Holiday Bourbon Sangria

For years I’ve looked for a festive holiday cocktail that I can sip on and not feel like I’m swallowing a cup of sugar or cream. Don’t get my wrong, I love a good white russian or milk punch, but sometimes I want something a little lighter. I stumbled on this recipe this fall and I have to say it has been a HIT with anyone who has tried it. It (almost) feels healthy because there is so much fruit that you forget about the alcohol! This is the prettiest punch to serve for a small party with friends that you can make in advance. I’ve fully decided this is my go-to fall/winter sangria! Full disclosure, I followed a recipe I found online from Half Baked Harvest (I love her!) but I really didn’t use the exact measurements. I think it’s more fun to pour and taste along the way to make sure you like your bourbon to wine ratios.

RECIPE

Ingredients

1 (750ml) bottle white wine

1 (12 ounce) ginger beer plus more for topping if desired

1 cups honey crisp apple cider

1/2 cup (ish…)  brandy

3 pears sliced

3 oranges sliced

1 pomegranate (seeds only)

8 cinnamon sticks

Directions

Combine wine, ginger beer, apple cider, brandy, 2 pears, 2 oranges, pomegranate seeds and 4 cinnamon sticks in a pitcher. Taste and adjust. Maybe you want some more brandy or maybe some more ginger beer! Let it sit for at least 12 hours but it’s best if it sits for at least a day. Cut up the remaining pears and oranges and set out remaining cinnamon sticks for garnishing. Pour and enjoy!

Do you have any go-to holiday cocktails?! Please let me know!

xx,

CKS