Best Christmas Cranberry Sangria for Holiday Cheers!
Christmas Cranberry Sangria —just saying the name of this drink out loud makes you think of holiday parties, cozy nights, and, of course, a tasty drink to celebrate.
Indeed, adding this bright cocktail to your holiday parties is a great way to make everyone feel better. It's amazing how well the tartness of cranberries, the zest of citrus, and the smoothness of red wine all work together.
In this blog, we'll show you how to make the best Christmas Cranberry Sangria. This recipe will become your go-to holiday drink because it tells you what to use, how to make it, and some extra tips to make it even better. This sangria is sure to make everyone happy, whether you're having a Christmas party or just spending the night by the fire!
Why Christmas Cranberry Sangria?
The beauty of cranberry sangria lies in its versatility and its ability to impress with minimal effort. Cranberries give this holiday drink a seasonal burst, and the wine is rich and flavorful. The flavors are just right for the season and it's very refreshing. Plus, it's very simple to make—just mix, put in the fridge, and serve!
People who want to serve something special but don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen will love this sangria recipe. You can make a drink that looks and tastes like it took hours with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 500 ml Red wine: Choose a good-quality dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The wine forms the base, and its rich flavors will complement the tartness of the cranberries.
- 250 ml Cranberry juice: For the signature cranberry flavor. Opt for unsweetened cranberry juice to avoid overwhelming the drink with sugar.
- 50 ml Brandy: Brandy adds a bit of warmth and depth to the sangria. It helps bring out the flavors of the wine and spices.
- 1/2 Cup Lemonade: A touch of sweetness and citrusy zing to balance the drink’s acidity.
- 2 Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon is a quintessential holiday spice, adding warmth and a touch of winter magic.
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar: Just a bit of sweetness to round out the flavors. You can adjust this depending on your sweetness preference.
- 1 Lemon, sliced: For a zesty punch and a beautiful visual.
- 50 g Frozen blueberries: Frozen fruit works best because it helps chill the sangria without watering it down.
- 2 Sprigs of rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds an herbal, aromatic note that enhances the overall complexity of the sangria.
- Ice: Essential for chilling and serving.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Sangria?
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by selecting your pitcher. This will be where all the magic happens, so choose one large enough to hold all the ingredients with plenty of room to stir. Pour in the red wine, cranberry juice, and brandy. These are the main ingredients that form the backbone of your sangria, so make sure to combine them well.
Step 2: Add the Spices and Flavors
Once the base is ready, it’s time to add the holiday flavors. Drop in the cinnamon sticks, which will infuse the sangria with a delightful spice. Add the sugar to sweeten the mixture, stirring until it dissolves completely. For a fresh citrus burst, add the sliced lemon. The lemonade brings in additional sweetness and tang, balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
Step 3: Mix in the Fruit and Herbs
Add the frozen blueberries for a pop of color and subtle sweetness, as well as the rosemary sprigs. The rosemary will add a lovely herbal note that complements the fruity flavors and spices. If you prefer a more intense flavor, give the rosemary a gentle crush before adding it to release its oils.
Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Marinate
Once everything is combined, let your sangria sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will give the flavors time to meld together. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes, so if you have the time, let it marinate for up to 3-4 hours. The frozen blueberries will also act as ice, chilling your sangria without watering it down.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to serve, grab your favorite glasses, fill them with ice, and pour the sangria into each glass. Garnish with extra slices of lemon or a sprig of fresh rosemary for that festive touch. Enjoy your Christmas Cranberry Sangria while you mingle with friends and family!
Zulay's Expert Tips to Elevate Your Christmas Cranberry Sangria
- Fresh orange slices add a vibrant citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberry. This is also a great way to add color to your sangria.
- For a fizzy twist, add a splash of sparkling water or club soda right before serving. This will give your sangria a refreshing, bubbly finish.
- While red wine is traditional, you can experiment with white wine or even rosé for a lighter version. A sparkling wine also makes a festive and fun alternative.
- If you like a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra depth.
- If you’re hosting a holiday party, set up a sangria bar with various fruits, herbs, and spices so guests can create their custom version.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Sangria?
- Serve in Mason Jars or Holiday Glasses: For a rustic look, mason jars are perfect. You can even tie a little ribbon around the jar to give it a more personal touch.
- Garnish Creatively: Garnish with cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and orange slices. Not only does this make the drink look gorgeous, but it adds a little extra flavor as well.
- Pair with Holiday Snacks: Serve your sangria alongside cheese platters, charcuterie, or sweet treats like gingerbread cookies or chocolate yule logs for a full festive experience.
Zulay's Final Thoughts
Why not try something new this Christmas instead of your usual holiday drinks? Christmas Cranberry Sangria is a festive way to celebrate the season. It's festive, refreshing, and easy to prepare in large quantities for large family gatherings. Also, the stunning color and delightful aromas are sure to impress anyone who tries it.
This drink will undoubtedly become a new tradition. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with brandy and rosemary, creates a warm and sophisticated dish.
Let Us Know What You Think!
We’d love to hear how your Christmas Cranberry Sangria turned out! Did you try any special variations or tips? What are your favorite festive drink recipes? Drop a comment below to share your thoughts, and don’t forget to tag us on social media when you try this recipe. We’d love to see your creative renditions and hear how you’re celebrating the holidays!
Explore More Festive Drink Recipes
Looking for more drink ideas to make your holidays extra special? Check out these other recipes from our collection:
- Cinnamon Apple Cider Sangria: Another festive twist on a classic drink, perfect for autumn and winter.
- Spiced Winter Sangria: A warm, cozy drink that combines red wine with rich spices.
- Christmas Punch: A non-alcoholic option that’s perfect for kids and designated drivers alike.
Share This Christmas Cranberry Sangria Recipe!
Know someone who would love this recipe? Share it on social media and tag @ZulayKitchen, #KitchenHappiness, and #ChristmasCranberrySangria to join the conversation and spread the holiday cheer!
