Harvest Sangria with Pomegranate and Pears is a festive and refreshing drink perfect for celebrating the flavors of fall. This sangria beautifully combines crisp pears, jewel-toned pomegranate seeds, and your favorite white wine, making it both sweet and slightly tart. With a splash of citrus and a hint of spice, it’s a wonderful way to bring a little autumn magic to your glass.
I love making this sangria for gatherings because it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and always gets people excited with its beautiful colors. One of my favorite tricks is to let it chill for a few hours so the fruit flavors really soak in, turning each sip smooth and fruity. Plus, the pomegranate seeds add a little pop that’s fun to munch on while you drink!
This sangria tastes great when served over ice in a big glass, garnished with fresh pear slices or a sprig of rosemary for a cozy touch. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to sit outside on a cool evening, surrounded by friends and good conversation. If you want to impress your guests with something different but super simple, this harvest sangria might just become your new go-to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Wine: Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are great here because they keep the sangria light and fresh. If you prefer red, you can try a light red like Pinot Noir for a different twist.
Pomegranate Arils & Juice: Fresh pomegranate seeds add crunch and sweet-tart flavor. If pomegranates aren’t in season, use frozen arils or substitute with fresh cranberries for a tart bite. Pomegranate juice boosts color and taste—100% juice works best.
Pears: Choose firm but ripe pears, such as Bartlett or Anjou, for sweetness and texture. If pears aren’t available, apples make a nice substitute with a similar crispness.
Brandy or Orange Liqueur: This is optional but adds warmth and depth. You can skip it or substitute with peach schnapps or triple sec for a slightly different fruit note.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners balance tartness. Feel free to adjust based on how sweet you like your sangria, or swap with agave syrup or simple syrup if you prefer.
How Do You Make the Fruit Flavors Really Shine in Sangria?
The secret to a flavorful sangria is the chilling time. Letting the fruit sit in the wine and juice mix for at least 2-4 hours helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Combine all ingredients gently so fruit releases juice but doesn’t mush.
- Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for the best taste.
- Add ice at serving to keep it cool without watering down the sangria too soon.
- Fresh herbs like thyme add a subtle fresh herbal note and brighten the drink.
Taking these simple steps will give you a colorful, tasty drink that captures the spirit of fall perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing all your ingredients and chilling the sangria.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – to slice pears, lemon, and orange neatly.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring the sangria gently without bruising the fruit.
- Measuring cup and spoons – to get the right amount of juice, liqueur, and sweetener.
- Glasses – I like stemless wine glasses that show off the colorful fruit beautifully.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try red wine instead of white for a deeper, richer flavor that pairs nicely with fall spices.
- Add cinnamon sticks or star anise during chilling to introduce cozy, warming spice notes.
- Swap pears for crisp apples or mix both for more texture and sweetness.
- Include fresh rosemary sprigs for an herbal aroma that freshens up the drink.
How to Make Harvest Sangria with Pomegranate and Pears
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 cup fresh pomegranate arils
- 1 large ripe pear, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional, for garnish and a slight herbal note)
- Ice cubes
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then needs at least 2 hours in the fridge to let the flavors blend. For the best taste, chilling it for 4 hours or even overnight is perfect. When ready, serving is quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Start by pouring the dry white wine into a large pitcher. Add the brandy or orange liqueur if you’re using it, along with the pomegranate juice. Stir in the honey or maple syrup until it is completely dissolved. This mixture forms the sweet and tangy base of your sangria.
2. Add the Fruits:
Carefully add the thin slices of pear, pomegranate arils, lemon slices, and orange slices to the pitcher. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, making sure the fruit is well mixed but without crushing it.
3. Chill and Infuse:
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours so all those wonderful flavors can come together. If you have more time, leaving it for 4 hours or overnight will make the sangria even more delicious.
4. Serve and Garnish:
When ready to enjoy, fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the sangria into the glasses, making sure to include some of the fruity pieces in each. Garnish each glass with a fresh sprig of thyme if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, refreshing taste of this harvest-inspired sangria!
Can I Use Frozen Pomegranate Arils for This Sangria?
Yes, frozen pomegranate arils work well! Just thaw them in the fridge for a few hours before adding to the sangria. They may be a bit softer than fresh, but they’ll still add great color and flavor.
Can I Make This Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sangria a few hours or even a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just add ice and garnish right before serving.
What Wine Should I Use if I Don’t Have Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio?
Any dry white wine you enjoy will work, like a dry Riesling or Chardonnay. If you prefer, you can also experiment with a light red wine for a different twist.
How Should I Store Leftover Sangria?
Keep any leftover sangria in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit will continue to infuse the liquid, so you may notice stronger flavors. Always add fresh ice when serving again.
