It’s time to brighten things up in here!
Winter can get a bit dreary and I love being reminded that grapefruits are now in season. This is the perfect time of year to indulge in something bright, cheery, and traditionally what I would deem to be more of a summer drink. [Read more…]
Just look at that glorious, utterly gorgeous mess…
A heaping helping of nachos is one of my (many) weaknesses. Probably due to those college nights after one too many vodka tonics on a mostly empty stomach because no one ever thought to serve actual food at the parties I went to (seriously what were they thinking?!). My roommates and I would get home and bust out the nachos as we recounted the night, gossiping like we were back in high school again. [Read more…]
Monkey bread is a long-standing tradition in my life. I remember the first time I ever had monkey bread was back when I turned 22 (wow does that feel like decades ago!). I woke up early in the morning to a thick slice of this caramel and pecan covered magical bread. Within two bites I was hooked, and I have to tell you, I haven’t found a better breakfast since.
For years I haven’t even tried to mess with the classic recipe that I’ve made every year for Christmas. I mean, why try to break a good thing? [Read more…]
A heaping bowl of stew is how I am finding comfort this week…
So far, the week hasn’t started off great. I killed a chocolate pound cake on Sunday (by killed I mean seriously KILLED) and for some reason, this one isn’t rolling off my back like other kitchen disasters do. I am feeling a bit “off” for some reason – not sure if it’s the full speed collision Kya, our furry baby, had with the back of my head or the bipolar weather we are experiencing in Denver. [Read more…]
What’s wintertime without a warm mug of perfectly mulled wine?
I love the classic combination of spices that go into mulled wine because it reminds me so much of home in Colorado on those cold, snowy nights I love so much. When I received a sample of Paradise Fruit Company’s candied ginger, after tasting it, I know that I had to add some of the delicious candy to my mulled wine mix! I have used Paradise Candied Ginger and Candied Fruits for years in my baking; particularly around the holidays with all the fruitcake and gingersnaps I love to gobble up. [Read more…]
The end of football season is looming and it feels like the Super Bowl is right around the corner. I am anxiously awaiting the Broncos playoff game this weekend and the only thing that alleviates my nerves right now is cooking. And eating.
The eating part I am seriously fighting myself on since one of my new year’s resolutions is to tone up and lose some weight… #whatwasIthinking [Read more…]
Well hello 2015, it’s so wonderful to meet you! Shall we dine over some ridiculously luxurious mussels and get to know each other a bit?
It’s about time for a new year, isn’t it? Not that I haven’t absolutely cherished this year, because I definitely have! I just love the feeling of a fresh new year in front of me, ready to be tackled and made even better than the last.
There’s nothing like the feeling of a new beginning and there’s no better way to celebrate it than with a full bar of sparkling beverages! [Read more…]
Christmas Sangria is a delightful way to celebrate the holidays, all in one gorgeous chilled glass. This festive sangria is just the right balance of crisp and fruity, with a slight touch of sweetness!
For the past two days, I keep having to remind myself that Christmas is just around the corner. Can you believe it’s only two days away?! It feels unreal. Although I suppose that’s the case every year…
I spend over a month preparing for it, and it comes as such a surprise when it finally arrives.
I am all about packing Christmas Eve and Christmas day with as much food as I possibly can. The cooking and baking marathon will continue until my feet are sore and my stomach is rumbling (yes, I always forget to eat when I am cooking/baking!).
There’s something about the holidays that brings out the true inner chef within me. Sharing homemade food with all my loved ones is the best gift in the world in my book.
This Christmas Sangria is a delicious, simple recipe to accompany any meal and make your holiday merry and bright. It’s honestly the one recipe that my entire family demands that I make for our Christmas Eve celebration every single year!
The addition of a sprig of fresh rosemary adds the true taste of the holidays that I cherish so much. As soon as you take that first sip you’ll realize that this sangria is the drink you won’t want to live without when Christmas rolls around every year.
Note: this post is an updated version from the original published on December 23, 2014 (updated on November 17, 2023)! The post includes commonly asked questions, tips and tricks, and more. The recipe remains the same!
white wine – be sure to select a dry white wine. I personally prefer a chardonnay or a sauvignon blanc for this particular recipe. Whatever white wine you choose, the most important thing is to make sure it isn’t sweet.
sparkling apple cider – non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider is what you are looking for here! It can also be labeled sparkling apple juice, depending on where you live. Do not use alcoholic apple cider for this sangria!
simple syrup – the original recipe called for granulated sugar, but we’ve found through testing that using simple syrup is easier to incorporate!
cranberries – I prefer to use fresh cranberries since they are in season around the holidays! However you can also use frozen – see my Seasonal Tip at the end of this post for more information on using frozen cranberries.
apple – Granny Smith (green) apple is best for this recipe!
rosemary – definitely use fresh rosemary for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh, you can omit it and it will still taste good! Be sure to pick up extra as a garnish for the glasses – it just adds the right amount of festive flair.
Get the look in the video below with stemless wine glasses and pitcher. The pitcher is one that I so so love, because it’s gorgeous and just the right size!
Stir it up with a wooden spoon, a must-have for my utensil jar.
In a large pitcher, add all of the ingredients for the sangria. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hour before serving.
When ready to serve, pour into wine glasses and garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary. Make sure that you get some of the fruit in every glass!
don’t skip chilling time. When you chill this easy holiday sangria recipe, you are allowing enough time for the fresh fruits to infuse the wine with sweet and fresh flavor! If you cut the time, the sangria won’t taste nearly as good.
taste and adjust. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust this Christmas sangria to your liking! If you like it sweeter, add a little extra apple cider. If you like yours a little more boozy, consider adding a splash of Cointreau for a little orange twist. Enjoy the journey of finding the perfect balance for you!
More tasty sangria recipes to try: Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria | Big Batch Holiday Sangria | Sake Sangria | Last-Minute Apple Pie Sparkling Sangria
I prefer to use a drier wine for this white wine sangria, like a dry Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also use a Riesling or Pinot Grigio, but I would be sure to taste test first to make sure it’s dry and not overly sweet.
I know that there are some places that finding cranberries, fresh or frozen, can be very difficult! Instead of cranberries, you can also use pitted cherries in the same way as the recipe calls for cranberries.
You can also use pomegranate seeds! If you do, add them in the last hour of chilling so they don’t overpower the flavor of the sangria.
Yes, this sangria will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container if you are planning to keep it in the fridge for more than 6 hours.
Yes, you can! If you can’t find sparkling apple cider, or you just have regular cider on hand, that is an excellent substitute. You can also use apple juice if you are in a pinch!
Need some more inspiration for the holidays? Check out my holiday recipes page!
When it comes to serving this holiday cocktail, you better believe that I am pulling out all of my favorite holiday recipes for the occasion! It doesn’t matter if it’s a small gathering or a big party, this sangria goes with all the classic holiday flavors. If you are looking for more inspiration for your holiday gathering, here are some of my favorite recipes:
For appetizers, tear-apart sourdough holiday cheese dip is super gooey and hearty! If you’d prefer more of a two-bite handheld option, check out this roasted cranberry goat cheese crostini. You can also enjoy a spread like this Christmas cheese board.
A main dish like salmon chowder is a must-make every Christmas Eve in our family! This cranberry rosemary walnut stuffed pork tenderloin meal is also a contender.
You can’t forget the sweets! Gingerbread Christmas crack candy, Christmas shortbread cookies, snowball cookies, and chewy snickerdoodle bars are always winners with guests. Any of your favorite Christmas cookies are a great pairing, honestly!
If you are looking for a last-minute set of recipes for a holiday gathering, I’ve rounded up the best last minute Christmas recipes to make.
Don’t forget to check out the full list of Christmas cocktails and drinks (including nonalcoholic options!) too!
This sangria will last in the pitcher for up to 6 hours. If you plan to make it a day or two ahead of time you can! Just be sure to store it in an airtight container if you are storing it for more than 6 hours.
Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria – for when you just need a red sangria for yourself and your boo.
Cranberry Boulevardier – fancy, tart, and oh-so tasty.
Gingerbread Bourbon Punch – perfect for a party and it goes well with this sangria as a complement to be served in a punch bowl.
Cranberry Pomegranate Champagne Mule – because your favorite ginger drink needs a holiday pomegranate twist!
Gingerbread White Russian – it’s creamy, dreamy, and oh-so holiday.
Big Batch Holiday Red Sangria Recipe – do you have a ton of people coming over? This recipe makes a HUGE batch of sangria and has lots of citrus, oranges and other spices. It’s also a red wine option, so if you want a red and white option for guests, make this one in addition to Christmas Sangria!
Fresh or frozen cranberries? You can use either in this recipe, but I encourage using fresh as they impart a fresh tartness. Frozen cranberries work as well, but do note that you should thaw them before using in this sangria. In addition, the thawed berries may add a red tint to the sangria!
Finally, if you make this Christmas Sangria, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! Love being able to see these recipes come to live in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
I don’t know why I haven’t reviewed cookbooks or any book related to food on my blog yet, especially considering my addiction to these types of books. Welcome to a new kind of post on Cake ‘n’ Knife!
When I received The Essential Bar Book: An A-to-Z Guide to Spirits, Cocktails, and Wine with 115 Recipes for the World’s Greatest Drinks, I immediately tore into it out of the selfish desire to learn how to stock my home bar which currently resides in 2 cardboard boxes (terrible I know!). It was literally within the first few pages that I found myself immersed in a wealth of information on everything you need to know that has anything to do with alcohol in any form. This perfectly sized book, which fits wonderfully into any bar, is the ultimate reference guide for anyone, particularly beginners. [Read more…]
Holiday Spritz Cookies are a family favorite you’ll want to bake up every year! The subtle almond and vanilla flavor of these buttery cookies makes them melt-in-your-mouth AMAZING. Before you know it, you have devoured a dozen…
It’s finally The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap day! This is my second year participating in this oh-so amazing event and it’s only gotten sweeter (I know, that was pretty corny…).
‘Tis the season for all things gingerbread! If you’ve ever wanted an excuse to eat gingerbread cookies for breakfast, this is the perfect way to get that fix.
For me, a breakfast filled with the flavors of gingerbread is exactly what I want to wake up to on Christmas morning. Christmas mornings when I was young were all about the family getting together for breakfast. We would always stay with my grandparents Christmas Eve and would wake up early to rip through our stockings as we waited for the rest of the family to arrive. [Read more…]
Ok everyone, this is now officially the best way to eat Brussels sprouts. Ever.
A couple of weeks ago I went to a preview of the brand new D Bar restaurant here in Denver. All of the food was incredible, but there were these crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon that completely blew all the other bites out of the water that night. The one thing I kept thinking was, the only way these could be any better is if they were all over a crispy flatbread. [Read more…]
Today I am thrilled to welcome my food blogger BFF, Susannah from Feast + West, who will be sharing an INCREDIBLE recipe with you all. I know you are going to adore her as much as I do. I mean, who couldn’t adore a Southern charmer who loves food, travel, and sparkly drinks?! With that, here’s my girl!
Hey friends! I’m Susannah from Feast + West. You might remember me from the amazing Blogsgiving Dinner that Meghan and I threw last month, and I am really excited she asked me to be here to share another festive holiday recipe with you.
I am a firm believer in sparkly drinks. Whether they’re served alongside appetizers or dessert, bubbly champagne is always welcome at any celebration. The holidays are no exception. If there’s ever a time to splurge on a fancy bottle, the holidays are it. [Read more…]
You are going to be OBSESSED with this Red Velvet Ice Cream with Brownie Chunks. It has all the flavor of a red velvet cake, but there’s this little tang you get from the buttermilk that makes you think there’s cream cheese frosting hidden in there somewhere.
Sorry, I’m not sorry for sharing this oh-so glutinous ice cream with you all today. You might think that you’re going to be able to sneak in a little dieting before the holiday parties hit, but I am telling you NO.
Yep that’s a big NO right there. A big, creamy, rich, red velvet and brownie stuffed cone of NO DIETING. [Read more…]
I think this is one of the best pizzas I’ve made in a really long time…
You wouldn’t think I would head straight for pizza the week after epic amounts of feasting, but I can’t help myself! Anytime I am celebrating I always feel myself being pulled back to anything Italian. [Read more…]
Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Parker House Rolls are fluffy, stuffed with cheese and oh-so buttery! They might look like they take a lot of work, but they are so simple to make and you get 4 loaves out of this recipe! Perfect for the upcoming holidays if you’re planning on big gatherings, but even if you aren’t, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 weeks before baking.
No matter what, making bread is the one thing that will cure any ailment. Whether it’s a cold, stress or a plain ol’ crap day, as soon as I start kneading dough, every muscle in my body relaxes and my mind completely clears.
There’s nothing like making bread.
Actually there’s nothing like eating bread either, especially right out of the oven, piping hot and slathered in melted butter.
Oh and a little cheddar cheese, just to make them that much more addictive… [Read more…]
Candied bacon… on a maple glaze… over a lightly spiced baked donut…
Yea, I know. Dreams really do come true!! [Read more…]
I am battling exhaustion this week. I can barely keep my eyes open, let alone figure out how to function. The past two months are definitely catching up with me. Oh and it’s basically November now – where did this year go?!
I have to apologize; I am a bit all over the place today. It’s tragic how bad it’s gotten. I could barely write a happy birthday note yesterday. I swear I stared at the blank card for about 10 minutes before putting pen to paper and writing an extremely short, poorly worded note… [Read more…]
With Halloween at the end of the week, I am already thinking about what I am going to do with all the leftover candy I inevitably end up with. Generally it will sit in a bowl for months as my husband and I pick at it, until we eventually throw it out with our yearly resolution to lose weight after the holidays.
Instead of being plagued with leftover Halloween candy for months (possibly until next Halloween… I hate to admit it, but it’s happened in our house before…), why not use it all in one big candy cake? No one can say no to cake, especially when it’s covered in candy! And today, we’re cooking with KitchenAid® Streamline Ceramic! [Read more…]
I really did try to take a break from goat cheese and bread in an effort to be healthy and eat in moderation… But then I made these crostini and remembered just how goooooooood goat cheese and bread are….
If I could have a love affair with any food, I think it would be bread. Apparently this is not a new idea; when reading The Man Who Ate Everything by Jeffrey Steingarten I happily found that he devotes an entire chapter to bread. My favorite section out of the entire book is “Bread is the only food I know that satisfies completely, all by itself. It comforts the body, charms the senses, gratifies the soul, and excites the mind.” [Read more…]
It’s Tuesday, which means we got through Monday, which also means it’s time for a stiff drink. Right?
I am all about caramel apples this time of year. Usually my mother-in-law will surprise me with one or two from the store and I’ll indulge in them right away. It’s healthy since it’s fruit!! [Read more…]
I have to say it again.
Best. Meatballs. EVER.
Seriously, it’s downright insane how good these meatballs are. They literally melt in your mouth because they are so luscious and silky. There are some things in life everyone needs to master how to make. For me it’s chocolate chip cookies, the perfect gin and tonic, and anything Italian, especially meatballs. [Read more…]
Sometimes you need a quick apple pie fix in life. I find these moments often arise when it’s fall, the weather is changing, and you start to feel that familiar nostalgic tug which rolls around every year.
Or sometimes you just need to stuff your face with pie because it’s sweet and warm and you’ve had a horribly bad day. [Read more…]
