This sparkling cranberry orange sangria is a special drink that is just perfect for holiday gatherings. It melds the tangy flavors of cranberry and orange with a delightful sparkle from the wine. The addition of cinnamon gives it a hint of warmth, making it a comforting and festive drink. This recipe is simple, and the result is a sangria that is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for any celebration.
The ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. However, Cointreau, a type of orange liqueur, may not be readily available in your pantry. It's sold in most liquor stores and some supermarkets. If you can't find it, you can use any other orange liqueur as a substitute. Sparkling wine is another key ingredient. You can choose a bottle based on your preference, but a brut (dry) style works well for this recipe.
Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria Ingredients
Cranberry juice: This gives the sangria its tart flavor and beautiful red color.
Cointreau: An orange-flavored liqueur that adds a sweet citrusy note.
Orange: Adds fresh citrus flavor and serves as a beautiful garnish.
Lemon: Complements the orange and adds an additional layer of citrus flavor.
Cinnamon sticks: Infuses the sangria with warm, spicy notes.
Sparkling wine: Gives the sangria its characteristic fizz and lightness.
Fresh cranberries: Optional garnish that adds a festive touch and extra tartness.
Extra cinnamon sticks: Optional garnish that enhances the cinnamon flavor.
Extra sliced oranges: Optional garnish that adds visual appeal and extra citrus flavor.
One reader, Evanne Wentz says:
This sparkling cranberry orange sangria recipe is a game-changer! The blend of cranberry juice, cointreau, and citrus creates a refreshing and zesty flavor. The addition of sparkling wine gives it a delightful effervescence. It's the perfect drink for gatherings or a relaxing evening. Highly recommended!
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria
How to prepare the sangria: A step-by-step guide on mixing the cranberry juice, cointreau, orange slices, lemon slices, and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher.
How to refrigerate the sangria: Instructions on covering and refrigerating the sangria for 30 minutes to 8 hours before serving.
How to add the sparkling wine: A guide on adding the sparkling wine to the cranberry juice mixture and stirring briefly to combine before serving.
How to serve the sangria: Instructions on serving the sangria immediately in glasses, topped with optional garnishes if desired.
How To Make Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria
Ring in the holidays with this recipe for cranberry orange sangria. Cranberry juice, orange, and cinnamon lend some warm flavors to sparkling wine.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupscranberry juice
- ½cupCointreau,or any orange liqueur
- 1orange,thinly sliced
- 1lemon,or lime, thinly sliced
- 2cinnamon sticks
- 1bottlesparkling wine,(cava, champagne, etc.)
Optional Garnishes:
- fresh cranberries
- extra cinnamon sticks
- extra sliced oranges
Instructions
-
Stir together cranberry juice, Cointreau, orange slices, lemon (or lime) slices and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher.
-
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
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When you are ready to serve the sangria, add the sparkling wine to the cranberry juice mixture and stir briefly to combine.
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Serve immediately in glasses, topped with optional garnishes if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 155.77kcal
- Fat: 0.12g
- Saturated Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g
- Carbohydrates: 14.57g
- Fiber: 1.25g
- Sugar: 10.14g
- Protein: 0.35g
- Sodium: 6.33mg
- Calcium: 31.09mg
- Potassium: 120.27mg
- Iron: 0.48mg
- Vitamin A: 2.06µg
- Vitamin C: 39.36mg
Expert Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria
To enhance the flavor of your sangria, consider muddling the orange and lemon slices slightly before adding them to the pitcher. This will release their natural juices and oils, infusing the sangria with a deeper citrus flavor. Additionally, using a quality sparkling wine can significantly improve the overall taste of your sangria. Remember, the better the ingredients, the better the end result.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria
Prep ahead: Chop fruits and prepare the cranberry juice mixture in advance to save time when you're ready to serve.
Use pre-sliced fruits: Consider using pre-sliced oranges and lemons to cut down on prep time.
Chill the wine: Keep the sparkling wine chilled in the refrigerator so it's ready to go when you mix the sangria.
Quick garnishes: Use pre-packaged fresh cranberries and pre-cut cinnamon sticks for quick and easy garnishing.
Efficient stirring: Stir the sangria briefly to combine the ingredients and save time on preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria Recipe
cranberry juice - Substitute with pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice has a similar tartness and sweetness to cranberry juice, and it will add a rich, fruity flavor to the sangria.
cointreau - Substitute with triple sec: Triple sec is a suitable alternative to Cointreau as it is also an orange-flavored liqueur, and it will provide a similar citrusy sweetness to the sangria.
orange - Substitute with tangerine: Tangerines have a similar citrus flavor to oranges and can be used as a substitute to provide a slightly sweeter and tangier taste to the sangria.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime can be used as a substitute for lemon to add a tangy and citrusy flavor to the sangria while complementing the other fruity elements.
cinnamon sticks - Substitute with star anise: Star anise has a similar warm and spicy flavor to cinnamon and can be used to infuse the sangria with a unique, aromatic twist.
sparkling wine - Substitute with sparkling cider: Sparkling cider can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for sparkling wine, providing a bubbly and slightly sweet base for the sangria.
fresh cranberries - Substitute with pomegranate arils: Pomegranate arils can be used as a substitute for fresh cranberries to add a pop of color and a burst of juicy sweetness to the sangria.
extra cinnamon sticks - Substitute with whole cloves: Whole cloves can be used as a substitute for extra cinnamon sticks to add a warm and aromatic flavor to the sangria.
extra sliced oranges - Substitute with grapefruit slices: Grapefruit slices can be used as a substitute for extra sliced oranges to add a tangy and slightly bitter citrus flavor to the sangria.
Presentation Ideas for a Festive Sparkling Sangria
Elevate the glassware: Choose elegant, crystal-clear glassware to serve the sparkling cranberry orange sangria. The presentation should be sophisticated and refined, reflecting the quality of the ingredients and the artistry of the drink.
Garnish with fresh cranberries: Add a pop of color and a festive touch to the sangria by garnishing each glass with a few plump, fresh cranberries. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor to each sip.
Incorporate citrus twists: Before serving, twist a thin strip of orange or lemon peel over each glass to release the citrus oils. This adds a fragrant aroma and a touch of elegance to the presentation, delighting the senses before the first sip.
Use a decorative stir stick: Offer a stylish touch by including a decorative stir stick in each glass. This can be a sleek, reusable metal stirrer or a festive, themed option that complements the overall presentation.
Chill the glasses: Prior to serving, chill the glasses to create a refreshing experience for the guests. A frosted glass not only looks appealing but also keeps the sangria perfectly chilled as it's enjoyed.
Present with a flourish: As you serve the sparkling cranberry orange sangria, use a confident and graceful motion to pour the drink into the prepared glasses. This adds a touch of showmanship and flair to the presentation, capturing the attention of the diners.
Essential Tools for Making Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making sauces, dips, and purees.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool for combining ingredients, whisking, or stirring. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is used for preparing batters, doughs, and salads.
- Pitcher: A pitcher is a container with a spout used for pouring liquids. It's ideal for mixing and serving beverages like sangria, lemonade, or iced tea.
- Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is a handheld or electric tool specifically designed for extracting juice from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. It's perfect for adding fresh citrus juice to recipes.
- Cocktail stirrer: A cocktail stirrer, often a long-handled spoon, is used for mixing and stirring cocktails or sangrias. It's essential for gently combining ingredients without disturbing the carbonation in the drink.
Storing and Freezing Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria
For the best flavor, it's recommended to serve this sangria immediately after adding the sparkling wine. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the longer the sangria sits, the less bubbly it will become.
If you want to make the sangria ahead of time, prepare the cranberry juice mixture with the cointreau, orange slices, lemon slices, and cinnamon sticks as directed. Store this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. When you're ready to serve, add the sparkling wine and give it a quick stir.
Freezing the sangria is not recommended, as the texture and flavor will change significantly once thawed. The sparkling wine will lose its carbonation, and the fruit slices may become mushy.
If you have leftover cranberry juice mixture (without the sparkling wine), you can freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag. These flavorful cubes can be added to future sangrias or used to chill other drinks without diluting them.
To maintain the best quality of the sangria, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help preserve the flavors and slow down the loss of carbonation from the sparkling wine.
Interesting Trivia About Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria
Cranberry juice is a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and promote overall health.
Is Making Sparkling Sangria at Home Cost-Effective?
This sparkling cranberry orange sangria recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as cranberry juice, cointreau, and sparkling wine, are reasonably priced and can be used for multiple recipes. The addition of fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks as optional garnishes may slightly increase the cost, but they are not essential. Overall, I would rate this recipe a 9 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30, making it an affordable and delightful beverage option.
Is Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria Healthy or Unhealthy?
The sparkling cranberry orange sangria recipe is a refreshing and festive drink, but it may not be the healthiest choice. Here's an analysis of the recipe:
- Cranberry juice is high in sugar and calories, especially if it's not 100% pure cranberry juice.
- Cointreau is an orange-flavored liqueur that is also high in sugar and calories.
- Sparkling wine contains alcohol, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- The recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as fresh oranges and lemons, which provide vitamin C and other nutrients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use 100% pure cranberry juice instead of cranberry cocktail or other sweetened versions. This will reduce the sugar and calorie content.
- Reduce the amount of Cointreau or replace it with a lower-calorie alternative, such as orange extract or fresh orange juice.
- Choose a low-calorie or zero-calorie sparkling wine or seltzer water to reduce the alcohol and calorie content.
- Add more fresh fruit to the sangria, such as sliced apples, pears, or berries. This will increase the fiber and nutrient content of the drink.
- Use a natural sweetener, such as honey or stevia, instead of sugar to sweeten the sangria if needed.
By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of the sparkling cranberry orange sangria that still tastes delicious and festive.
Editor's Take on This Festive Sparkling Sangria Recipe
This sparkling cranberry orange sangria recipe is a delightful and refreshing twist on the classic sangria. The combination of cranberry juice, cointreau, and citrus fruits creates a vibrant and tangy base, while the addition of sparkling wine adds a touch of effervescence. The optional garnishes of fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and sliced oranges not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a hint of extra flavor. This sangria is perfect for entertaining and will surely impress your guests with its festive and flavorful profile. Cheers to a delightful and elegant beverage!
Enhance Your Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Sparkling Sangria Recipes to Try
Why trust this Sparkling Cranberry Orange Sangria Recipe:
This sparkling cranberry orange sangria recipe is a delightful blend of cranberry juice, cointreau, and fresh citrus, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The addition of cinnamon sticks infuses a warm, aromatic essence, while the sparkling wine elevates the experience. The recipe's simplicity and use of quality ingredients ensure a refreshing and vibrant beverage that's perfect for any occasion. Trust in the combination of cranberry juice, cointreau, and sparkling wine to deliver a delightful and memorable sip.
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