I LOVE sangrias! They've been my favorite cocktail forever! Mainly because I love wine – and then you add in fruit and it’s the perfect combination! People usually mistake sangria as a drink for only the summer and spring months, but there’s no need to box yourself in like that. This cocktail can be a tasty winter treat if you give it a chance.
Let me share my winter red sangria recipe with you! If you make this drink, please be sure to tag me in the pictures on Instagram. I’m sure you’ll love it!
You’ll need a few items to get started:
Red or White Wine or Sangria
Sparkling Champagne or Wine
Grand Marnier liqueur
Brandy
Oranges
Cranberries – nothing says holiday season like cranberries
Rosemary
Limes
Sugar
And if you really want to up the winter feel, you can add a cinnamon stick.
You might have an idea of what to do next, but if you don’t let me walk you through it. Combine all the ingredients – except for your wine or sangria – into a large bowl or pitcher. Next, you should stir the drink to mix up all the flavors. You’ll want to taste all the fruity undertones! After you’ve stirred to your liking, add in the wine or sangria. Put your container into the fridge and let your concoction sit for 1-2 hours so you can get a really good soak going to enhance the flavor. Invite some friends over and enjoy your winter red sangria!
For garnish, I LOVE a sugar rim. To create it, you rub the edge of the glass with a sliced fruit then you dip the edges of the cup in a plate of sugar -- it’s so simple but a nice touch!
You probably don’t want to drink on an empty stomach, so I recommend you make a Latin dish to complement your drink. A burrito, some chips & salsa, and even a jerk chicken meal would work great with this glass of fruit cocktail. If you like spicy foods, they also pair well with the sangria. But, if you’ve already had your fill then try a plain slice of cheesecake with your sangria. I think it’s by far the best dessert option for this drink because the winter red sangria is already a very fruity drink so you don’t want any other flavor overpowering it. With cheesecake, you’ll get a hint of sweetness in every bite with undertones of flavor from your drink.
I think the main thing that’s missing out of winter drinks is some personality! You’re probably familiar with a hot toddy or an Irish coffee already, and I’m sure everyone’s already heard about spiked eggnog. The winter red sangria is a rarity though. I hadn’t had it before until I searched and found it myself— no sangria cocktail recipes get past me! If you’re done with drinking those same old tired winter drinks, then try my recipe! Free yourself from the eggnog and get something more sophisticated to drink. Start a new winter tradition! Your tastebuds will thank you.
I’m actually getting together with my team later this week to create cocktails as a fun bonding exercise. I simply can’t let this season pass without exposing them to the joys of this signature drink. It’s time to spread the word to the masses!
Is there a winter cocktail drink you’re dying to share? Let me know in the comments. I’m always looking to try new fun combinations, especially if it includes sangria!
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