Description
This Perfect Blood Orange Pomegranate Sangria is an easy-to-make, festive cocktail that combines the tartness of blood oranges with the sweet bursts of pomegranate seeds, complemented by a smooth Merlot wine base. Perfect for entertaining, it improves with time as flavors meld together, making it ideal for parties or relaxed evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sangria Mixture:
- 1 bottle Merlot (750 ml)
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
- 2 blood oranges, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
For Serving:
- 1 cup sparkling water to top off
- Ice cubes
- Reserved blood orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash the blood oranges thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds. Set aside a few attractive slices to use later as garnish. Separate the pomegranate seeds (arils) if not already done.
- Combine Fruit and Wine: Place the sliced blood oranges (except those reserved for garnish) and pomegranate seeds into a large glass pitcher. Pour in the full bottle of Merlot over the fruit.
- Add Juice, Liqueur, and Sweetener: Add the pomegranate juice, orange-flavored liqueur, and granulated sugar (if using) to the pitcher. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar and ensure the liquid combines with the fruit flavors. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
- Chill the Sangria: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to let the flavors meld and infuse fully. The longer it rests, the better the flavor.
- Serve the Sangria Over Ice: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled sangria, including the fruit, into each glass.
- Add Fizz and Garnish: Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water to add a refreshing fizz. Garnish with the reserved blood orange slices for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Let the sangria chill for at least 2-4 hours or overnight for the best flavor melding.
- Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz and freshness.
- Adjust sugar to taste according to the sweetness of your fruit and juices.
- Avoid adding too much ice to prevent dilution of flavors.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavor will improve over time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail, Beverage
- Method: No-cook, mix and chill
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approx. 375 ml)
- Calories: 875 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 110 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: blood orange sangria, pomegranate sangria, winter cocktail, festive drink, easy sangria recipe, party drinks
