Ahh, sangria. That wonderfully fruity wine concoction that pairs perfectly with sitting on the back deck on a hot summer afternoon. It’s, dare we say, one of the top warm weather drinks of all time.

 

So… why is its national day of celebration in the middle of winter? December 20th doesn’t exactly scream “sangria” to us, but we really don’t want to complain because we love any reason to whip up a batch. There are also some amazing winter sangria recipes out there and it would be a damn shame not to drink up today.

 

Winter SangriaWinterSangria

The addition of cinnamon and anise to this winter sangria recipe makes it taste totally seasonal and perfect.

 

Combine all of these ingredients in a pitcher, stir well to melt sugar, and let it refrigerate overnight:

 

  • 3 bottles red wine (try a Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1 cup Spanish brandy
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 anise stars
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 oranges, sliced

 

Pomegranate Vanilla SangriaPomSangria

Yes, this pomegranate vanilla sangria is as good as it sounds. Make it now, thank us later.

 

  • Slice 1 orange and chop up 1 large apple and 1 large pear, and add them to the bottom of the pitcher. Throw 2 cinnamon sticks and the arils of 1 pomegranate in there as well.

 

  • Pour 1 1/2 bottles of red wine, 2 cups sparkling pomegranate soda, 1/2 cup brandy, 1/2 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp. vanilla extra into the pitcher.

 

  • Scrape 2 vanilla beans out of their pods and add them to the pitcher. Mix with a giant spoon to combine everything well.

 

  • Put the pitcher in the fridge for about 1 hour before serving.

 

Apple Pie Sangria

ApplePieSangria

We like to eat our feelings when it gets cold outside, so this apple pie sangria is a perfect way to have dessert and a delicious drink at the same time.

 

  • Chop up 4 honey crisp apples and 3 pears and place in the bottom of your pitcher.

 

  • Then add all the rest of the ingredients to the pitcher: 2 bottles white table wine, 5 cups fresh apple cider, 2 cups of club soda, and 1 cup caramel vodka.

 

  • Stir well. Put the sangria in the fridge overnight (or at least for a couple of hours) and about 4 hours before serving, throw in 2 cinnamon sticks. Stir some more and serve.

 

Even though beach days are far from here, you can still enjoy a cup (or pitcher) of sangria to celebrate this fantastic holiday.

 

Share your favorite sangria recipes below. Cheers.