Description
Winter’s festive non-alcoholic Christmas sangria blends seasonal fruits with sparkling juice for a delightful celebration. Refreshing flavors and festive colors make this mocktail perfect for holiday gatherings without alcohol.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (750 ml) sparkling apple cider
- 1 cup (250 ml) cranberry juice
- 1 cup (250 ml) orange juice
- 1 cup (250 ml) club soda or sparkling water
- ½ cup (125 ml) pomegranate juice
- 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 apple, sliced or diced
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh cranberries
- ½ cup (125 g) pomegranate seeds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3–4 star anise pods
Instructions
- Mixing Base: Combine sparkling apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and pomegranate juice in a large pitcher, stirring vigorously to create a harmonious blend of festive flavors.
- Fruit and Spice Infusion: Add sliced oranges, apple wedges, fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, a cinnamon stick, and star anise to the liquid mixture, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop depth.
- Chilling and Marinating: Refrigerate the pitcher for at least one hour, preferably 4-6 hours or overnight, to enhance the intricate flavor profile and allow the fruits to release their essence.
- Finishing Touch: Just before serving, incorporate club soda or sparkling water to introduce a light, effervescent quality that elevates the beverage’s refreshing character.
- Serving: Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled sangria, and distribute the macerated fruits among each serving, creating a visually stunning and deliciously aromatic holiday drink.
Notes
- Maximize Fruit Infusion: Allow sangria to rest in refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight to develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles and ensure fruits fully release their natural essences.
- Balance Sweetness Strategically: Adjust juice ratios if needed to prevent overly sweet or tart results, potentially adding a splash of water or additional sparkling water to moderate intensity.
- Chill Ingredients Thoroughly: Use cold juices and pre-chill fruits to maintain optimal beverage temperature and prevent dilution when adding ice, ensuring a crisp and refreshing drinking experience.
- Customize Fruit Selections: Experiment with seasonal fruits like winter pears, mandarin oranges, or frozen berries to create unique variations while maintaining the festive holiday spirit of the recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-6 hours
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg