Holiday Cheer Sangria

There’s something special about a holiday cocktail that brings everyone together around the punch bowl. This Holiday Cheer Sangria is exactly that kind of drink. It’s fruity, sparkling, and full of bright winter flavors that instantly set the mood for Christmas gatherings. With bourbon, pomegranate juice, and chilled Prosecco, it tastes like the season in a glass. It also has that gorgeous ruby color that looks amazing on any holiday table.

One of my favorite things about this drink is that it works for all kinds of holiday moments. You can serve it for Christmas dinner, holiday potlucks, winter game nights, or even New Years gatherings when everyone wants something cheerful but easy to sip. It’s simple, beautiful, and always a crowd favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This

This Christmas cocktail hits all the notes a holiday drink should have. It’s flavorful, festive, and easy to serve to a crowd. It combines cozy bourbon with bright citrus and fruity pomegranate, then finishes with bubbly Prosecco for that perfect party sparkle. Even people who don’t usually like strong drinks tend to love this one because it’s smooth and refreshing.

• Easy to Make: Most of the prep happens ahead of time, which makes hosting stress free.
• Beautiful Color: The deep red makes it an instant holiday showstopper.
• Perfect for Groups: This recipe fills a pitcher or bowl, great for parties.
• Balanced Flavor: Not too sweet, not too strong, and perfectly fruity.
• Customizable Garnishes: Pomegranate, orange slices, and rosemary make it look elegant.
• Festive Bubbles: The Prosecco adds the perfect touch of celebration.

Altogether, this sangria delivers the holiday cheer its name promises.

Ingredients

This Christmas recipe brings together winter fruits, warm bourbon, and Prosecco to create a cocktail that is bright, smooth, and perfect for the holidays. Every ingredient plays a key role in building the final flavor.

• 1 bottle Prosecco chilled
• 8 ounces pomegranate juice
• 4 ounces bourbon
• 4 ounces orange juice
• orange zest
• pomegranate arils for garnish
• orange slices, for garnish
• rosemary sprigs for garnish

The bourbon gives the sangria a warming depth that fits the season. Pomegranate juice adds a beautiful color and tartness, while orange juice helps balance everything with sweetness and brightness. The Prosecco gives it life, turning it into a sparkling holiday drink that feels celebratory from the first sip.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

You can make this sangria with almost any bourbon or Prosecco, but certain options bring out the flavors especially well. Since the cocktail has fruit and bubbles, using smooth, approachable spirits works best. Here are some reliable picks along with easy substitutions if needed.

• Maker’s Mark Bourbon: Smooth, slightly sweet, and great for festive cocktails.
• Buffalo Trace Bourbon: Warm and balanced with hints of vanilla.
• 19 Crimes Sparkling: Affordable and great for sangrias.
• La Marca Prosecco: Crisp and refreshing, ideal for fruity mixes.
• Sub for Bourbon: Use rum for a sweeter and lighter flavor.
• Sub for Prosecco: Use cava or any dry sparkling wine in its place.

These choices help you shape the drink to your taste without losing its Christmas personality.

Equipment and Glassware

You don’t need complicated tools for this recipe. Because it’s a pitcher style Christmas cocktail, everything comes together quickly in one container. The only thing that really matters is having a big enough pitcher or punch bowl to hold the mixture and ice.

You’ll need:

• Pitcher
• Rocks Glass for serving
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger
• Measuring cups
• Citrus zester

Holiday glassware makes this drink even more fun, but clear glasses work beautifully since they show off the deep red color.

How to Make It

This drink comes together with just a few easy steps. Most of the flavor builds while the mixture chills, which makes it perfect for prepping ahead. When you’re ready to serve, just top with Prosecco and garnish.

1. In a large pitcher, combine the bourbon, pomegranate juice, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir well and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. When it’s time to serve, fill a punch bowl with ice and pour in the bourbon mixture.
3. Top with chilled Prosecco, gently stirring to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh pomegranate arils, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs for a festive look and added flavor.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy this bubbly, bright holiday sangria.

If you want a slightly sweeter version, add a splash of simple syrup or honey before chilling the base.

Pro Tips

These small tweaks can help you take your Holiday Cheer Sangria to the next level. Because it is served to multiple guests, presentation and balance really matter here.

• Chill everything before mixing for the best flavor and longest lasting bubbles.
• Use large ice cubes in the punch bowl so the drink stays cold without watering down too quickly.
• Do not add the Prosecco early or you will lose the fizz.
• Taste the base after chilling to adjust the sweetness if needed.
• Add citrus slices right before serving so they stay fresh looking.
• Garnish generously because the fruit and herbs make the drink feel festive and complete.
• Use a dry Prosecco to balance the sweetness of the juices.

These tips help you create a holiday cocktail that is both delicious and beautiful.

Variations

This sangria is easy to customize depending on the occasion. You can make it sweeter, lighter, or alcohol free while still keeping the festive spirit.

• Non Alcoholic Version: Use non alcoholic sparkling wine and skip the bourbon.
• Cranberry Sangria: Swap pomegranate juice for cranberry juice.
• Spiced Holiday Sangria: Add cinnamon sticks or cloves to the base while it chills.
• White Christmas Sangria: Use white wine instead of Prosecco and more citrus.
• Berry Twist Sangria: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries for extra fruit flavor.

Each option keeps the holiday charm but gives you a different style of cocktail for your celebration.

When to Serve and Pairings

Holiday Cheer Sangria works for nearly any winter gathering because it feels celebratory without being too strong. It is perfect for large groups since it can be made ahead and served by the pitcher. Its fruity flavor pairs well with many seasonal dishes and desserts.

Serve it with:

• Charcuterie boards with nuts and dried fruit
• Holiday sugar cookies
• Cheese fondue or baked brie
• Roasted turkey or ham dinners
• Other festive cocktails like Cranberry Mimosa, Christmas White Russian, or Pomegranate Champagne Spritz

Its sparkling, fruity finish makes it a great drink to serve alongside appetizers or holiday mains.

Storage and Serving Notes

The sangria base can be mixed hours ahead of time, which is helpful when hosting. Make the bourbon, pomegranate, and orange mixture first, then refrigerate it until ready to serve. Do not add the Prosecco until the last moment to keep the drink bubbly and fresh.

If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container and add fresh bubbles before serving again. Just be aware that the fruit will continue to infuse the drink, making it slightly sweeter.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions people have when making this holiday sangria.

Can I make this the night before?
Yes, you can prep the base early, but add the Prosecco right before serving.

Does the bourbon flavor stand out?
It blends smoothly, adding warmth without overpowering the fruit.

Can I make a bigger batch?
Absolutely. Double or triple the ingredients and use a large punch bowl.

What if I prefer a sweeter sangria?
Add simple syrup or honey to taste.

Can I skip the rosemary?
Yes, but it adds a beautiful aroma and makes the cocktail visually festive.

More Cocktails to Try

If you love festive drinks like this one, here are more holiday cocktails that fit perfectly into winter gatherings.

• Polar Bear Cocktail fruity, bubbly, and perfect for parties.
• Cranberry Ginger Paloma Pitcher sweet, tart, and great for groups.
• Christmas White Russian creamy, cozy, and dessert like.
• Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini rich and perfect for holiday nights.
• Winter Tequila Sunset citrusy and colorful for seasonal celebrations.