Got plans this weekend? Make pomegranate sangria.
This winter pomegranate vanilla sangria is as beautiful as it is comforting. It’s the kind of cocktail that gathers people together during the holidays: bright orange, tart pomegranate, warming vanilla and cinnamon, rounded out by red wine and brandy. The balance of tartness, spice and sweetness makes it ideal for cooler months when you want something festive and cozy.
The visual appeal is part of the fun: pomegranate arils glinting like little jewels in the glass, slices of orange, apple and pear soaking up flavor. It’s pretty enough for a holiday table and simple enough to make in advance—an advantage for entertaining. Letting the sangria rest allows the flavors to meld, so preparing it the night before or the morning of your party will pay off.
One of the best parts is the boozy fruit. Apples, pears and orange slices absorb the wine and brandy, becoming little boozy treats you can spoon into your glass. They’re practically dessert on their own—at least until you refill your glass with more sangria.
Pomegranate Sangria
Pomegranate Vanilla Sangria
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Ingredients
- 1 large navel orange, sliced
- 1 large apple, chopped
- 1 large pear, chopped
- arils from 1 pomegranate
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 vanilla beans
- 1 1/2 bottles red wine, Spanish-style red works well
- 2 cups sparkling pomegranate soda, or substitute as noted
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup sugar add more if needed to taste
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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In a large pitcher, combine the orange slices, chopped apple and pear, cinnamon sticks and pomegranate arils. Pour in the red wine, sparkling pomegranate soda (or pomegranate juice plus soda), brandy, sugar and vanilla extract. Split the vanilla beans, scrape the seeds into the mixture and add the empty pods as well. Stir thoroughly to combine.
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Chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour before serving so the flavors can meld. Taste and add more sugar if desired. When serving, spoon some of the fruit into glasses, add ice, then pour the sangria over the top.
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If you can’t find sparkling pomegranate soda, substitute 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice plus 1/2 cup ginger ale or club soda. Taste before adding sugar in case the juice is already sweet.
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