Winter Sangria

For a few months each year, we can’t get enough of the distinctive tastes of ginger and cinnamon. But why should cupcakes and cookies have all the fun? We took the summer classic sangria and infused it with the tantalizing spices of winter. Surprisingly light, but brimming with flavour, this is the ultimate Christmas cocktail or New Year’s refresher.

Prep Time
10 minutes
4 hrs (or overnight) chilling time
Cook Time
3 minutes
Image
Three glasses of orange sangria with peaches, oranges and herbs in the glasses and background
Pitcher
Pitcher
Saucepan
Saucepan
Servings
4 to 6 servings (approximately 4 cups / 1000 ml)
For the rosemary-cinnamon simple syrup:
  • ½ cup (125 ml) water
  • ½ cup (109 g) Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, packed
  • 2 inches (16 g) fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 2 sprigs (4 g) fresh rosemary
  • 1 pc 6" cinnamon stick
For the sangria:
  • 1½ cups (211 g) black and/or red plums, sliced
  • ½ cup (76 g) pomegranate arils
  • 2 clementines, washed and sliced into ⅛- to ¼-inch thick rounds
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine
  • ⅓ cup (83 ml) rosemary-cinnamon simple syrup
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) orange liqueur (Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
  • ½ cup (125 ml) ginger beer
Garnishes (optional):
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Pomegranate arils
  • Sliced clementines
  • Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
For the simple syrup:

Step 1

In a small heavy-bottomed pot combine water, the Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, sliced ginger, rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon stick (broken in half).

Pouring golden sugar from a glass bowl into a pot of water on a stove

 A pot of simple syrup on a stove with rosemary, ginger, and cinnamon sticks

Step 2

Place pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer; 2 minutes.

Step 3

Remove pot from heat, cover, and allow syrup to cool and the flavours to infuse into the sugar mixture; at least 20 minutes.

Step 4

After syrup has cooled to room temperature, strain simple syrup into a clean container. Discard ginger, rosemary, and cinnamon stick. Place in fridge until needed.

For the sangria:

Step 1

In a large pitcher, add in the sliced plums, pomegranate arils, and clementine slices. Pour in the wine and gently stir to combine.

Step 2

Cover and place in the fridge to chill; at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight for best flavour.

Step 3

When ready to serve, add in the rosemary-cinnamon simple syrup and orange liqueur. Stir to combine. Top off with ginger beer.

Serve over ice. Decorate with desired garnishes.

Three glasses of white sangria over ice garnished with rosemary sprigs and sliced fruit with a pomegranate