Harvest Sangria with Pomegranate and Pears
Harvest Sangria with Pomegranate and Pears is a beautiful blend of crisp fall flavors and refreshing fruits. This drink brings together juicy pears, tart pomegranate seeds, and a splash of…
Tip: save now, cook later.Harvest Sangria with Pomegranate and Pears is a beautiful blend of crisp fall flavors and refreshing fruits. This drink brings together juicy pears, tart pomegranate seeds, and a splash of white wine for a perfect, fruity sip. It’s light, a little bubbly, and full of the kind of cozy vibes that make you smile on a chilly day.
I love making this sangria when friends come over because it’s so easy to put together, and it always feels special. The pears add a subtle sweetness, while the pomegranate seeds give little bursts of tartness that keep every sip interesting. Plus, watching the colors mix in the pitcher feels like a little party before you even pour the first glass.
My favorite way to enjoy this is with a big batch chilled in the fridge, ready to pour over ice. It’s perfect for those relaxed afternoons or a casual dinner with family. If you’re hosting, this sangria is a wonderful way to bring some seasonal cheer without spending all day making fancy cocktails.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Wine: A dry wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well here. These wines are not too sweet, so the fruit flavors stand out. If you prefer a lighter option, try a dry rosé or even white wine for a different twist.
Pomegranate Seeds & Juice: These add a bright tartness and beautiful red color. If you can’t find fresh pomegranate seeds, frozen ones work fine. For juice, make sure it’s unsweetened to control the sweetness level better.
Pears: Use ripe but firm pears; Bartlett or Bosc are great choices. Leave the skin on for extra color and texture. If you want, apples can also be swapped in for a similar fall flavor.
Brandy & Orange Liqueur: These add warmth and depth. You can skip brandy or use more orange liqueur if preferred. For a non-alcoholic version, replace with orange juice and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a bit of tang.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup adds gentle sweetness. Add slowly and taste as you go. You can also substitute simple syrup or agave nectar depending on what you have.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Fruit in My Sangria?
Fruits need time to soak and release their flavors without turning mushy or bitter. Here’s what I do:
- Dice pears into bite-size pieces and leave the skin on for texture and color.
- Add pomegranate seeds whole to keep their burst of tartness.
- Let the sangria chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. This allows all flavors to blend beautifully.
- Just before serving, remove the cinnamon stick so it doesn’t overpower the drink.
- Add sparkling water last to keep the fizz and freshness.
By following these steps, your sangria will be balanced, refreshing, and have fruit that still feels fresh and vibrant in every sip.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing all the ingredients and chilling the sangria.
- Sharp knife – for easily dicing the pears into bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting board – gives you a safe space to chop fruit without making a mess.
- Ladle – helps you serve the sangria with plenty of fruit in each glass.
- Measuring cups – useful for getting the right amount of juices and liquors.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pears for crisp apples to add a different kind of fall sweetness and texture.
- Use sparkling white wine or rosé instead of red for a lighter, bubblier sangria.
- Add a few cinnamon sticks or star anise for extra warm spice notes, great for cooler evenings.
- Toss in fresh cranberries or orange slices for bright pops of color and tangy flavor.
How to Make Harvest Sangria with Pomegranate and Pears
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds (about 1 pomegranate)
- 2 ripe pears, cored and diced (leave skin on for color)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup soda water or sparkling water (optional, for serving)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Pear slices and pomegranate seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time (or overnight for best flavor). Chilling allows the fruit to soak in the wine and create a delicious, layered taste that’s perfect for any harvest celebration.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Wine, Spirits, and Juice
In a large pitcher or bowl, pour in the dry red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and pomegranate juice. Give it a gentle stir to blend everything together well.
2. Add the Fruit and Cinnamon
Next, add the diced pears, pomegranate seeds, and the cinnamon stick to the wine mixture. Stir gently again to combine, making sure the fruit is evenly distributed.
3. Sweeten and Chill
Taste your sangria. If you want a little more sweetness, slowly stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup until dissolved. Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better to let all the flavors mingle.
4. Serve with a Sparkle
When ready to serve, remove the cinnamon stick. If you like your sangria fizzy, add in the soda water or sparkling water right before pouring. Fill glasses with ice cubes, ladle in the sangria with some fruit, and garnish each glass with extra pear slices and pomegranate seeds.
Enjoy your Harvest Sangria with Pomegranate and Pears—refreshing, fruity, and perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings!
Can I Use Frozen Pomegranate Seeds for This Sangria?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely in the fridge before adding to the sangria. This helps keep the texture fresh and prevents extra water from diluting your drink.
Can I Make This Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sangria up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled. The flavors will meld beautifully, just add ice and soda water right before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Sangria?
Store any leftover sangria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving, and add fresh ice and soda water to freshen it up.
What Can I Substitute for Brandy or Orange Liqueur?
If you’d like to skip the brandy or orange liqueur, you can substitute with extra orange juice or a splash of apple cider for a non-alcoholic alternative. Adjust sweetness as needed.