Canning a red sangria with cranberries can make a festive, ready-to-serve holiday treat or gift, but because sangria contains alcohol, it’s best to can the fruit mix and juices separately and then add wine or liquor when ready to serve. Here’s a recipe for a cranberry-based sangria mix that can be safely water bath canned. Add red wine and any other spirits when you're ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups oranges with peels – cut in quarters
- 1 lemon sliced with peels – seeds removed
- 1 lime sliced with peels – seeds removed
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1-2 cups organic cane sugar adjust to taste
Instructions
Prepare Your Jars and Lids:
- Sterilize 4 pint-sized canning jars and lids in boiling water. Keep jars warm in hot water until ready to fill.
Prepare the Fruit and Syrup:
- In a large pot, combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, and sugar. Stir and bring to a gentle boil, allowing sugar to dissolve completely.
- Add the cranberries, orange slices, lemon, lime, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the juice mixture. Simmer for 20 minutes until the fruit is softened, mushy, and flavors are well combined.
Fill the Jars:
- Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture to separate the fruit from the juice into another pot or a large measuring glass.
- Ladle the hot juice into your jars, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace at the top of each jar.
- Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic utensil around the inside of the jar. Adjust the headspace as needed.
Seal and Process the Jars:
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
- Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude as necessary).
Cool and Store:
- Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel. Allow them to cool for 12-24 hours.
- Check the seals, label, and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
To Serve the Cranberry Sangria
- Mixing the Sangria:
- When ready to serve, pour the contents of one pint jar into a pitcher.
- Add 2-3 cups of your favorite red wine, such as Merlot, Tempranillo, or Rioja. For added warmth, you could add a splash of brandy or orange liqueur.
- Add ice, stir, and garnish with additional fresh cranberries or orange slices if desired.
Notes
This homemade sangria makes a great addition to holiday gatherings, a hostess gift or add it to a gift basket for a loved one.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!