Description:
This festive, non-alcoholic Christmas Sangria is a vibrant and refreshing drink perfect for the holiday season. Packed with a variety of fresh fruits, juices, and spices, it offers a delicious and festive alternative to traditional sangria. The colorful blend of fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and cranberries makes this drink a visual treat while the combination of juices and herbs gives it a wonderfully festive flavor. It’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a special holiday treat for kids and adults alike!
Ingredients:
For the Sangria:
- Orange juice: 3 cups (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- Cranberry juice: 2 cups (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- Pomegranate juice: 1 cup (optional but adds a beautiful color)
- Sparkling water or club soda: 1 cup (for fizz)
- Apple: 1 large (sliced)
- Orange: 1 large (sliced)
- Lemon: 1 (sliced)
- Fresh cranberries: ½ cup (for garnish)
- Pomegranate seeds: ¼ cup (for garnish, optional)
- Cinnamon sticks: 2 (for spice)
- Star anise: 2 (optional for added flavor)
- Cloves: 4-5 (optional)
- Honey or maple syrup: 2 tablespoons (optional, for sweetness)
Optional Ingredients:
- Apple slices (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves: for garnish
- Frozen fruit (such as mixed berries or additional orange slices): to chill the sangria without diluting it
Tips for Success:
- Let it sit: For the best flavor, allow the sangria to chill for at least 2-4 hours, or even overnight, to let the flavors meld together.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Serve chilled: Make sure to serve this sangria cold for a refreshing experience. Add ice cubes if desired, but using frozen fruit will help keep it cold without diluting the flavors.
- Sparkling finish: Add the sparkling water or club soda just before serving to keep the bubbles intact.
Steps to Make It:
- Prepare the fruits:
- Slice the orange, lemon, and apple into thin rounds or wedges. If using pomegranate seeds, remove them from the pomegranate. Set aside.
- Mix the juices:
- In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the orange juice, cranberry juice, and pomegranate juice (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Add the fruits and spices:
- Add the sliced fruits (orange, lemon, apple), cranberries, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves into the juice mixture. Stir gently.
- Sweeten (optional):
- If you’d like a sweeter drink, stir in the honey or maple syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Chill the sangria:
- Cover the pitcher or bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse and the sangria to chill.
- Serve:
- Just before serving, add the sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy touch. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour into glasses filled with ice or chilled glasses, and garnish with extra fruit slices, cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and a sprig of mint if desired.
Recommendations:
- Serving suggestion: Serve the sangria in large pitchers or punch bowls for a festive presentation at holiday parties. You can also serve it in individual glasses with a fun garnish for a personal touch.
- Storage: Keep leftover sangria refrigerated for up to 2 days. It’s best served fresh, but it will keep well in the fridge.
- Additions: For a different twist, you can experiment with other fruits like pineapple, pear, or even a splash of lime juice.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 1/6 of Recipe):
- Calories: ~80
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 10mg
This Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria is a beautiful, festive, and refreshing drink that everyone can enjoy. It’s perfect for any holiday celebration!
