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–+ servings

Winter Spice Sangria Cocktail

Winter Citrus Sangria Cocktail Recipe
A festive, cozy sangria blending fruity red wine, fresh citrus, apple, pear, cranberries, warming spices, and a splash of brandy. Perfect for holiday parties and chilly nights!
John
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Serving Size 8 glasses

Equipment

  • Large pitcher or glass jug
  • Wooden spoon or muddler
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Citrus juicer
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Serving glasses
  • Small saucepan

Ingredients

  • 750 ml fruity red wine zinfandel, tempranillo, or grenache
  • 0.25 cup brandy
  • 0.25 cup triple sec or cointreau
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 0.5 cup spiced simple syrup optional
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 1-2 pears sliced
  • 1 apple sliced
  • 0.5 cup cranberries or pomegranate arils
  • 4-5 blackberries optional
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 6-8 whole cloves
  • 0.5 tsp black peppercorns optional
  • 1 blood orange sliced, optional
  • prosecco or apple juice for topping

Instructions

  • Wash and slice all fruit. Add fruit, cranberries/pomegranate, and blackberries to a large pitcher. Add cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and peppercorns.
  • Pour in red wine, brandy, triple sec, orange juice, and spiced syrup. Muddle fruit and spices gently with a wooden spoon.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
  • When ready to serve, strain out spices if desired. Pour into glasses with fruit. Top each with prosecco or apple juice for fizz.

Notes

Use Spanish reds like tempranillo or grenache for fruitiness. Adjust syrup for sweetness. Add more spice as you like. White wine is a lighter twist. Letting it chill longer deepens flavors.