## Winter Cranberry Sangria: A Festive Winter Delight
**Introduction**
Imagine this – a crisp winter night, a cozy blanket, and a glass filled with a deliciously refreshing, fruity and warm drink. It’s not just any ordinary drink, it’s the festive Winter Cranberry Sangria! Sangria, a Spanish drink, is traditionally made with red wine and chopped fruit. This season, let’s give it a festive spin by adding cranberries, a winter favorite.
**Why Make Winter Cranberry Sangria?**
In the chilly season, sangria might not be the first drink that comes to mind. But with cranberries illuminating the winter season, a sangria acquires a joyous and festive dimension. This Winter Cranberry Sangria recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors, matched with the warmth of red wine and spices. It’s a crowd-pleasing gem for your holiday gatherings!
**How to Make Winter Cranberry Sangria**
Making Winter Cranberry Sangria is super easy and quick. The process includes mixing, chilling, and serving – as simple as that!
### Ingredients:
– 1 bottle (750ml) red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
– 1 cup cranberry juice (100% juice)
– 1/2 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
– 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1 orange, thinly sliced
– 1 apple, cored and sliced
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1 (12 oz) can club soda or sparkling water
### Directions:
1. Begin by mixing together the red wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and sugar in a large pitcher until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Add in the cranberries, orange and apple slices, along with the cinnamon sticks. Stir properly for a good mix.
3. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. Chilling overnight will give you an even deeper flavor.
4. Before serving, remember to add the club soda to the sangria and stir gently.
**How to Serve Winter Cranberry Sangria**
Serve the Winter Cranberry Sangria in fine glasses, over ice. Ensure each glass gets some of the delicious fruits. To elevate the festive cheer, garnish each glass with extra cranberries or an orange slice.
**How to Store Winter Cranberry Sangria**
Store Winter Cranberry Sangria in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1-2 days. If you have any leftover ingredients, make sure to change the fruits after a day, as they might start getting mushy.
**Tips to Make Winter Cranberry Sangria**
1. Choose red wine that you enjoy drinking – Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon work well.
2. While adding sugar, adjust according to your taste.
3. Use 100% cranberry juice, it adds a distinct tangy taste.
4. Chilling overnight will give a more robust and harmonized flavor profile.
**Variations**
To add other winter fruits into the mix, consider using pomegranate seeds or pear slices. They not only add amazing flavor but also make the sangria visually more appealing!
**FAQs**
**Q1:** Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
**A1:** Yes! White wine can absolutely be used. Be adventurous and use a wine you enjoy.
**Q2:** What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
**A2:** You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. They work perfectly fine in this recipe.
**Q3:** Can I prepare Winter Cranberry Sangria a day in advance?
**A3:** Yes, preparing the sangria a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together even better.
So, here’s our festive glass of Winter Cranberry Sangria – spectacularly red, tangy, sweet, and winter-perfect. Cheers to a warm and cozy winter!