This fall, I’m excited to share a Scary Delicious Halloween Sangria Recipe that’s not only a breeze to whip up but also promises to be the life of the party! As we gear up for a season of festivities and fun, I couldn’t resist concocting a delicious blend for a perfect sangria recipe that encapsulates the essence of Halloween in every sip.
I love to have easy, go-to recipes for entertaining. This recipe is all about the art of crafting a drink that’s as pleasing to look at as it is easy to make, allowing you to spend less time mixing and more time mingling with your guests. Honestly, the garnish makes all the difference!
With a medley of vibrant fruits, a dash of seasonal flair, and a touch of magic, this sangria is as delightful to make as it is to serve. So whether you’re hosting an eerie evening in or throwing a spirited soiree, my goal is to provide you with a go-to recipe that adds a dash of enchantment to your Halloween celebrations.
Get ready to clink glasses and share a spirited drink that’s bound to leave everyone under its spell!
why i love making sangria
My go-to drink is definitely red wine. But, Sangria has stolen my heart with its captivating blend of flavors and its ability to transform any gathering into a festive occasion. The combination of wine, fruits, and a hint of sweetness creates a harmonious flavor to enjoy with each sip.
Whether it’s the depth of a red wine sangria or the refreshing zing of a white wine variation, there’s a sangria for every mood and season. The medley of colorful fruits, leisurely soaking in the wine, adds an artistic touch to the drink that’s as delightful to look at as it is to enjoy. Beyond its taste, the act of crafting a pitcher of sangria is a creative endeavor that lets me infuse a touch of my own magic into each batch.
I found the perfect glasses to serve my sangria in this Halloween. Check out these Stackable Ribbed Glasses and this adorable Black and White Marble Cutting Board I found on Amazon. And my favorite Large Glass Pitcher is from Target. Now let’s get to the recipe!
halloween sangria recipe ingredients
This recipe should serve about 6 to 8 drinks with the following ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup grape juice (or any dark berry juice)
- 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (like Triple Sec)
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1-2 oranges, thinly sliced
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 cup sparkling water (I suggest Fresca)
- Fresh sage leaves, rosemary, blackberries, or dried oranges for garnish
- 2-3 tablespoons honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
halloween sangria recipe instructions
Plan to make your sangria ahead of time so it has plenty of time to chill. Other than that, this is a very simple recipe!
Prepare the Fruits:
- Wash and halve the red grapes. Set aside.
- Thinly slice 1-2 oranges.
- Rinse the blackberries and gently pat them dry.
Mix the Liquid Base:
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange juice, grape juice, and brandy or orange liqueur.
- Add 2 tablespoons of honey to start (optional). You can adjust the sweetness later if needed.
- Stir the mixture gently to incorporate the ingredients.
Add the Fruits:
- Drop the halved red grapes, orange slices, and blackberries into the pitcher with the liquid mixture.
- Gently stir to combine, ensuring the fruits are evenly distributed.
Let It Chill:
- Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the fruits to infuse the liquid.
Serve:
- Just before serving, add the sparkling water (or Fresca) to the sangria. This adds a refreshing fizz.
- Taste the sangria and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey (or Fresca) if desired.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and ladle the Halloween sangria into each glass, making sure to include a good amount of fruits.
Garnish:
- Option 1: Pair with sage leaves and blackberries. I placed two blackberries on small bamboo forks.
- Option 2: Pair with rosemary and dried orange slices. To make these, simply slice very thin orange slices. Bake in the oven at 175 degrees for 2-3 hours. Open the oven door periodically or leave it slightly open to let moisture to escape.
Enjoy:
- Hand out your spooky Halloween sangria to your friends and family to enjoy!
Note: If you’d like to make a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the wine and brandy with grape juice and orange juice. Adjust the sweetness and flavors accordingly.
foods that pair well with this halloween sangria recipe
Sangria is a versatile and refreshing drink that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its fruity and slightly sweet flavors complement many different dishes.
Remember that the type of sangria you’re serving can also influence the pairing. For example, a red wine-based sangria might go better with heartier meats and cheeses, while a white wine-based sangria might be better suited to lighter dishes.
It’s always a good idea to consider the flavors and intensity of both the sangria and the food to create a balanced and enjoyable pairing.
Here are some foods that go well with sangria:
Cheeses:
- Mild cheeses like mozzarella, brie, and goat cheese.
- Aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and manchego.
- Pair with cheese platters that include a mix of both.
Grilled Meats:
- Grilled chicken skewers with a light marinade. Check out my recipe for Grilled Chicken Kabobs.
- Grilled sausages or bratwurst.
- Steak or pork chops with a flavorful rub. Check out my recipe for Grilled Steak Kabobs.
Seafood:
- Grilled shrimp or prawns.
- Ceviche or seafood salad.
- Lightly seasoned fish fillets.
Salads:
- Fresh salads with mixed greens, fruits like oranges or berries, and a light vinaigrette.
- Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Desserts:
- Skeleton Bones Dessert, Vanilla Cupcakes, or a Skull Snack Tray
- Find how to make these here: 3 Spooky Chic Halloween Party Food Ideas
Spicy Foods:
- Spicy dishes like Mexican or Thai cuisine can pair well with the sweetness of sangria.
- Spicy chicken wings or tacos.
WHY SANGRIA IS A GREAT DRINK FOR THE FALL SEASON
Sangria is a great drink for fall for several reasons:
- Warm and Fruity Flavors: Fall is often associated with warm and cozy flavors, and sangria fits right in with its fruity and spiced profile. The addition of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and cranberries can enhance the fall experience.
- Harvest Season: Fall is a time of harvest, and many of the ingredients used in sangria, such as apples, grapes, and citrus fruits, are at their peak freshness during this season. Using fresh, ripe fruits can enhance the overall flavor of the drink.
- Transition from Summer to Winter: Sangria can serve as a bridge between the light and refreshing drinks of summer and the warmer, spicier beverages of winter. It provides a refreshing yet comforting option as temperatures start to cool down.
- Social Gatherings and Holidays: Fall brings about various gatherings, holidays, and festivities such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and harvest parties. Sangria is a great choice for these occasions due to its visually appealing presentation and ability to be served in large batches, making it perfect for sharing.
- Versatility: Sangria recipes can be adapted to match the seasonal flavors and spices of fall. Ingredients like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg can be added to infuse the drink with a touch of warmth and autumnal charm.
- Rich Colors: The rich colors of fall, such as deep reds, oranges, and browns, are mirrored in the appearance of many sangria variations. This can create a visually pleasing and inviting drink that complements the fall aesthetic.
- Comforting and Festive: Fall is a time when people often seek out comforting and festive foods and drinks. Sangria’s combination of wine, fruits, and spices can provide a sense of comfort and celebration that aligns well with the fall spirit.
- Outdoor Gatherings: In many places, fall offers pleasant weather for outdoor gatherings like bonfires, picnics, and harvest parties. Sangria can be served in pitchers or punch bowls, making it easy to share and enjoy in these social settings.
Incorporating the flavors and ingredients of the season into your sangria can create a drink that’s not only delicious but also embodies the essence of fall. Whether you’re hosting a cozy evening at home or celebrating with friends and family, sangria can be a delightful addition to your fall beverage lineup.
And there you have it, my Scary Delicious Halloween Sangria Recipe! Remember that sangria recipes are quite versatile, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your taste preferences. Experimenting with different fruits, spices, and sweeteners can lead to your own signature sangria recipe.
Whether it’s a lazy afternoon on the patio, a spirited Halloween bash, or a cozy evening by the fireplace, sangria is the ever-versatile companion that adds a dash of fun to every occasion.
With its diverse flavor variations, aesthetically pleasing appeal, and ability to bring people together, this cherished libation has truly earned its place as a timeless favorite. Cheers to the art of sangria and the countless memories it helps us create!
