California Harvest Fall Sangria

This vibrant California Harvest Fall Sangria is the ideal drink to celebrate the flavors of autumn. The combination of fresh fall fruits, smooth pear brandy, and sparkling blood orange soda brings a refreshing, slightly sweet elegance to every gathering. It has become my go-to recipe for autumn parties where everyone gathers around for a festive toast.

I first made this for a potluck, and it became an instant favorite, with guests asking for the recipe before the night ended.

• One bottle of red wine: 750 ml for a rich and smooth base. Choose a fruity red like Merlot or Zinfandel
• Fourteen ounces of sparkling blood orange soda: for an uplifting citrus note adding vibrancy
• Five ounces of pear brandy: enhancing the drink with warm undertones
• One and a half cups of red seedless grapes: naturally sweet and juicy flavor
• One cup of fresh halved figs: for a unique slightly earthy sweetness
• One cup of pear slices: crisp and aromatic with a hint of floral tones
• Half a cup of apple slices: for a touch of tart crunch
• Half a cup of blackberries: offering deep berry-rich flavor
• One orange sliced into wheels: infusing bright citrus notes
• Additional fruit for garnish: creating an eye-catching final touch

How To Make California Harvest Fall Sangria

Prepare the Fruit:

Slice the pears, apples, and oranges ensuring each piece is bite-sized and easy to add to glasses later. Halve fresh figs to release their natural juices.

Mix the Ingredients:

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the wine, grapes, figs, pears, apples, blackberries, and orange slices. This creates the foundation of your sangria.

Release the Flavors:

Use a wooden spoon to press some of the fruits gently against the sides of the pitcher. This helps coax out their natural juices, intensifying the sangria’s depth.

Refrigerate to Infuse:

Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours. For a deeper infusion, let the pitcher sit for up to six hours before serving.

Add Final Touches and Serve:

Before serving, stir in sparkling blood orange soda and pear brandy to complete the sangria. Pour over ice and garnish each glass with a selection of fruit for a beautiful presentation.

My favorite ingredient here is the figs which add a layer of complexity you do not often find in sangrias. The first time I included them was from inspiration during a farmers' market trip with my granddad. He always emphasized using the freshest ingredients.

Storage Tips

Leftover sangria? Store it in the fridge tightly covered for up to two days. Just stir in fresh sparkling soda before serving to reintroduce the fizz. Avoid keeping it too long as the fruit may start to soften overly.

Ingredient Substitutions

No figs available? Use dried apricots for a similar sweet-earthy undertone. For a non-alcoholic version replace wine with grape juice and pear brandy with sparkling apple cider.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this sangria with warm autumn appetizers such as baked brie drizzled with honey or butternut squash crostini. Alternatively, serve it alongside a hearty cheese board for a stunning combination.

With this California Harvest Fall Sangria your autumn gatherings are guaranteed to have a special seasonal flair sure to delight your guests. Its nostalgic flavors, crisp fruits, and warming undertones are everything you need to toast the season in style.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the sangria chill before serving?

For the best flavor infusion, refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours, but up to 6 hours is ideal.

→ Can I use a different type of wine?

Yes, you can substitute the red wine with white or rosé for a different flavor profile, but red wine is recommended for a traditional sangria base.

→ What fruits work best as substitutes?

If some of the listed fruits are unavailable, you can use plums, peaches, or other seasonal fruits to complement the sangria.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, the sangria can be prepared a day in advance. Just add the sparkling soda and brandy right before serving to maintain freshness.

→ How should I serve sangria for a party?

Serve sangria over ice in individual glasses, ensuring each glass includes a mix of the soaked fruits for a visually appealing presentation.