Save This sparkling pear and cranberry sangria is my go to festive beverage when holiday season rolls around. It bursts with orchard and citrus flavors from fresh pear and cranberries balanced with the tang of lemon and orange then finished with bubbles for extra fizz and fun. It could not be easier and is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for all ages at gatherings.
When I first served this at our New Year brunch both kids and adults kept refilling their glasses and raved about how each sip tasted like winter in a cup.
Ingredients
- Ripe pear sliced thinly: lets its sweet juices mingle into every sip I find firm but fragrant pears hold up best
- Fresh cranberries: bring tartness and a jewel like pop try to choose ones that are plump and deep red for the best look and taste
- Orange and lemon sliced thin: add sunny citrus that brightens everything up picking a heavy fruit for its size means juiciness
- Pear juice: provides a gentle floral sweetness look for 100 percent juice with no added sugar
- Unsweetened cranberry juice: boosts color and gives a gently tart edge check that the label says unsweetened for the purest flavor
- Honey or agave syrup: blends in the background and dissolves easily taste as you go as pears have varying natural sweetness use agave for a vegan version
- Sparkling water or club soda: gives refreshing fizz always chill before adding for best bubbly effect
- Optional rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks: dial up the aroma and give a pretty finishing touch I like using tender rosemary with lots of fragrance
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit:
- Slice the pear orange and lemon as thin as possible to maximize their flavor infusion. Add the slices plus the whole cranberries to a large pitcher. This way the fruits not only look beautiful but also infuse the juice fully.
- Mix the base:
- Pour pear juice and cranberry juice into the pitcher over the fruit. Add your chosen sweetener to taste and stir well until dissolved. This ensures an even blend of flavor and sweetness without clumps.
- Chill for flavor:
- Cover and refrigerate your mixture for at least one hour. This resting time is key as it lets the fruits release their essence and the flavors meld into a harmonious punch.
- Add the bubbles:
- Right before serving slowly pour in the chilled sparkling water or club soda and gently stir to combine. This preserves the fizziness and makes every pour extra refreshing.
- Serve and garnish:
- Fill glasses with plenty of ice then ladle in the sangria making sure each serving gets some fruit. Garnish with rosemary sprigs or cinnamon sticks if using for that final festive touch.
Save Whenever I add rosemary as a garnish the scent alone transports me back to my grandmother's table where we always had a fragrant winter punch on snowy days. My children now insist on making the sangria themselves and love choosing the herbs and fruit cuts.
Storage Tips
This sangria keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two days without the sparkling water Simply add bubbles just before serving for best texture and taste If making extra use a covered pitcher to keep fruit fresh
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find pear juice apple juice works just as well For added tang a splash of pomegranate juice fits right in If you only have mandarin oranges their zest is delightful too Agave makes this strictly vegan and you can also use a dash of maple syrup for an autumnal twist
Serving Suggestions
Serve over lots of ice in clear glasses so the fruit shows through If you are hosting a crowd set up a sangria bar with extra sliced fruits and fun herbs for garnish For brunch I love topping each glass with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Holiday punch traditions date back centuries and this cheery sangria channels the festive fruit blends from both American winter tables and old world European feasts Winter is when fresh cranberries and citrus are at their best The recipe reflects the season's colors and fresh flavors
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in apples and pomegranate seeds for later in the winter Try blood oranges for a deeper festive color In summer trade pears and cranberries for peaches and strawberries Watching the fruit float and infuse feels like bottling a bit of winter orchard magic for your holiday party.
Success Stories
After making this for my book club it disappeared in less than an hour and several friends begged for the recipe even non fruit lovers went for seconds I have since brought it to potlucks and always get requests for a refill
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can slice and freeze the fruit ahead of time in portions then just thaw in the fridge add to the pitcher with juice and continue as written This makes party prep a breeze
Save I learned the hard way not to rush the chilling step The extra hour of waiting brings out flavors you simply will not get otherwise and now I always plan to make it ahead
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I prepare this drink in advance?
Yes, combine fruits and juices ahead of time, then chill for at least 1 hour. Add sparkling water just before serving.
- → What fruit substitutes work well?
Try apple or pomegranate seeds instead of pear or cranberries for extra flavor and color variation.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
Add more honey or agave syrup to taste, or use sweeter juices for a more pronounced sweetness.
- → Is this beverage suitable for vegans?
Yes, simply use agave syrup instead of honey to keep it strictly plant-based and vegan-friendly.
- → What garnishes enhance presentation?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks add festive aroma and visual appeal to each glass.
- → What’s the best way to serve?
Pour over ice in glasses and garnish right before serving to keep the beverage crisp and refreshing.