Holiday Citrus Sangria
Celebrate the festive season with this vibrant and delicious Holiday Citrus Sangria that perfectly balances fruity flavors and refreshing effervescence. This crowd-pleasing beverage is customizable to suit your taste preferences—opt for ginger ale instead of club soda for a sweeter twist. Using Triple Sec in place of the more premium Grand Marnier helps to keep costs down, while still delivering a delightful experience. This sangria is the perfect accompaniment to holiday gatherings, outdoor barbecues, or cozy winter evenings. Enjoy it chilled and garnished with fresh fruit for a stunning presentation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
brandy
1/2 cup (none)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
frozen lemonade concentrate
1/3 cup (thawed)
orange juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
dry red wine
1 (750 ml) bottle (none)
Grand Marnier
1/2 cup (or Triple Sec)
lemon
1 (sliced into rounds)
orange
1 (sliced into rounds)
lime
1 (sliced into rounds)
white sugar
1/4 cup (optional)
maraschino cherries
8 (none)
carbonated water
2 cups (optional, add just before serving)
Instructions
1
In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the brandy, lemon juice, frozen lemonade concentrate, orange juice, and red wine. Stir gently until well mixed.
2
Add the Grand Marnier (or Triple Sec) and optional sugar, stirring again until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3
Carefully float the sliced lemon, orange, and lime along with the maraschino cherries into the mixture for added flavor and visual appeal.
4
Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the sangria for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor infusion.
5
Just before serving, if you desire a fizzy kick, add club soda or ginger ale to the sangria and gently stir to combine.
6
Serve over ice in glasses garnished with additional fruit slices, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holiday Citrus Sangria?
Holiday Citrus Sangria is a festive and vibrant beverage that balances red wine, brandy, and fresh citrus flavors with refreshing effervescence.
How much brandy is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brandy.
Can I use a cheaper alternative to Grand Marnier?
Yes, you can use Triple Sec in place of the more premium Grand Marnier to help keep costs down.
What kind of red wine should I use?
A 750 ml bottle of dry red wine is recommended for this sangria recipe.
How long should the sangria refrigerate before serving?
The sangria should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor infusion.
Is the sugar mandatory in this recipe?
No, the 1/4 cup of white sugar is optional and can be added based on your sweetness preference.
What can I use instead of club soda for a sweeter twist?
You can opt for ginger ale instead of club soda if you prefer a sweeter beverage.
When should I add the carbonated water or ginger ale?
Add the fizzy component just before serving and stir gently to combine.
How should the lemons, oranges, and limes be prepared?
The lemon, orange, and lime should all be sliced into rounds before being added to the mixture.
Does the frozen lemonade concentrate need to be thawed?
Yes, you should use 1/3 cup of frozen lemonade concentrate that has been thawed.
How many maraschino cherries are included in the recipe?
The recipe suggests adding 8 maraschino cherries for flavor and visual appeal.
What is the recommended amount of carbonated water?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of carbonated water to add a fizzy kick.
Should the lemon and orange juices be freshly squeezed?
Yes, for the best flavor, use 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How should I serve the Holiday Citrus Sangria?
Serve the sangria over ice in glasses garnished with additional fruit slices if desired.
What are the first steps in mixing the sangria?
In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the brandy, lemon juice, thawed lemonade concentrate, orange juice, and red wine, stirring gently.
Is this drink suitable for summer events?
Yes, while themed for the holidays, its refreshing citrus profile makes it perfect for outdoor barbecues as well.
How do I ensure the optional sugar is fully dissolved?
Stir the mixture again after adding the sugar until it is completely dissolved before adding the fruit.
What type of vessel should I use to mix the sangria?
A large pitcher or a large bowl is recommended for combining all the ingredients.
Should I cover the sangria while it refrigerates?
Yes, cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid before placing it in the refrigerator.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 distinct ingredients in this Holiday Citrus Sangria recipe.
Can I customize the fruit in this sangria?
Yes, the beverage is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences and what is seasonally available.
What provides the effervescence in this drink?
The effervescence comes from the addition of 2 cups of carbonated water (club soda) or ginger ale.
Why do I need to float the sliced fruit in the mixture?
Floating the citrus rounds and cherries adds both deep flavor infusion and a stunning visual presentation.
Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
This specific recipe is designed for dry red wine, but you can experiment with white wine for a different variation.
Is this a good drink for large holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleasing beverage perfect for festive holiday gatherings.
What should I do if the sangria is too tart?
You can add the optional 1/4 cup of white sugar or use ginger ale instead of club soda to balance the tartness.
How much orange juice is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Do I add the ice directly to the pitcher?
The instructions recommend serving the sangria over ice in individual glasses rather than adding it to the pitcher to avoid dilution.
What is the primary flavor profile of this sangria?
It features a citrus-forward profile with notes of lemon, orange, lime, and red wine.
Does the recipe include preparation for the brandy?
No special preparation is needed for the 1/2 cup of brandy; simply add it to the mix.