A winter warm
Warm sangria with red apples, wine, cranberries, rosemary, and spices is a cozy and flavorful drink for the season. Here's our easy recipe:
Ingredients:
1 bottle (750ml) red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
2-3 red apples, cored and sliced
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
2 cinnamon sticks
4-5 whole cloves
2-3 star anise pods
2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Orange slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot or saucepan, combine the red wine, apple cider, cranberry juice, brandy or orange liqueur (if using), sliced apples, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and fresh rosemary.
Place the pot over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling the mixture to preserve the flavors.
Once the sangria reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the honey or maple syrup to sweeten the sangria, adjusting the sweetness to your preference. Taste and add more if needed.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the sangria sit for a few minutes to further infuse the flavors.
Before serving, you can strain the sangria to remove the spices and fruit, or ladle it directly into mugs or heatproof glasses, including some of the fruit and spices for garnish and flavor.
Optionally, garnish each mug with an orange slice for an extra citrusy touch.
Serve the hot winter sangria immediately while it's warm and comforting.
This delightful hot sangria is perfect for warming up during cold winter days and offers a beautiful blend of fruity, spiced flavors. Adjust the sweetness and spices according to your taste preferences, and enjoy the cozy vibes!
