Christmas Sangria Recipe

Christmas sangria is one of those drinks I make when guests are coming over and I want something festive that doesn’t require constant attention. It feels special without being fussy, and it’s easy to keep chilled and ready while everything else is happening in the kitchen. I like that it looks holiday-ready on its own and lets people serve themselves at a relaxed pace.

I started making Christmas sangria as an alternative to heavier cocktails during the holidays. With so many rich foods on the table, I wanted a drink that felt bright and refreshing but still fit the season. This version leans into winter fruit and warm notes without feeling overly spiced or sweet.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Sangria originated in Spain as a way to mix wine with fruit and sweeteners. Seasonal versions have become popular around holidays, with winter sangrias using citrus, apples, cranberries, and warming flavors to match colder weather.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive but easy: No complicated steps
• Make-ahead friendly: Better after chilling
• Balanced flavor: Not overly sweet
• Crowd-friendly: Easy to scale up
• Visually festive: Holiday colors shine
• Flexible: Alcohol level easily adjusted
• Low-effort hosting: Serve and relax

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use a dry wine: Prevents the drink from becoming too sweet
• Slice fruit thinly: Better infusion
• Chill before serving: Flavor improves with time
• Add bubbles last: Keeps it fresh

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Large pitcher or punch bowl: For mixing
2. Sharp knife: Clean fruit slices
3. Cutting board: Prep surface
4. Long spoon: Gentle stirring
5. Measuring cup: Consistent balance

Ingredients in This Recipe

1. Red wine: Dry varieties like Cabernet or Merlot work best
2. Orange slices: Add citrus brightness
3. Apple slices: Crisp, mild sweetness
4. Fresh cranberries: Tart and festive
5. Brandy or orange liqueur: Adds warmth and depth
6. Honey or simple syrup: Light sweetness
7. Cinnamon sticks: Subtle holiday spice
8. Sparkling water or ginger ale: Added just before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

• Red wine → white wine: Lighter winter sangria
• Brandy → rum: Slightly sweeter warmth
• Honey → maple syrup: Cozy seasonal note
• Ginger ale → club soda: Less sweet option

Ingredient Spotlight

• Cranberries: Add tartness and color
• Cinnamon: Brings subtle holiday warmth

Festive Spiced Citrus Sangria

This vibrant holiday sangria combines bright citrus slices, tart cranberries, and warming spices infused into fruity red wine. The mixture is chilled to meld flavors and finished with a fizzy splash for a lively, visually appealing presentation. It’s a perfect, crowd-pleasing beverage to lift spirits during the festive season.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Festive

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Red wine: Dry varieties like Cabernet or Merlot work best
• Orange slices: Add citrus brightness
• Apple slices: Crisp mild sweetness
• Fresh cranberries: Tart and festive
• Brandy or orange liqueur: Adds warmth and depth
• Honey or simple syrup: Light sweetness
• Cinnamon sticks: Subtle holiday spice
• Sparkling water or ginger ale: Added just before serving
• Ingredient Substitutions
• Red wine → white wine: Lighter winter sangria
• Brandy → rum: Slightly sweeter warmth
• Honey → maple syrup: Cozy seasonal note
• Ginger ale → club soda: Less sweet option

Equipment

• Large pitcher or punch bowl: For mixing
• Sharp knife: Clean fruit slices
• Cutting board: Prep surface
• Long spoon: Gentle stirring
• Measuring cup: Consistent balance

Method

 

1. Prepare fruit: Slice oranges and apples thinly
2. Combine base: Add wine, brandy, honey, and fruit to pitcher
3. Add spice: Drop in cinnamon sticks
4. Stir gently: Combine without bruising fruit
5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours
6. Finish: Add sparkling water just before serving
7. Serve: Pour over ice if desired

Notes

Ensure the wine is well chilled before mixing, and infuse the spices for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor. Add bubbles last to maintain their fizz. Adjust sweetness to your taste after the flavors meld.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Up to 24 hours without bubbles
• Store refrigerated: Covered
• Add sparkling element later: Best texture

How to Serve This Dish

• In a large pitcher: Casual and inviting
• With ice: Optional, depending on chill
• Garnished with fruit: Extra festive touch

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Sangria spritz: Top with more sparkling water
• Frozen cubes: Freeze fruit and liquid for later
• Mocktail base: Dilute heavily with soda

Additional Tips

• Use seasonal fruit: Apples and citrus work best
• Keep it balanced: Taste as you go
• Serve chilled: Always

Make It a Showstopper

• Serve in a clear punch bowl: Shows off colors
• Add rosemary sprigs: Holiday look and aroma
• Float extra cranberries: Simple and festive

Variations to Try

• White Christmas sangria: Use white wine and pears
• Spiced version: Add star anise or cloves
• Cranberry-heavy: Add cranberry juice
• Low-alcohol: Reduce brandy and add more soda
• Non-alcoholic: Use grape juice and sparkling water

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this the night before?: Yes, without bubbles
2. Is this very sweet?: Lightly sweet
3. What wine works best?: Dry red wines
4. Can I use frozen fruit?: Yes
5. How long does it last?: About 24 hours
6. Can I make it alcohol-free?: Yes
7. Should I peel the apples?: Optional
8. Can I double the recipe?: Easily
9. Do I need ice?: Optional
10. Is this strong?: Moderately, adjustable

Himani Jawa

Hi there! I’m Himani and welcome to Val’s Recipe Box. This little corner of the internet didn’t begin with me.
It began with Val my neighbourhood aunt whose kitchen held more warmth than any fireplace ever could.