Christmas Sangria

The first time I made a Christmas Sangria, I remember how the scent of cinnamon and citrus filled the kitchen before I even poured the first glass. It was a slow December evening, and the lights on the tree glowed softly while I sliced apples and oranges. I loved how simple it felt to bring everything together. The color was rich and warm, and the fruit added a slight sparkle, making the pitcher look ready for a holiday table. I didn’t expect it to become a yearly tradition, but it did after that first taste.

A few nights later, I made it again when some friends stopped by after dinner. We talked about old stories, and someone mentioned how the mix tasted both familiar and fresh. It had that steady wine flavor people enjoy, but the fruit and spice brought a brighter note that lingered. It reminded me that a good drink doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs the right balance. I enjoy moments like that because they show how a simple homemade mix can shape a night without taking much effort.

This Christmas Sangria suits any holiday plan, from quiet nights at home to big family dinners or relaxed evenings with friends. With fruit, spice, and red wine, each sip is smooth and inviting. I make it in colder months for comfort and warmth. It adds color to the table and tastes best as the fruit sits and flavors blend.

Why You’ll Love This

This holiday drink brings people together, makes entertaining easy, and offers a clean, balanced mix of fruit, spice, and wine. The flavor develops as it chills, and the fruit gives a festive look without extra work. It’s reliable, simple, and brings warmth to any gathering.

• Bright, rich color enhances any holiday table
• Simple ingredients blend for easy preparation
• Flavor improves as it sits in the fridge
• Versatile for both small gatherings and large parties
• Easily customizable with your favorite fruit
• Offers a comforting, warm feeling without heaviness
• Brings people together and sets a relaxed mood
• Looks festive and inviting with minimal effort

All these little details make this holiday sangria recipe a strong pick for winter celebrations.

Ingredients

This mix pairs red wine, fruit, warm spice, and juice for a festive Christmas sangria that is balanced from the first sip. The flavors deepen with time as the fruit sits.

You’ll need

• 1 bottle dry red wine
• 2 oz Grand Marnier
• 8 oz cranberry juice
• 8 oz pomegranate juice
• 6 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 apple, honeycrisp, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
• Cinnamon sticks for garnish
• Rosemary sprigs for garnish

Each ingredient brings something essential. The red wine is the base. Cranberry and pomegranate juices offer a tart, sweet flavor. Cinnamon syrup gives warmth. Fresh fruit adds color, and rosemary and cinnamon sticks make each glass feel seasonal.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Selecting certain brands can alter the flavor, but the Christmas sangria recipe remains steady and clean.

• Use a Spanish red wine like Tempranillo for a smooth and full base.
• A California Cabernet works well if you want a stronger wine note.
• Grand Marnier adds a soft orange flavor, but triple sec works if you want something lighter.
• Fresh cranberry juice tastes brighter than bottled, but both work.
• You can replace pomegranate juice with cherry juice for a sweeter drink.
• If you want a white version, use a crisp Pinot Grigio to create a Christmas sangria with white wine.

These changes let you personalize the drink while keeping its overall character.

Equipment and Glassware

You need little to make this drink. Use a large pitcher or punch bowl so the fruit has room to settle. Stir with a long spoon to evenly distribute the fruit.

• Pitcher
• Long mixing spoon
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Jigger
• Rocks Glass

Chill the pitcher before mixing to keep everything cold. For large groups, set the pitcher in a bowl of ice. Stemless wine glasses show the color and hold the fruit, or try clear highball glasses for a simpler look.

How to Make It

This method is simple and steady. Fruit shapes the flavor, and the mix tastes better after sitting in the fridge.

1. Add the red wine, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, Grand Marnier, and cinnamon simple syrup to a large pitcher.
2. Stir until everything blends evenly.
3. Add the sliced apple, orange, cranberries, and pomegranate arils to the mix.
4. Stir gently so the fruit spreads through the mix.
5. Cover and chill for at least two hours.
6. Pour over ice, then add a cinnamon stick and a rosemary sprig.

If you want a deeper-spiced Christmas sangria, let the mix sit overnight so the cinnamon has time to settle into the juice and wine.

Pro Tips

A few small choices can bring out more flavor and make the drink look even better.

• Use cold wine so the mix stays chilled from the start
• Slice the fruit thinly so it infuses faster
• Add extra cinnamon simple syrup for a sweeter pour
• Use fresh cranberries for more color
• Add sparkling water right before serving if you want a lighter holiday sangria drink
• Let the pitcher sit overnight for a stronger fruit flavor
• Stir gently so the fruit doesn’t break apart
• Add ice only to the glass so the pitcher doesn’t water down

These tips let you tailor the drink to your style and guests.

Variations

You can easily change the flavor without losing the festive character of Christmas sangria.

• Add a splash of ginger ale for a lighter finish
• Use white wine for a Christmas sangria with white wine
• Replace the cinnamon simple syrup with honey syrup
• Add pears or raspberries for a fruit-forward version
• Swap pomegranate juice for apple cider for a softer holiday twist

These Christmas sangria variations let you tailor the drink for any night or group.

When to Serve and Pairings

This drink fits almost any winter event. It works for dinners, potlucks, holiday parties, or when you want something chilled and bright. Fruit and spice make it easy to pair with many foods.

Pairs well with

• Baked brie
• Sharp cheddar
• Chocolate bark
• Roasted nuts
• Cranberry-glazed chicken
• Warm rolls or simple appetizers

It also pairs well with other winter drinks when you want a wider mix of flavors on the table.

Storage and Serving Notes

Store this drink in the fridge for up to two days. The flavor deepens as the fruit rests, enhancing the taste on the second day. Cover the pitcher to preserve the wine’s aroma. Add ice only when serving to avoid diluting the mix.

FAQs

People often ask how to adjust the flavor or fit this drink to their plans.

Can I make this with white wine?
Yes. A crisp white wine creates a Christmas sangria that feels lighter but still seasonal.

Can I make it sweeter?
Add more cinnamon, simple syrup, or a little honey. Stir until everything blends.

Can I make a sparkling version?
Yes. Add sparkling water or prosecco right before serving to keep the bubbles steady.

Does it need to sit overnight?
It doesn’t have to, but it tastes fuller if you let it chill longer.

Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes. Frozen fruit chills the drink faster and works well when fresh fruit isn’t available.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy this festive Christmas sangria, here are a few more holiday drinks that bring color and warmth to the season.

• Santa’s Vodka Refresher crisp cranberry vodka drink
• Holiday Lemon Drop bright citrus holiday vodka cocktail
• Rumchata White Russian with a gentle spice note
• Pomegranate Gin & Tonic with a bright, clean taste
• Honeycrisp Apple Cider Rum Punch with a soft sweetness