Blushing Quince & Cranberry White Wine Sangria
A simple, make-ahead beverage, this festive white wine sangria features winter fruits and crisp apple cider.
Sipping sangria doesn’t have to stop just because summer is truly well and over. In fact, a wintery sangria is my preferred flavour profile for this popular party drink.
I love how white wine sangria can be made ahead in a big batch; no last minute mixing or mess of individual cocktails. It really does make holiday entertaining simple, and that is the goal.
Read on for my Blushing Quince & Cranberry White Wine Sangria recipe, and then add it to the list for your next gathering.
Red or White Wine Sangria?
I love a spicy, deeply flavoured sangria, and for years have been loyal to my Winter Sangria with Citrus and Pomegranate. However, last year I was playing around with a lighter version, and came up with a new favourite that is completely different.
When we lived in Quebec, the holiday feasting meant hearty main dishes like Classic Tourtiere and maple -glazed pork chops. The potent red wine sangria was a delicious pairing to the rich food; it just made sense!
Now I find that this Blushing Quince & Cranberry White Wine Sangria pairs a bit better with the flavours of Nova Scotia – like our seafood, and mild turkey obsession.
Seasonal Sangria Ingredients
All of the ingredients for this sangria are locally grown and produced. That makes me so happy; you can taste the difference.
White Wine: Choose something light and not too sweet, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. I reach for a local wine and most often it is our own homemade bottles.
Quince Simple Syrup: Every fall I am gifted a basket of Nova Scotia quince. Consequently, a quince simple syrup has become my go to mix-in for holiday cocktails. These deeply aromatic winter fruits are well worth seeking out at farmers markets, but if you can’t find any, see notes below for substitutions.
Winter Fruits: Crisp apple (I like a combination of Honeycrisp and Russets), fresh cranberries and poached quince (from the syrup) make up the requisite fruit in this white wine sangria. Thinly sliced kumquats would be very pretty in the drink, as would pomegranate arils.
Sparkling Apple Cider: I know, another drink featuring apple cider? What can I say, it’s my favourite fall/winter flavour profile, especially around the holidays. I love a cran-apple cider, blush pink and extra tart. It brings a beautiful colour to the sangria.
Rosemary: The most festive of all herbs! This one actually pairs so well with apples, as demonstrated in my Roasted Apple & Rosemary Tisane. If you really love the flavour of rosemary, toss a small sprig into the simple syrup and infuse it alongside the quince.
Holiday White Wine Sangria variations
Sangria is a versatile beverage, so feel free to make your own adaptations to this recipe. If you can’t find quince, use crisp pears in the simple syrup, with a few drops of vanilla and a sprinkling of nutmeg.
I love to add a splash of Campari for a hint of bitterness. If you like your sangria more sweet, use a dash of Cointreau. Finally, if you desire a lighter, less boozy sangria, you can substitute club soda for the sparkling apple cider.
Always taste as you go along. If you like your drink a little sweeter, add a splash more of quince simple syrup. If you’re craving acidity, serve the drink with a lime wedge.
Sparkling White Wine Sangria with Quince, Apple and Rosemary
Ingredients
For the simple syrup
- 1 ripe quince
- 1/2 cup raw cane sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional
For the sangria
- 750 ml white wine
- 1 crisp apple sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary plus more to garnish
- 500 ml sparkling apple cider or club soda
- ice to serve
Instructions
Simple Syrup
- Cut the quince in quarters and remove the core. Don't worry about peeling it. Give it a rough chop. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped quince and sugar with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Reduce heat to very low and cover the pan. Simmer the simple syrup on low for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let infuse until room temperature.
- Strain simple syrup into a jar and add a splash of vanilla. Reserve some of the poached quince slices to add to the sangria. Syrup keeps for 1 week in the fridge, or frozen for up to one month.
White Wine Sangria Base
- In a quart jar or large pitcher, combine the wine, apples, cranberries and rosemary. Add 1/4 cup of the quince simple syrup and a spoonful of the poached quince. Stir to combine. Cover and chill the sangria for 4 hours or overnight.
Holiday White Sangria
- Give the infused sangria a stir. To set out in a self-serve pitcher, simply pour in the sparkling apple cider and ice. Stir well and serve immediately.
- To serve in individual glasses: Spoon a little off the fruit into wine glasses and fill halfway with sangria. Add an ice cube or two. Top up with sparkling apple cider. Garnish with a little rosemary sprig if desired. Serve at once
