Close your eyes and imagine the gentle clink of ice, the soft fizz of bubbles that pirouette against your glass—a serenade of flavors awaiting your palate. Now, open your eyes to the Sugarplum Fairy Sangria: a vibrant and merry medley that swirls with the soul of wine-kissed winter fruit and dances delicately on the edge of your glass with a rim kissed by gold. Whether it warms your spirit or tickles your fancy with fizzy notes, this vegan potion embodies the joy of festive evenings and the twinkle of shared smiles.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
In the heart of this magical mix lies a Pinot Noir, selected for its rich color and berry undertones, cradling the essence of a sugarplum without stealing the spotlight. For the merrymaking fairies who favor a sober flight, a non-alcoholic red wine alternative plays a harmonious melody with the same passionate notes. Edible gold glitter, or its more accessible twin—turmeric sugar—brings the spirit of opulence to each glass, elevating a simple beverage into a centerpiece. Blood oranges and figs not only ornament your drink with regal purple and crimson, but they're also full of antioxidants and fiber, making this sangria a toast to your health as much as your taste buds.
The Prelude: Servings, Prep, & Total Time
Let's pause for a moment to peer into the crystal ball:
Servings: 6-8 enchanted guests
Preparation Time: 25 minutes of sprinkling fairy dust
Cook Time: 10 minutes of potion brewing
Total Time: 35 minutes to magic (with additional chilling time required)
Now, gather your ingredients and let's begin our dance...
What You'll Need:
For the Spellbinding Alcoholic Sangria:
1 bottle (750 ml) Pinot Noir – for a fruity, deep base
1/2 cup clear brandy – for a warm, spirited kick
1/4 cup clear orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier) – for a citrus whisper
1/4 cup chambord – for a raspberry embrace
1/2 cup plum syrup – the nectar of our sugarplum fairy
Soda water – for a touch of effervescence
A pinch of edible gold glitter – because a fairy's touch is golden
Blood orange slices – the sunset in our sangria sky
Fig slices – for a sweet, earthy depth
Gold sugar rim (mix edible gold flakes with sugar, or opt for turmeric sugar) – for a sip of luxury
For the Enchanted Non-Alcoholic Sangria:
1 bottle (750 ml) non-alcoholic red wine alternative – your sober delight
1/2 cup non-alcoholic apple brandy or apple juice – an orchard's gift
1/4 cup non-alcoholic orange-flavored syrup – for pure zest
1/4 cup non-alcoholic raspberry syrup – a berry's kiss
1/2 cup plum syrup – sweet and sultry
Carbonated berry-flavored water – our bubbly ballet
A sprinkle of edible gold glitter – every fairy leaves a sparkle
Blood orange slices – casting a magical blush into every pour
Fig slices – our earth's candy
For the Heart of the Potion (Plum Syrup):
1 cup of water
1 cup of granulated sugar
2-3 ripe plums, pitted and diced into fairy-sized pieces, or a handful of grapes
Fairy's Insight: For the health-conscious epicure, choose organic fruits and natural sweeteners like coconut sugar for an extra layer of wholesomeness.
Step-by-Step Guide to A Magical Sangria:
Pro Tip: Prep what you can ahead of time; store your syrup in the fridge, slice your fruits, and choose your favorite pitcher for the enchanting elixir.
Syrup Spell: In a cauldron (saucepan will do), whisper sugar into water over a medium flame until the sugar has dissolved. Introduce the plums or grapes, and let them confide their flavors in a quiet simmer until soft and yielding.
Strain this sweet elixir with a fine mesh sieve, treated as gently as fairy's wings. Let the potion cool, allowing the flavors to alchemize into a perfect blend.
For the glittering rim, mix your desired golden garnish (try 1 teaspoon of edible gold or a pinch of turmeric, added to 1/4 cup of sugar) on a shallow plate. Moisten each glass's rim with an orange slice, then dip and twirl in the gold until well-coated, as if dressing it for a ball.
To blend your sangria, in a clear pitcher grand enough for a fairy’s banquet, combine wine with brandy, liqueurs, and the plum syrup. Stir gently, as to not wake the sleeping flavors.
Right before serving, awaken the fairy magic with a sprinkle of edible gold glitter, giving it a gentle swirl.
Fill the glasses with your jewel-toned concoction, topped by soda or berry water poured over the back of a spoon with care to preserve the sparkle and encourage an enchanting ombre effect.
Adorn with blood orange and fig slices, placed as thoughtfully as a tiara.
A Merry Conclusion:
The laughter rises as the Sugarplum Fairy Sangria graces your lips, each glass a twirl of festive tales waiting to be savored. Let the golden rim kiss your smile and the effervescent notes lift your spirits. Such is the story of a beverage not soon forgotten—a drink that embodies celebration, presented as a masterpiece on your table, leaving your guests captivated and your heart full.
Delight in the enchantment of Sugarplum Fairy Sangria, where every sip takes you to a joyful holiday dance with fruit and sparkling gold.