white winter sangria with cranberries
It’s no secret that I love entertaining. Few things top the joy of having friends and family over to enjoy food. And the holiday season is full of entertaining, whether I’m acting as host or guest! When we entertain, I’m always serving either an inexpensive charcuterie spread or a comfort entree (it’s recently been this roasted butternut squash pasta). Why stress when you’re just trying to catch up with friends and family. I don’t consider myself a great mixologist, but I can make a mean sangria! This winter sangria recipe needed some updating but it’s just as delicious now as it was the first time I made it a few years ago!
Christmas Sangria
Sangria recipes fun combinations of wine, juice, and chopped, fresh fruit. Depending on the season and what wine you’re using, the ingredients can be interchanged easily with a delicious new flavor each time. Usually I make summer sangrias, but this winter sangria might really be my favorite. It’s full of chopped apples and pears. I added cinnamon because fall and winter just scream cinnamon, don’t they? The fresh cranberries are just for color (you don’t want to eat those), but they look so festive not to add in!! And while you can serve this libation through the fall and winter, I think it’s a perfect Christmas Sangria too!
I’m a firm believer you can serve cocktails, especially sangria, in any glass shape. I’ve used mason jars, wine glasses, and just about anything I have on hand. Since it’s the holidays, you can even use mugs. It seems warm and you don’t have to worry about any spilling!!
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WINTER SANGRIA w. CRANBERRIES, APPLES, + PEARS
Long before I considered myself a sangria specialist, I whipped up this winter sangria. Who says it has to be hot outside to enjoy sangria?! Not me. This holiday-flavored libation is perfect for those warm, cozy indoor get-togethers!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup apple juice room temperature
- 1/4 cup rum
- 1 tablespoon fine granulated sugar (such as baker's sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 firm green pear, cored and thinly sliced (or half each of a red and green pear)
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup club soda
- 750 mL sparkling white wine
Instructions
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Place the apple juice and rum in a medium bowl. Whisk in the sugar and cinnamon. Continue to whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the cinnamon is distributed throughout the liquid.
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Add the pear slices, cranberries and cinnamon stick to a large pitcher. Pour in the apple juice and rum. Next, add the club soda and then the sparkling wine. Stir gently being careful not to break up the pears.
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Chill well, stir and serve.
Recipe Notes
Make this recipe? I'd love to see how it turned out. Tag me @LMinthekitchen on Instagram and use #LMrecipes, so I can see your creation! xo
