Description
This Festive Red Wine Sangria is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining Merlot with cranberry and orange juices, enhanced by blackberry brandy, Chambord, and citrus fruits, it offers a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and subtle spice with cinnamon sticks and rosemary garnish. Served chilled with lemon-lime soda for a bubbly finish, it’s an easy and elegant drink to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Wine & Juices
- 750 ml Merlot or red wine of choice
- 2 1/2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
Syrups & Spirits
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
- 1/2 cup blackberry brandy
- 1/2 cup Chambord (black raspberry liqueur)
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 1 cup cranberries
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the Merlot or red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, simple syrup, blackberry brandy, Chambord, sliced oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. Stir gently to evenly mix all the flavors.
- Chill: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and develop depth.
- Add Soda and Serve: Just before serving, add ice cubes to the pitcher, then pour in the lemon-lime soda to give the sangria a light, fizzy finish. Stir gently to combine all components without losing the bubbles.
- Garnish and Present: Pour the sangria into individual glasses and garnish each with a fresh rosemary sprig for a festive, aromatic touch.
Notes
- Chill sangria well to enhance flavor combinations.
- Use a good quality Merlot or preferred red wine for best taste.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute red wine and liquors with additional cranberry and orange juices.
- Add fresh or frozen berries for more fruitiness if desired.
- Serve with plenty of ice for a cool, refreshing experience.
