This post is part of a sponsored week long event called #MerryEats, all opinions and words are 100% mine.

Name the one thing every holiday get together needs. For most people, it is a delicious cocktail that easily serves a crowd but also look amazing on the drink table too. This sparkling winter sangria fits all those requirements and tastes fantastic. I’d go ahead and just plan to have a few recipes cards with this recipe written out because everyone is going to be asking for it.

This sparkling winter sangria is filled with fresh apples, pears and cranberries making it so festive. I use Envy apples and Rainier pears for the sangria. (Tip: December is National Pear Month so it is a great time to try all the different varieties Rainier offers like Asian pears, Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, Forelle, Green Anjou, Red Bartlett, Seckel, and Taylor’s Gold.) Envy apples are quite possibly the perfect apple. They have a fantastic red color, are delightfully crisp and, best of all, they don’t brown! I love these apples so much that I was telling everyone at our local grocery store that they had to try them when I saw them choosing a different apple.

I always slice my fruit and put it in the pitcher with the apple cider and wine a few hours before the party. That way, the flavors really get to meld together. It will be delicious even if you skip this step and throw it together right before serving but I suggest a minimum of one hour.

Ingredients for Sparkling Winter Sangria:

2 Envy apples, chopped
2 Rainier Pears, sliced
1 orange, sliced
750mL bottle Sauvignon Blanc or other dry white wine
2 1/2 cups apple cider
2-3 cinnamon sticks
2/3 cup vodka
1/2 cup frozen cranberries
1 1/4 cup Prosecco

Let’s Make It:

1. In a large pitcher, combine apples, pears, orange slices, white wine, apple cider, cinnamon sticks and vodka. Place in refrigerator for at least 1 hour. 

2. Just before serving stir in frozen cranberries and top off with prosecco. 

We always have extra frozen cranberries on hand to use in place of ice for the sangria. They help keep it cool and also add a festive touch. 

I definitely recommend keeping the ingredients for this sparkling winter sangria on hand all holiday season long. It is perfect to throw together when guests are stopping by or to make for a holiday party. 

Be sure to follow the #MerryEats hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get all of the great recipes and holiday entertaining tips throughout the week!  Also, visit the other bloggers participating: Pink Cake Plate, Mother Thyme, Whitney Miller, Wishes & Dishes, Liz on Call, Savory Experiments, Big Bears Wife, and Mrs. Happy Homemaker.

There is also a fantastic giveaway going on all throughout #MerryEats week that you don’t want to miss. The grand prize is a holiday entertaining package that includes Cook’s Illustrated Holiday Cookbook and our very own Whitney Miller’s Modern Hospitality along with a host of serving dishes and seasonal minis from artist Nora Fleming. This serving ware is perfect for every holiday and entertaining event and her ceramic mini’s allow you to transform your serving dishes for every holiday. Value: $500

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