## Feast on the Holiday Orange and Cranberry Sangria!
Have a taste of the season with our vibrant and refreshing Holiday Orange and Cranberry Sangria. This fruity concoction is the perfect companion to lively conversation and festive decorations. Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, you’ll be hearing glasses clink in joyous toasts all night long.
## Why Make Holiday Orange and Cranberry Sangria?
As the year draws to a close, it’s important to spend time with loved ones. And what better way to celebrate than with a glass of our Holiday Orange and Cranberry Sangria? Its enticing blend of citrus and berries captures the spirit of the holidays in a drink that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to sip. You can make it in large batches, making it ideal for parties and gatherings. Plus, it’s a versatile drink that can be enjoyed with various types of dishes, from appetizers to desserts.
## How To Make Holiday Orange and Cranberry Sangria
### Ingredients:
– 1 bottle (750ml) red wine
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec)
– 1/4 cup brandy
– 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1 orange, thinly sliced
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1 lemon, thinly sliced
– 1 lime, thinly sliced
– 2 cups soda water or sparkling water
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
### How To Prepare:
1. Combine the wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, brandy, and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the orange, cranberries, lemon and lime slices to the mix. Make sure everything is well-mix.
3. Cover your concoction and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Once ready to serve, add the soda water or sparkling water and give it a gentle stir.
5. Pour into glasses, over ice if desired, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
## How to Serve the Holiday Orange and Cranberry Sangria
Serve this festive sangria chilled, in large wine glasses. Toasted or towards the end of the meal, it’s a suitable and charming companion. Be sure to add a sprig of mint for that extra touch of holiday cheer!
## How to Store Holiday Orange and Cranberry Sangria
If made ahead or if there are leftovers, cover the pitcher with a cling wrap or move the sangria into a covered container in the refrigerator. It is best to consume the sangria within a few days as the fruit slices may become soggy and the flavors may become too intense after a while.
## Tips for Making Holiday Orange and Cranberry Sangria
– Freeze your fruits: This not only chills your sangria, but also avoids watered down flavors from ice.
– Adjust your sugar: Try a test batch before your event, and adjust the sugar levels to your liking. Sugars bring out different flavors in wines, so find your balance!
– Experiment with your wine: The red wine forms the backbone of your sangria. Different wines will give varying depths of flavor, try out a few types such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
## Variation
Try to include a handful of pomegranate seeds for an extra festive touch, or use white wine for a lighter, more refreshing version of the sangria.
## FAQs
**Q1: What kind of red wine is best to use?**
A1: You can use any type of red wine that you like, although fruity wines like Merlot or Zinfandel work best in sangria.
**Q2: Can I use bottled orange juice instead of orange liqueur?**
A2: Yes, but keep in mind that this will alter the taste. Orange liqueur has a distinct, sweet flavor and adds more depth to the sangria.
**Q3: Can this be made ahead of time?**
A3: Yes, in fact, it tastes even better when you allow it more time for the flavors to blend together. Just remember to add the soda or sparkling water before serving.