Sparkling winter sangria

Sparkling Winter Sangria Recipe

Sparkling winter sangria is a refreshing and flavorful drink that combines the warmth of winter spices with the freshness of citrus fruits and red wine. Ideal for enjoying at celebrations and gatherings during the cold season, this recipe offers a perfect balance between sweetness, acidity, and a bubbly touch that surprises the palate.

Preparation time

To achieve the ideal flavor, it is recommended to take into account preparation and resting times.

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 5 minutes (for syrup)
• Total: 25 minutes plus 1 hour of rest
• Servings: 6 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the spiced simple syrup

• 1/2 cup (100 g) of sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) of water
• 16 cloves
• 3-4 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) of anise essence (optional)
• 5-6 allspice berries
• 2-3 drops of vanilla essence (optional)

For the sparkling sangria

• 1 bottle (750 ml) of red wine Tempranillo or similar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange liqueur
• 4 oz (120 ml) brandy
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 1 pomegranate, deseeded (optional)
• 1 apple, cut into small cubes
• 1 pear, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup (240 ml) club soda or sparkling water

If you don't have pomegranate, you can substitute it with fresh cranberries without altering the citrusy and festive profile of the drink.

Utensils we will use

• Small pot for preparing the syrup
• Large pitcher for mixing the sangria
• Sharp knife and cutting board for fruit
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Strainer to remove spices from the syrup
• Measuring cup

Preparation

1. Prepare the spiced syrup

1. Combine water and sugar. Place the water with the sugar in a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add spices. Add the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and allspice berries. If you decide to use anise or vanilla extract, add them now.
3. Infuse over low heat. Reduce the heat and cook for 5 minutes so that the spices release their aroma and flavor. It is important not to overheat to prevent the sugar from caramelizing and darkening the syrup.
4. Strain and cool. Remove from heat, strain the syrup using a colander to remove the spices, and let it cool completely before using.

2. Prepare the fruits

1. Wash carefully. Wash all fruits under running water to remove any residue or dirt.
2. Cut into appropriate sizes. Cut apples and pears into small cubes of approximately 1 cm so that they release juice without falling apart.
3. Thin slices for citrus. Slice lemons, limes, and oranges into thin slices, between 3 and 5 mm, to balance their acidity in the sangria.
4. Deseed the pomegranate. If you decide to use pomegranate, separate the seeds to add them for their color and freshness.

3. Mix the sangria

1. Place fruits in the pitcher. Add all prepared fruits to the large pitcher, mixing them lightly to distribute the flavors.
2. Pour liquids. Add the brandy, orange liqueur, and the already cold spiced syrup.
3. Incorporate the wine. Carefully pour the bottle of red wine and mix gently so that the ingredients integrate without losing the gas that the club soda will provide later.
4. Add club soda when serving. Add the club soda just before serving to preserve the characteristic effervescence of this sparkling winter sangria.

To finish and serve

After mixing all the ingredients, it is essential to let the sangria rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to integrate and intensify, highlighting the spiced and fruity notes. To serve, remove the pitcher, add the club soda to maintain the refreshing and bubbly touch, and serve in glasses with some fruits for decoration. It is ideal to accompany this drink with light appetizers or soft desserts to balance the gastronomic experience.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Proteins: 0.3 g
• Fats: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Nutritional values are approximate and correspond to a 100-gram serving of sparkling winter sangria.

4 common mistakes and how to avoid them in winter sparkling sangria

Sparkling winter sangria is a simple drink, but to achieve the perfect balance it is crucial to avoid certain common mistakes that affect its flavor and presentation.

1. Not letting the sangria rest. The absence of resting prevents the flavors of the fruits and spices from mixing well. Always reserve at least an hour in the refrigerator.
2. Adding the soda too early. Club soda loses its effervescence when mixed too early. Add it just before serving to keep the bubbles fresh.
3. Using overly ripe or not fresh enough fruits. The quality of the fruits directly affects the flavor. Choose firm and fresh fruits to avoid bitter flavors or unpleasant textures.
4. Forgetting to adjust the sweetness. Depending on the wine and personal taste, it may be necessary to add more syrup or pomegranate juice to balance the acidity and sweetness.

When is it ideal to enjoy winter sparkling sangria?

This drink is perfect for sharing at Christmas celebrations and family gatherings during the cold months. Its combination of spices and fresh fruits offers warmth without sacrificing freshness, making it ideal both as an appetizer and as an accompaniment to festive dinners. In addition, its sparkling and refreshing effect makes it an attractive option for those looking for something different from traditional winter drinks.

Comparison with other similar drinks

5 keys to make winter sparkling sangria perfect

1. Use fresh and firm fruits: This maintains the texture and proper release of juices during resting.
2. Prepare and chill the syrup beforehand: A cold syrup does not alter the temperature or flavor of the wine when mixing.
3. Do not mix the soda in advance: Add it just before serving to preserve the effervescence and refreshing touch.
4. Minimum rest of one hour: This allows the flavors to integrate and the sangria to acquire depth.
5. Adjust sweetness to your taste: Add more syrup or pomegranate juice if you prefer a sweeter or more tart touch.

Share your experience

Winter sparkling sangria is an opportunity to have fun experimenting with seasonal spices and fruits. Tell us how it turned out for you, what fruits you used, or if you adapted the recipe with your own ingredients. Sharing your results can help others be encouraged to prepare this delicious drink at their next gatherings.