Cranberry Pear Christmas Sangria
1 cinnamon stick
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1 cup fresh cranberries, divided
1 pear, sliced
zest from one orange
1/4 cup pear brandy (you can use any brandy you have on hand)
1 bottle white or red wine
sparkling water
In a small saucepan, over high heat, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick and 1/2 C. of the cranberries. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, until the cranberries have begun to pop a bit. Remove pan from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
In a clear glass pitcher, combine the Brandy, pear, remaining cranberries, orange zest and the cooled sugar mixer including the cinnamon sticks with the wine. Refrigerate and allow the flavors to come together for 12 and up to 24 hours.
When serving, spoon some fruit into a glass, pour the sangria over the fruit and top with a splash of sparkling water.
Notes:
- Try topping the glass off with a sugared cranberry. Just rinse some cranberries under water. Let them sit for second, then dip them individually into granulated sugar.
This sounds amazing! What kind of white wine do you recommend?
Thanks so much, Carolyn! When choosing a wine for sangria, I try to stick with dry, citrusy wines and avoid anything too oaky. No need to use anything expensive, but choose one that you enjoy. I usually use Sauvignon Blanc, but you can also try a Pinot Grigio or a dry Riesling. Cheers!
I love ALL the sangria. Cranberry Pear? Yes! Totally making this for my sisters. Love it!
Me toooooo! Cheers!
This looks amazing!! I just posted a holiday sangria, too :) I LOVE your photo!!
Awww…thank you Ashley! I love sangrias…can’t wait to see yours! We need to get together and have a party! :)