Winter Spiced Sangria with Pomegranate and Citrus Recipe
This Winter Spiced Sangria is a festive and warming drink perfect for cold evenings, blending medium-bodied red wine with pomegranate juice and a homemade spiced simple syrup infused with cinnamon and star anise. Enhanced with seasonal fruits like blood oranges, pears, and frozen berries, this sangria offers a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and winter spices, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Beverages
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients
For The Spiced Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
For The Sangria
- 3 cups medium-bodied red wine (Tempranillo or Grenache)
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup Cointreau
- 1/4 cup St Germain
- 1/4 cup spiced simple syrup
- 4 blood oranges or any oranges, sliced
- 2 small ripe pears, cored and sliced or cubed
- 1 cup frozen fruit (blackberries, raspberries, cranberries)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water, cane sugar, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely, then strain out the spices.
- Combine Sangria Ingredients: In a large pitcher or bowl, pour in the red wine, pomegranate juice, Cointreau, St Germain, and the cooled spiced simple syrup. Stir well to blend all the liquids evenly.
- Add Fresh and Frozen Fruits: Slice the blood oranges and pears, then add them along with the frozen berries to the sangria mixture. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the sangria and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the fruits to infuse the drink with their taste.
- Serve: Before serving, give the sangria a gentle stir. Pour into glasses over ice, and garnish with a sprinkle of pomegranate arils for an extra festive touch if desired.
Notes
- The spiced simple syrup can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to one week.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine and liqueurs with sparkling grape juice and orange blossom water.
- Adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of simple syrup according to your taste preference.
- Frozen fruit helps keep the sangria chilled without watering it down.
- Use seasonal fruits that are fresh and ripe for best flavor.
