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Spiced Cranberry Sangria with Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon
At Wente Family Vineyards, the holidays are a season of gathering. Whether you’re hosting a festive cocktail party or settling into a cozy night at home, the right wine cocktail can turn an ordinary evening into something worth savoring. This Spiced Cranberry Sangria brings together bold, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon with winter aromatics of star anise, cinnamon, clove, and ginger, for a cocktail that tastes like the season in a glass. The backbone of the recipe is our Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon, an estate wine shaped by the history and terroir of Livermore Valley. Its richness and depth beautifully balance tart cranberry and warm spice, creating a sangria that is both bright and comforting. Serve it with holiday appetizers, reserve it for your signature welcome cocktail, or pour a glass by the fire while trimming the tree.
Ingredients
Spiced Sangria
1 oz winter spice syrup (recipe below)
4 oz 100% cranberry juice
5 oz Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon
Fresh orange slices, cranberries, star anise, and rosemary for garnish
Winter Spice Syrup
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
1 tablespoon dark molasses
4 whole cloves
1 peeled, thinly sliced 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
1 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
1
Fill a glass with ice and pour in the winter spice syrup, cranberry juice, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
2
Stir gently to combine.
3
Garnish with fresh orange slices, cranberries, a star anise pod, and a rosemary sprig.
4
Serve immediately and enjoy.
5
Winter Spice Syrup:
In a small saucepan combine 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar, 1⁄2 cup water, 1 tablespoon dark molasses, 4 whole cloves, 1 peeled and thinly-sliced 1-inch slice fresh ginger, 1 star anise, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer over medium heat then reduce heat to low and allow to simmer 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove syrup from heat and allow to steep offheat 30 minutes. Strain syrup and discard solids.
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
SHOP THE WINE
Why It Works: The Cabernet Connection
Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure and richness to this sangria, something lighter reds can’t always deliver. Our Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its dark berry fruit, velvety tannins, and subtle oak spice, all of which accent the cranberry and warm winter aromatics beautifully.
Expect notes of:
-
Black cherry and cassis
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Baking spice and cocoa
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Soft oak and a smooth, lingering finish
The result is balanced, festive, and unmistakably Wintry.
Hosting Tip
Make a batch of the winter spice syrup in advance and serve your sangria in a pitcher for effortless entertaining. Add garnishes just before serving to infuse aromatics and give each glass a festive finishing touch.