A fall twist on the traditional sangria, this sparkling pear and pomegranate sangria is mixed with pear simple syrup, pomegranate juice, and fresh pear slices that is not only delicious, but gorgeous too!
Pomegranate Pear Sangria
If you are looking for a simple and delicious fall batch cocktail, you will love this slightly sweet sparkling pomegranate sangria!
Fresh slices of red anjou pears and citrus slices are soaked in red wine with a touch of pear simple syrup, orange liqueur and St. Germaine and slightly tart pomegranate juice.
As the sangria sits, all of the flavors come together beautifully and the wine soaked fruit is always a nice surprise.
Fun Little Sangria Story
When I was little, we always went to this Spanish restaurant in Brooklyn and I remember there always being a large pitcher of red sangria to be shared throughout the table.
Having the advanced pallet of any 12 year old, mom always saved the fruit for me.
The apples and orange slices were dark purple and soaked up all the wine like a sponge. I am sure I got some kind of mini-buzz from that, or at least I thought so. Though, I probably shouldn't be admitting that out loud!
Pomegranate Sangria Ingredients
- Red Wine: I prefer a lighter Spanish style such as Grenache or even a Pinot Noir .
- Pomegranate Juice: I like the POM brand which has a perfect amount of sweetness.
- Elderflower Liquor: I love St. Germaine and use it for all sorts of cocktails. The flavor is floral and reminiscent of pear.
- Pear Simple Syrup: For added pear flavor. Simmer 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water and add a chopped pear. Then strain and let cool. You'll only need a few tablespoons so save the rest for cocktails.
- Orange Liquor: Such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
- Fresh Fruit: pear slices, orange slices, pomegranate seeds.
- Sparkling Wine or Sparkling Water: just to finish the drink with.
Make the Pear Simple Syrup
- Add 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a small pot.
- Add 1 diced pear and bring everything to a simmer.
- As soon as sugar dissolves, continue simmering for 5 minutes until sugar has dissolved and it's slightly thicker.
- Strain syrup and let cool. You'll have extra so save in a mason jar for future cocktail.
Assemble the Pomegranate Sangria
- To a large pitcher, add chopped pear, citrus slices and pomegranate seeds.
- Pour in the red wine, orange liqueur, pomegranate juice, few tablespoons of pear simple syrup and a few tablespoons of St. Germaine and stir together.
- Pour sangria over ice ¾ way full and top with sparkling wine or water.
- Garnish the sangria with pear slices, pomegranate seeds and sprig of thyme for color.
A lighter and slightly sweeter wine works best for sangria, such as Grenache, Pinot Noir or Malbec.
Sangria tastes best the longer it sits, so if you have the time, let the sangria marinate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
Yes, there are a few non-alcoholic wines that will work for sangria. Or you can mix pomegranate juice, simple syrup, fresh fruit and top with sparkling water.
Other Sangria Variations
Sangria is so versatile, there are so many variations and fruits and fun twists on the classic.
- White Wine Sangria with Pears, Grapes and Thyme
- Strawberries + Rosé
- Peach and Orange White Wine Sangria
Pomegranate Simple Syrup
Instead of pear syrup, make a pomegranate simple syrup.
- Add 1 ½ cups pomegranate seeds to a pot with 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water.
- Bring to a simmer and as soon as sugar has dissolved, continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
- Strain syrup and let cool before adding to cocktail recipes.
More adult beverages:
Pear and Pomegranate Sangria
LittleFerraroKitchen.com
Ingredients
Pear Simple Syrup
- 1 pear
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Sangria
- 1 750 milliliters bottle light red wine such as Grenache or Pinot Noir
- 2 Red AnjouPears cut into ½ inch cubes or slices
- 1 Orange sliced
- 1 cup Pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup Pomegranate juice
- 2 ounces Orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau
- 2 ounces Elderflower liqueur such as St. Germain
- Sparkling wine or sparkling water
Garnish
- Sliced pear
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Thyme Sprig
Instructions
- Make the Pear Syrup. In a small pot, combine the chopped pear, sugar and water. Bring to a simmer, then continue simmering for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Strain the syrup and chill while you make the sangria.
- Make the Sangria: In a large pitcher, add the red wine, sliced fruit St. Germaine, Grand Marnier and pomegranate juice. When the syrup is cool enough, add about ¼ cups worth first and taste for sweetness.
- Taste for Sweetness and Adjust: If you prefer your sangria less sweet, only had ½ cup of the pomegranate juice. If you like it more sweet, add the whole cups worth.
- Chill Sangria: For at least 2 hours and when ready to serve, pour in glasses and top with sparkling wine (or water) and garnish with pear slices, pomegranate seeds and thyme sprig.
Roz says
I share your love of sangria . . . it truly is a perfect drink! Your photos are simply perfection! I'm so glad to have found your blog and want to thank you for your visit and comment on mine too. xo Roz
Samantha says
Thank you so much, Roz!!