Holiday Sangria

Holiday sangria has a special way of bringing people together. It fills the room with the scent of winter fruit and warm spice, looks gorgeous in a pitcher on the table, and tastes like everything we love about the season poured into a glass. This Holiday Sangria is rich with red wine, cranberry and pomegranate juice, fresh fruit, and a cinnamon simple syrup that gives it that unmistakable holiday warmth. It is a Christmas recipe you can make ahead, customize easily, and rely on whenever you need something festive and refreshing.

The first time I made this sangria was for a Friendsgiving gathering, and it was one of those drinks that disappeared faster than I expected. Everyone kept going back for another scoop of fruit or a splash more wine, and the pitcher was empty before dinner was even ready. What I loved most was how the fruit softens and soaks up flavor the longer it sits. By the time we reached dessert, the apple slices tasted like mulled wine candies and the oranges had the sweetest little tang. It is the kind of drink that evolves as you sip it, which makes it fun for groups.

I love this recipe because it works for both casual nights and full holiday parties. You can batch it ahead, bring it to a potluck, or leave a pitcher in the fridge for guests to self serve. It is incredibly forgiving, too. If your fruit is sweeter, it leans bright and juicy. If your wine is bold, the spices balance it out. Holiday sangria is flexible, reliable, and always a crowd pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Holiday Sangria

Holiday sangria is one of the easiest drinks to make during the holiday season, and it hits every note you want in a winter cocktail. It is festive, colorful, refreshing, and full of flavor. Whether you want something to set out at the start of a party or a drink to sip while wrapping presents, this recipe covers all the bases.

Here is why this Christmas recipe will quickly become a go to:

• Simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
• Perfect for batching, so you can serve a group without mixing individual drinks.
• Customizable flavor, letting you adjust sweetness, strength, and spice.
• Naturally festive look thanks to the apples, oranges, cranberries, and pomegranate arils.
• Make ahead friendly, which makes hosting more relaxed.
• Balanced taste, with sweetness from juice, richness from wine, and warmth from cinnamon.

Altogether, this sangria feels like the holiday season in a glass.

Ingredients for Holiday Sangria

This recipe combines bold red wine with tart cranberry juice, sweet pomegranate juice, fresh fruit, citrus, and a cinnamon simple syrup. The mix creates a drink that is both refreshing and comforting, with layers of flavor that develop as the sangria chills.

What You Need

• 1 bottle red wine
• 8 oz cranberry juice
• 8 oz pomegranate juice
• 2.75 oz Grand Marnier
• 6 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 apple honeycrisp, thinly sliced
• 1 orange navel, thinly sliced
• handful fresh cranberries
• pomegranate arils for extra flavor and color
• cinnamon sticks for garnish
• sprigs rosemary fresh, for garnish

Red wine creates the base, cranberry and pomegranate add tartness and deep color, and Grand Marnier brings citrusy sweetness with a hint of warmth. The cinnamon syrup ties everything together with a subtle spice that feels very holiday forward.

If you want a brighter flavor, use more orange slices. For a richer, spiced version, add an extra cinnamon stick to the pitcher while it chills.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

The beauty of holiday sangria is that you can tailor it based on the wine and liqueur you prefer. You do not need the most expensive bottle, just something you enjoy drinking on its own.

Here are some great options:

• Red Wine:
  • Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for a bold sangria.
  • Pinot Noir for a lighter, fruitier version.
  • Spanish Rioja if you want traditional sangria flavor.
• Grand Marnier Substitutes:
  • Cointreau for a cleaner orange flavor.
  • Triple Sec for a budget friendly option.
  • Brandy if you want deeper warmth instead of citrus.
• Fruit Options:
  • Swap honeycrisp apples for pears if you prefer softer fruit.
  • Add grapes or blood oranges for extra color.
• Sweetness Adjustments:
  • Add simple syrup if your fruit is not very sweet.
  • Add sparkling water to lighten the sangria for afternoon gatherings.

The key is balance. You want the wine, fruit, and spice to play together without overpowering one another.

Equipment and Glassware for the Best Sangria

You do not need fancy equipment to make this holiday cocktail. Sangria is rustic and relaxed, which is part of what makes it such a great party drink. A large pitcher and a few simple tools are all you need.

You will want:

• Large Pitcher
• Bar Spoon
• Wine Glass
• Jigger

Stemless glasses work especially well since they hold fruit easily and feel casual but still stylish. If you are serving a crowd, you can set out a ladle next to the pitcher so guests can scoop fruit into their own glasses.

How to Make Holiday Sangria

Sangria is all about combining ingredients and giving them time to meld. The longer it chills, the deeper and richer the flavor becomes. This version is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for holiday entertaining.

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, Grand Marnier, and cinnamon simple syrup.
2. Add the apple slices, orange slices, cranberries, and pomegranate arils.
3. Use a bar spoon to stir gently until everything is evenly mixed and the fruit is coated in liquid.
4. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill for 2 to 4 hours to let the flavors blend.
5. For a quick option, you can serve immediately over crushed ice, though chilling creates the best flavor.
6. When serving, pour the sangria into glasses, making sure to include some fruit in each one.
7. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic finishing touch.

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup or juice, or increase the wine if you want a stronger, more robust sangria.

Pro Tips for Perfect Holiday Sangria

Sangria is forgiving, but a few smart tricks can take it from good to unforgettable. These tips enhance flavor, texture, and presentation.

• Choose a wine you like, since it is the backbone of the drink.
• Chill the sangria long enough so the fruit absorbs flavor.
• Slice fruit thinly, which helps the juices blend more quickly.
• Use fresh citrus, since bottled juice can taste dull.
• Taste before serving and adjust sweetness as needed.
• Use frozen cranberries to keep the drink cold without watering it down.
• Crack a cinnamon stick slightly to release more aroma.
• Serve with a spoon so guests can enjoy the infused fruit.

Experimenting with fruit combinations can be fun once you have made the recipe once or twice.

Variations

Holiday sangria can be adapted based on the season, the fruit you have on hand, or the type of celebration you are hosting. Try one of these variations if you want something slightly different:

• White Holiday Sangria: Use white wine, pears, apples, and white cranberry juice.
• Sparkling Sangria: Top each glass with prosecco or club soda for extra bubbles.
• Cranberry Orange Sangria: Add more orange slices and swap pomegranate juice for extra cranberry.
• Spiced Sangria: Add cloves or allspice to make the drink more warming and aromatic.
• Non Alcoholic Sangria: Use non alcoholic red wine or unsweetened grape juice with the fruit and syrup.

Every variation brings its own style while keeping the festive holiday theme.

When to Serve Holiday Sangria and What to Pair It With

This sangria is incredibly versatile. It works for daytime gatherings, evening parties, or quiet moments by the fire. The mix of fruit and spice makes it feel festive without being too heavy.

Serve holiday sangria at:

• Holiday brunches
• Christmas parties
• Thanksgiving dinners
• Cookie exchanges
• Winter potlucks
• New Year’s celebrations

And pair it with:

• Cheese boards with brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar
• Chocolate desserts
• Fruit tarts
• Roasted nuts
• Holiday ham or turkey
• Cranberry orange scones

It is a drink that blends beautifully with both savory and sweet foods.

Storage and Serving Notes

Holiday sangria stores well and even improves with time as the fruit continues to infuse the wine. You can prepare it ahead and keep it chilled until ready to serve.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, though it is best consumed within the first 24.
• Add delicate fruit later to keep it from getting too soft.
• Stir before serving, as heavier ingredients can settle at the bottom.
• Serve over fresh ice for the best texture and temperature.

If you plan to serve a large group, you can double or triple the recipe and keep multiple pitchers ready.

FAQs

Can I use white wine instead of red?
Yes, the flavor will be lighter and more floral. It makes a great option for daytime celebrations.

Do I have to chill it for 2 to 4 hours?
It is recommended, but if you are in a rush, serve it over crushed ice to help blend the flavors quickly.

What type of red wine is best?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Rioja work beautifully. Choose something medium bodied for the best balance.

Can I make a non alcoholic version?
Yes. Use non alcoholic wine or unsweetened grape juice instead of red wine.

How do I make it sweeter?
Add more cinnamon syrup or a splash of orange juice until it reaches your desired sweetness.

More Cocktails to Try

If this Holiday Sangria got you in the festive mood, here are more seasonal cocktails to explore:

• Cranberry Mimosa: Light, sparkling, and perfect for holiday mornings.
• Gingerbread White Russian: Warm, creamy, and rich with holiday spice.
• Pomegranate Prosecco Winter Punch: Bubbly and elegant with winter citrus.
• Pecan Pie Hot Buttered Rum: A cozy and spiced option for cold nights.
• Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned: A warm and aromatic twist on a classic.

Each of these cocktails brings its own holiday charm and pairs beautifully with winter gatherings.