Description
A bright and fresh bubbly holiday sangria, with seasonal cranberries and apples. This festive drink combines white wine, prosecco, brandy, and winter fruits for a refreshing and celebratory cocktail.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup frozen cranberries, divided
- 1 cup white cranberry juice
- 3 ounces brandy
- 1 (750ml) bottle prosecco (or other sparkling wine), chilled
- 1/2 bottle (about 1 1/2 – 2 cups) dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc), chilled
- 2 apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- Star anise pods
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Extra apple slices
Instructions
- Muddle Base: In a large pitcher, combine the granulated sugar, half of the frozen cranberries (about 1/2 cup), and the white cranberry juice. Gently muddle the cranberries with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, just enough to release some juice and help dissolve the sugar. Do not pulverize the cranberries. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add Brandy: Add the brandy to the pitcher and muddle gently again for a few seconds.
- Add Wines: Pour in the chilled prosecco and the chilled dry white wine. Stir gently to combine.
- Add Fruit, Spices, and Ice: Add the sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, the remaining frozen cranberries, and the ice cubes to the pitcher.
- Stir and Taste: Stir gently again to combine all ingredients. Taste the sangria and adjust sweetness or flavors if needed (add more sugar if desired, or a splash more juice).
- Serve: Pour the sangria into glasses. Garnish each glass with fresh apple slices and a star anise pod or a sprig of fresh rosemary, if desired.
Notes
- Frozen Cranberries: Using frozen cranberries helps keep the sangria cold without diluting it as much as extra ice would.
- Muddling: Muddle gently to release flavors without making the drink cloudy.
- Wine Choices: Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay. Choose a Prosecco or other dry sparkling wine that you enjoy drinking on its own.
- Chilling: For best results, ensure all liquid ingredients (juices, wines, brandy) are chilled before making the sangria. You can also make the sangria (up to adding the Prosecco and ice) a few hours ahead and chill it in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld. Add Prosecco and ice just before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve in wine glasses or festive tumblers.
- Storage: Leftover sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but the sparkling wine will lose its fizz over time.