld together, making it an ideal drink to prepare ahead of your festive events.

Ingredients

For a pitcher serving approximately 6-8 people, you will need:

1 bottle (750 ml) of red wine (a Spanish Rioja, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works well)
1/4 cup brandy or cognac
1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice
1 cup cranberry juice
1 cup soda water or ginger ale
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 apple, cored and sliced
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 pomegranate, seeded
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
Optional: star anise for additional spice

Procedure

Mix the Base:

In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy (or cognac), orange liqueur, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Add the Juices:

Pour in the orange juice and cranberry juice, and stir to combine.

Prepare the Fruits and Spices:

Add the sliced orange, apple, fresh cranberries, and pomegranate seeds to the pitcher. Drop in the cinnamon sticks and cloves (and star anise if using).

Let It Marinate:

Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Add Fizz and Serve:

Just before serving, add the soda water or ginger ale to the pitcher. Give it a gentle stir.

Presentation:

Serve the sangria in glasses filled with ice, ensuring each glass gets a good mix of the fruit. Garnish with additional fruit slices or a cinnamon stick if desired.

Preparation Time

Active Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: Minimum 4 hours (overnight recommended)
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes (or up to 24 hours with overnight marination)

Tips for the Best Holiday Sangria

Choose the Right Wine: A fruity, medium-bodied red wine works best. Avoid overly tannic or high-alcohol wines as they can overpower the other flavors.

Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar according to your taste and the sweetness of the fruit and juices used.

Experiment with Fruits: While the traditional recipe includes apples, oranges, cranberries, and pomegranates, feel free to experiment with pears, grapes, or even a handful of raspberries.

Spices: Don’t limit yourself to cinnamon and cloves. Nutmeg, allspice, or a splash of vanilla extract can add interesting layers of flavor.

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