Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe: A Sweet and Spiced Holiday Drink

People who know me well know that I love holiday drinks. Somehow, there's something magical about drinking a drink that tastes like fall: spices, citrus, and a little cheer all in one glass. So when I found this Christmas Sangria Recipe, I knew it would make my holiday parties a lot more fun!

With that, I'll show you how to make the best Christmas Sangria in this blog. This recipe is simple and can be made ahead of time. It will surely add a magical touch to your holiday celebrations. Get your favorite wine glasses ready, and let's begin!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sangria Recipe

Make-Ahead Convenience: Preparing drinks can save you so much stress. This sangria can be made hours (or even a day) before the party, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Perfect for Crowds: Sangria is a great choice for serving a crowd. It’s easy to make a large batch, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Customizable: Add your favorite seasonal fruits or spices to make this drink uniquely yours. You can even swap out the red wine for white if that’s more your style!

What to Serve with Christmas Sangria

This festive drink pairs wonderfully with a variety of holiday treats. Try serving it alongside a cheese and charcuterie board, sweet Christmas cookies, or warm appetizers like baked brie with cranberry sauce. The flavors in the sangria will enhance the seasonal fare, making your holiday spread even more delightful.

Ingredients

1/4 Cup brandy
1 Bottle of dry red wine
1 Cup cranberry juice
1/2 Cup orange juice
1/4 Cup honey
1 Orange, sliced
1 Lime, sliced
1 Pear, diced or sliced
1 Green apple, diced or sliced
1/2 Cup pomegranate seeds
2 Cinnamon sticks

Optional Add-Ins

Star anise: A beautiful and aromatic addition that adds a subtle licorice flavor.
Fresh cranberries: A handful of fresh cranberries for extra color and tartness.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon adds a smooth and warm undertone.
Sparkling water or ginger ale: Add just before serving for a fizzy twist.

How to Make Christmas Sangria?

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready will make the process go smoothly. Slice the oranges, lime, pear, and apple. Ensure you wash your fruits thoroughly, especially if you keep the peels on for added color.

Step 2: Mix the Sangria

In a large pitcher, combine the brandy, red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, and honey. Stir well until the honey is fully dissolved. This base will serve as the foundation of your sangria, so take your time to blend it thoroughly.

Step 3: Add the Fruit and Spices

Add the sliced orange, lime, pear, and green apple to the pitcher. Then, toss in the pomegranate seeds and the cinnamon sticks. Stir gently to mix the fruits and spices evenly throughout the sangria.

A pitcher of Christmas Sangria for party.

Step 4: Let It Chill

Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. If possible, let it sit overnight—this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it chills, the more the fruits will infuse the wine, creating a richer and more complex flavor profile.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, give the sangria a good stir to redistribute the flavors. Pour it into glasses filled with ice for a refreshing, chilled drink. For an extra touch, garnish each glass with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick.

Zulay's Expert Tips for the Perfect Christmas Sangria

Since wine is the base of this drink, opt for a dry red wine you’d enjoy drinking on its own. A moderately priced Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Tempranillo works well.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey. You can also swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer.
Don’t skip the chilling time! Allowing the sangria to sit for at least 4 hours (or overnight) enhances the flavors.
For a festive touch, add a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale right before serving for a hint of fizz.
This sangria tastes best when served chilled, so make sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Why This Christmas Sangria Recipe Is a Crowd-Pleaser

This Christmas Sangria stands out because it’s the perfect combination of tradition and festivity. The rich red wine is complemented by tart cranberry juice, sweet orange juice, and the warmth of cinnamon. Seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, pears, and apples make it feel like a celebration, and the cinnamon adds that cozy, holiday touch. It’s festive, colorful, and bursting with flavor—everything you want in a holiday drink.

Serve Christmas Sangria in Style

To add a special touch to your Christmas Sangria presentation, consider these serving tips:

Garnish each glass with a slice of orange, a sprig of fresh rosemary, or a cinnamon stick.
Use holiday-themed glasses for a festive feel, or choose clear glassware to showcase the vibrant colors of the sangria.
Create an ice ring with cranberries and pomegranate seeds frozen inside for a decorative and functional addition to your punch bowl.

Share the Christmas Cheer!

We hope you’re excited to try this festive Christmas Sangria Recipe at your next holiday gathering. It’s a drink that’s sure to spread warmth, joy, and a little bit of sweetness during the Christmas season. Don’t forget to pair it with delicious appetizers, cozy desserts, and plenty of laughter.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below sharing your thoughts, tips, or any creative additions you made to your version of Christmas Sangria. We love hearing from you, and your feedback helps us create even more delicious content!

Spread the Holiday Spirit!

If you know someone who would love this recipe, share it with them on social media. Tag us at @ZulayKitchen and use #kitchenhappiness so we can see your festive creations!

Happy Holidays, and cheers to a merry and bright Christmas season! 🥂🎄

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sangria

Can I Make Christmas Sangria Non-Alcoholic?

Yes! To make a non-alcoholic version of this Christmas Sangria, replace the red wine with good-quality grape juice and swap the brandy for a splash of apple juice or additional cranberry juice. You’ll still get all the festive flavors without the alcohol.

How Far in Advance Can I Make Sangria?

You can make this sangria up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop fully. Just keep it chilled in the fridge, and wait to add any fizzy elements (like sparkling water) until right before serving to maintain their sparkle.

Can I Use White Wine Instead?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter sangria, you can use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It will create a crisper, slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious and festive.

What Fruits Are Best for Sangria?

In this Christmas Sangria, the combination of oranges, apples, pears, and pomegranates is perfect for the winter season. You can also add other seasonal fruits like cranberries or plums to customize it further.

How Do I Store Leftover Sangria?

Store any leftover sangria in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fruit will continue to infuse the drink, making it even more flavorful. If you’re storing it for more than a day, you may want to remove any citrus slices to prevent them from becoming too bitter.