During Hanukkah there are eight nights of celebrating to do, so it only feels right to have a signature cocktail on hand for any planned or unplanned gatherings that come your way. Make that signature cocktail this festive sparkling wine sangria. Gently spiked with pear liqueur and filled with fresh pear slices, it’s a holiday twist on the classic pitcher drink that always pleases a crowd.

Manischewitz sangria, this is not

Google “Hanukkah sangria” and the first dozen or so hits are sangrias made with Manischewitz, the kosher wine that has a reputation for cloying sweetness. We felt it was time the holiday deserved something a little nicer — not complicated nice or expensive nice, but something fast to assemble and fancy by appearance and taste, and therefore completely suited for celebrations. Any affordable, crisp white wine will work here, kosher if needed. This sangria is light, easy-drinking, and the perfect foil for all those rich, pan-fried latkes you’re likely indulging in.

Sparkling Pear Hanukkah Sangria

Serves 6 to 8

1 (750-milliliter) bottle prosecco, cava, or other dry white sparkling wine, chilled

1 1/2 cups pear liqueur, chilled

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)

3 medium green pears, such as D’Anjou or Bartlett, cored and thinly sliced

1 1/2 cups seltzer or club soda, chilled

Ice (optional)

1. Combine the prosecco, pear liqueur, lemon juice and pear slices in a large pitcher.

2. Top with the seltzer.

3. Pour into glasses with or without ice.

Recipe note: Use St. Germain elderflower liqueur if pear liqueur is unavailable.

(Sheela Prakash is the senior contributing food editor for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

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