Bourbon Whiskey Sangria
Red wine, bourbon and apple cider with grenadine, cranberries and whole spices, left to infuse overnight. A strong, spiced pitcher for a cool evening.
Bourbon Whiskey Sangria
Course: DrinksDifficulty: Easy8
servings20
minutes8
hoursRed wine, bourbon and apple cider with grenadine, cranberries and whole spices, left to infuse overnight. A strong, spiced pitcher for a cool evening.
Ingredients
1 bottle (750 ml) red wine
8 ounces bourbon whiskey, adjusted to taste
8 ounces grenadine
16 ounces apple cider
1/2 teaspoon cardamom bitters, optional
1 medium apple, cut into pieces
1 medium orange, cut into pieces
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
6 whole cloves
3 whole cinnamon sticks
3 whole green cardamom pods
2 whole star anise
4 cups ice, for the glasses
1 apple and 1 orange, sliced, for garnish
Extra whole spices, for garnish
Directions
- Cut the apple and orange into small pieces and rinse the cranberries.
- Put the fruit and cranberries into a large bowl or pitcher.
- Add the cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods and star anise.
- Pour in the red wine, apple cider and grenadine.
- Stir the mixture well to release the flavors of the spices.
- Taste the mixture, then add the bourbon a little at a time until it is as strong as you like. Add the cardamom bitters now if you are using them.
- Cover and refrigerate for a few hours, or ideally overnight, until the spices come through clearly.
- Before serving, remove the whole spices and give the sangria a final stir.
- Serve chilled in glasses, over ice if you like.
- Garnish with fresh fruit slices and a few whole spices.
Notes
- For a version without alcohol, use dark grape juice, extra cider and a splash of strong black tea in place of the wine and bourbon. Keep the pitcher covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, but take out the whole spices after the first night. Stir before pouring because the grenadine settles. Bourbon can be added to individual glasses instead.
Bourbon Whiskey Sangria, spiced
Red wine, bourbon and cider make a strong base, and grenadine adds sweetness and color. Whole spices and cranberries infuse overnight. Taste before you add all the bourbon, because the spices strengthen it.
Cardamom bitters add a quiet aromatic note.
Swaps
Maple syrup works in place of grenadine if you want less sweet. Rye can stand in for bourbon. A Zinfandel suits the red wine.
Ground spices do not replace whole ones. They cloud the pitcher and turn it gritty.
Serving and keeping
Serve over ice with sharp cheddar, smoked sausage or a pork roast. Stir before pouring, because the grenadine settles.
Pull the spices out after the first night, or the cloves turn it bitter.
Taste as you go
Bourbon varies in strength, so add it little by little. Start with half, stir, and taste before adding the rest. The grenadine makes it sweet and ruby-colored, so keep an eye on the balance. Cranberries float and look good, but they stay tart. Strain the fruit if you like a clearer drink.
Bourbon Whiskey Sangria at a glance
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Ingredients: 15, led by bottle (750 ml) red wine, bourbon whiskey, grenadine, apple cider
Tips for Bourbon Whiskey Sangria
For a version without alcohol, use dark grape juice, extra cider and a splash of strong black tea in place of the wine and bourbon. Keep the pitcher covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, but take out the whole spices after the first night. Stir before pouring because the grenadine settles. Bourbon can be added to individual glasses instead.
Bourbon Whiskey Sangria FAQ
How many people does Bourbon Whiskey Sangria serve?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What do I need to make Bourbon Whiskey Sangria?
15 ingredients, led by bottle (750 ml) red wine, bourbon whiskey, grenadine, apple cider. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
Part of: 25 Easy Fall Sangria Recipes for Thanksgiving and Cozy Nights
