Description
Fruity and festive Spiced Strawberry Sangria, perfect for parties! Infused with brandy, rum, citrus, and warm spices, this make-ahead cocktail is bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (750ml) bottle of dry red wine (like Rioja or Garnacha)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
- 1/4 cup spiced rum
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (see instructions below for making your own!)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 1 lime, sliced into rounds
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled (for topping off)
- Ice, for serving
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. This can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in the entire bottle of red wine.
- Add the brandy, orange liqueur, and spiced rum.
- Pour in the simple syrup (adjust the amount to your liking, depending on how sweet you prefer your sangria). Start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste.
- Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and whole cloves.
- Gently stir everything together to combine.
- Add the sliced orange, lemon, and lime rounds to the pitcher.
- Add the quartered strawberries.
- Gently stir the fruit into the wine mixture.
- Cover the pitcher tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (at least 8 hours).
- Before serving, give the sangria a good stir.
- Fill glasses with ice.
- Pour the sangria over the ice, filling each glass about 3/4 full.
- Top off each glass with a splash of chilled sparkling water or club soda.
- Garnish with extra strawberry slices, orange slices, or a cinnamon stick, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more simple syrup for a sweeter sangria, or less (or none) for a drier one.
- Fruit Variations: Experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or apples.
- Juice Addition: Add a splash of orange, cranberry, or pomegranate juice for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: Sangria is best made ahead of time (up to 24 hours). Add sparkling water just before serving.
- Wine Choice: Use a dry, fruity red wine like Rioja, Garnacha, Pinot Noir, or Merlot. Avoid tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Spiced Rum: Spiced rum adds warmth and complexity. Substitute with white rum and a pinch of cinnamon/nutmeg if needed.
- Marinating is Key: Marinating allows the flavors to meld. Aim for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Substitute red wine with grape or cranberry juice. Omit liquors. Use sparkling cider or ginger ale.
- Ice: Use large ice cubes or freeze sangria into ice cubes to avoid dilution.
- Presentation: Serve in a beautiful pitcher and garnish with fresh fruit.
- Bubbles: Sparkling water adds a refreshing fizz. Use Prosecco or Champagne for a celebratory version.
- Straining (Optional): Strain for a smoother sangria.
- Pairing: Pairs well with grilled meats, cheeses, tapas, and desserts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes