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Rocklands’ Spiced Harvest Sangria

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With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the holiday season in full swing, November calls for a drink that’s both festive and effortless. Meet our Drink of the Month, the Spiced Harvest Sangria. This make-ahead batch cocktail is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, designed to be prepared a day in advance so you can spend less time mixing and more time mingling.

This isn’t just any sangria. It’s a rich, autumnal blend that perfectly captures the spirit of the harvest. Robust red wine and warming brandy are steeped overnight with crisp apples and pears, infusing the drink with deep, fruity notes. Just before serving, a splash of fizz and whole cinnamon sticks add a final layer of festive spice. It’s the ideal signature drink for your Friendsgiving feast, family get-together, or holiday office party.

Rocklands’ Sangria Recipe (Serves 12)

Ingredients:

  • 2 (750ml) bottles of dry Red Wine 
  • 1/2 cup Vodka
  • 1/2 cup Brandy
  • 1/2 cup Roses Lime Juice
  • 1 cup Orange Juice
  • 1 cup Finely Chopped Apples
  • 1 cup Finely Chopped Pears
  • 2 cups Sprite (or Ginger Ale)
  • 3 Cinnamon Sticks

Instructions:

  1. Combine: The day before you plan to serve, combine the red wine, vodka, brandy, Roses lime juice, and orange juice in a large 2.5-gallon dispenser or pitcher.
  2. Add Fruit: Stir in the finely chopped apples and pears.
  3. Steep: Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Finish: About one hour before serving, add the Sprite and cinnamon sticks. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Serve: Pour into 14oz wine glasses filled with fresh ice. Garnish each glass with a spoonful of the steeped fruit from the dispenser.

Spiced Autumn Sangria Mocktail

This alcohol-free version captures all the warm spice and fruit-forward flavor of the original.

Ingredients:

  • 2 (750ml) bottles Cranberry-Pomegranate Juice (approx. 6 cups)
  • 1 cup Orange Juice
  • 1/2 cup Apple Cider
  • 1/2 cup Roses Lime Juice
  • 1 cup Finely Chopped Apples
  • 1 cup Finely Chopped Pears
  • 3 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 2 cups Ginger Ale or Sprite

Instructions:

  1. Combine: The day before serving, combine the cranberry-pomegranate juice, orange juice, apple cider, and Roses lime juice in a large dispenser.
  2. Add Fruit & Spices: Stir in the finely chopped apples, pears, and whole cinnamon sticks.
  3. Steep: Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
  4. Finish & Serve: Just before serving, add the Ginger Ale or Sprite for fizz. Serve over ice, garnished with the steeped fruit.

Let Us Handle Your Holiday Hosting

Planning a Thanksgiving feast or a festive holiday party? Let Rocklands take the stress out of your celebration. Our catering team is ready to create a memorable holiday menu for any event, from corporate holiday gatherings to intimate family dinners. We’ll handle the food and drinks so you can focus on making memories.

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Jenn Carter

About Jenn Carter

Meet Jenn Carter, whose love of Rocklands spans more than three decades and made her love official in 2005 when she joined the Rocklands family as a Sales Rep in their Catering Department. There she worked with the team to create events: from intimate backyard gatherings to high-profile political fundraisers. Making sure every client’s event featured both Rocklands’ legendary barbecue and impeccable service. Though life has taken her from DC to Japan, to New Mexico, Tennessee and now to Oklahoma, where she lives with her husband Michael, son Jackson, and pup Francis, you’ll still find bottles of Rocklands Barbecue Sauce making their way to her doorstep. Some loves know no distance.