Last Updated on April 15, 2022 by Karen

This festive drink features sparkling wine, apple cider, and seasonal spices – it’s perfect for the holidays!

The holiday season is officially in full swing and I can’t wait for all of the holiday parties coming up. Today’s post is all about elegant entertaining! For me, it’s not only about the food, decor, or table setting, but more about being a gracious host and making guests feel special. I like the idea of making appetizers and drinks ahead of time so that I don’t have to worry about mixing cocktails or whipping up dishes last minute. Instead, I can spend time mingling with friends and enjoying the party.

Sangria is a great make-ahead solution and making a big pitcher of it couldn’t be easier. In fact, the longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets.

I combine spices like cinnamon and cloves (you can also add a pinch of nutmeg) in a pitcher with apple cider, brandy, and fresh apple slices, then let it chill overnight for the flavors to meld. Right before serving, I fill cocktail or wine glasses halfway with the apple cider mixture, then top with chilled sparkling wine. I think you’d agree that no holiday is complete without something sparkling!

Serve with some bright red pomegranate seeds and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. Aren’t they so elegant and pretty? It’s a wonderful drink for celebrating the holidays or ushering the new year!

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Sparkling Spiced Apple Sangria

This festive drink features sparkling wine, apple cider, and seasonal spices - it's perfect for the holidays!

Author Karen @ The Tasty Bite

Ingredients

3 cups apple cider
¾ cup brandy
2 large apples cored and sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
1 750 ml bottle sparkling white wine chilled
Pomegranate seeds and cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a larger pitcher, combine apple cider, brandy, apples, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Pour apple cider mixture into glasses about halfway. Top with chilled sparkling wine and garnish with pomegranate seeds and cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

Notes

*Strain out spices and apple slices if desired.

For this drink, I used a bottle of sparkling Blanc de Blancs from Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards which are fun, elegant, and just perfect for making your holiday season sparkle. If you ever have the chance to visit their winery in southern Sonoma County, which is owned and founded by the Ferrer family of Spain, you should go for their tasting and guided tours. Their wines have earned over 400 gold medals and 50 90+ scores in the last 5 years!