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Better known as a super fancy way to drink beer…Christmas style!
I’m not sure if any of you are familiar with Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Christmas Ale, but if you live in Cleveland Ohio…aka “The Land”, then you know it’s a Christmas tradition. Everyone has to drink some Christmas Ale at least once during the holiday a season, it’s just a must. I’ve had this drink in my back pocket for months now and I am so excited to finally share it…like so excited. Basically, this is just a really fancy way to drink beer…which is cool cause it’s Christmas and anything goes!
This Christmas Ale Sangria is actually nothing like a traditional sangria, but…it’s kind of the same idea. Just take a beer and mix it with fruit, a little apple cider, a little vodka, a few dashes of orange bitters and then top it off with some sparkles, if you’d like. I know it sounds kind of odd, but it’s actually really good and it works really nicely with Christmas Ale since it’s a heavier beer with hints of cinnamon, ginger and honey…perfect for a sangria style drink! Since the beer is heavier, it can handle the addition of the apple cider and vodka…not to mention that all the flavors go really nicely together. Since I like a little fizz with pretty much all my drinks, I topped mine with some sparkling water, but I get it if you’re not into sparkles in your beer. Me personally…love em!
Here’s the thing with this sangria. Unlike traditional sangria, you don’t want to add the beer and then let it sit in the fridge. Since beer is carbonated, you’ll need to add it just before serving. SO mix up all the other ingredients, then let them chill in the fridge and infuse the vodka a bit. Then just before serving, add the beer. See, still simple as can be! This is great for all the beer drinkers at the party or just another fun way to serve up Christmas. Plus, this drink is obviously delicious and super refreshing. I made this on Thursday for my cousin Abby’s arrival and it’s safe to say this drink was a hit.
Oh, and seeing as I live in Colorado, I couldn’t find the Great Lakes Christmas Ale, BUT I did find some Breckenridge Brewery Christmas Ale, and I gotta say, their cute little bottles had me sold from the get-go. I mean, these are the best Christmas beer bottle I’ve ever seen. Love them!
Christmas Ale Sangria.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 6 dashes orange bitters
- 2 pears, sliced
- 3 oranges, sliced
- arils from 1 pomegranate
- 1 cup cranberries
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 bottles Christmas Ale, chilled
- sparkling water, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, add the apple cider, vodka and orange bitters, stir to combine. Add the pears, oranges, pomegranate arils, and cranberries. Chill until ready to serve.
- Before serving, slowly pour in the beer and gently stir to combine. Pour among glasses and top with sparkling water if desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Cheers to the holidays and family fun!
I know this post is old, but maybe you’ll still see this comment! I’ve been cutting back on drinking & was thinking of trying this without the vodka, almost as a way to “water down” the beer while still making it delicious. Could I just leave the vodka out? Thanks!
Hey Lauren,
Sure you could leave the vodka out. I hope you love the recipe! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I am making this for a Christmas party and wondering when I add the cinnamon sticks?
HI! Add the sticks with the pears and oranges. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
I just made this with Sam Adam’s winter lager… I added a cup of vodka instead of a half… it was a big hit!!!
That is so awesome! Thank you so much Lindsay!
Gong to try this for our party this year…I’m curious about vodka and beer, wondered is a spice rum could be substituted
The spiced rum might be a bit intense with all the flavors in the beer, but if it something you like please feel free to try. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Happy Holiday’s ? 🙂
I live in Cleveland (Brecksville actually) and just found your blog via Instagram and holy cow does this combine a lot of loves in my life!
I am so glad you like this! Thank you!
Can you tellme about the Christmas Ale you have pictured? I have looked around the net and cannot find this one.
Thanks in advance, BTW beautiful shots.
This is local to Colorado. I recommend trying to find a local Christmas ale. If not use your favorite spice beer. Let me know if you have other questions.
In terms of the beer used, if I can not find a Christmas Ale what kind of beer would you suggest?
Hi Kim! I recommend a darker beer that you love to drink. That should work great! Let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this and Merry Christmas!
So gorgeous, Tieghan! I need this in my life! 🙂
Its so tasty!! Thanks Laura!