Description
This Cranberry Apple Sangria is a festive and flavorful drink perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings. It combines the tartness of cranberry apple juice with fresh fruits, warming spices, and chilled Pinot Grigio for a refreshing yet comforting beverage. The warming spices and fresh rosemary infuse the drink with aromatic depth, while the fresh apples and oranges add brightness and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 3 cups cranberry apple juice cocktail, divided
- 1 750-ml bottle Pinot Grigio, chilled
Sweetener
- 1/4 cup sugar
Fruits
- 2 oranges, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, halved
- 2 cups sliced small apples
Spices & Herbs
- 2 5-inch sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 3-inch cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise pods
- 8 whole cloves
Instructions
- Dissolve the Sugar: Combine 2 cups of cranberry apple juice and the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves, which should take about 4 minutes. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat.
- Infuse the Spices and Fruits: Add the orange slices, halved cranberries, rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and whole cloves into the warm juice mixture. Let this mixture stand for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. After steeping, carefully remove and discard the rosemary sprigs and cloves.
- Combine and Mix: In a large pitcher, whisk together the infused orange-spice mixture, sliced apples, and the remaining 1 cup of cranberry apple juice until well combined.
- Chill the Sangria: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours. This resting time lets all the flavors meld and deepens the taste.
- Serve: When ready to serve, pour the sangria over ice and top each glass with chilled Pinot Grigio. Stir gently before sipping to enjoy a balanced, refreshing drink.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar based on your taste preference.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the Pinot Grigio and add sparkling water or soda instead.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness.
- Make the sangria a day ahead for even more infused flavor.
- Ensure the Pinot Grigio is well chilled to keep the sangria refreshing when served.
