Serving White Christmas Sangria during the holidays always feels special. The pale color and fruit in each glass make it festive. I first made it on a quiet morning before a family gathering; the scent of wine and apple cider filled the kitchen. It set a calm mood for the day, and I enjoyed its simplicity. The sangria has a fresh white wine flavor and gentle sweetness, perfect for the season.
This drink is enjoyable because it’s easy to mix for any occasion. Sparkling cider adds fizz, cranberries give color, and apple pieces add soft crunch after soaking up flavor. It suits holiday parties, winter afternoons, or quiet nights when you want a pretty drink without effort. It feels bright, not sharp, and rosemary brings a subtle aroma.
If you want a festive drink that’s not too heavy, White Christmas Sangria could be your new favorite. It mixes fast, looks great in a pitcher, and fits almost any winter get-together. It’s both refreshing and seasonal, easy to make, and perfect for sharing.
Why You’ll Love This
White Christmas Sangria brings a clean flavor that still feels comforting for winter. It’s easy to mix and works well for many kinds of celebrations.
- White wine keeps the drink smooth
- Sparkling apple cider adds a gentle fizz
- Cranberries bring color to this white sangria Christmas drink
- Apples make it feel like a soft apple pear sangria
- The flavor fits easily into Christmas cocktails
- Rosemary adds a fresh, woodsy scent
Together, these details make this one of the most refreshing holiday sangria recipes you can serve.
Ingredients
This White Christmas Sangria uses a short list of ingredients that blend easily. The mix of fruit and wine creates a clean, bright flavor that feels good for winter gatherings.
You’ll need
- 1 bottle white wine
- 3 oz sparkling apple cider
- 3 oz simple syrup
- 1 cup cranberries for garnish
- 1 apple chopped, for garnish
- rosemary sprigs for garnish
The wine serves as the base for this winter white sangria. The sparkling cider gives a small lift without overpowering the wine. Simple syrup softens the tart notes. Cranberries create the classic look of Christmas fruit sangria. Apple pieces add texture and natural sweetness. Rosemary brings aroma and ties the drink to the season.
Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions
Different wines and ciders can slightly alter the flavor of your White Christmas Sangria, but it will stay bright and refreshing.
- Sauvignon Blanc works well because it tastes crisp and blends cleanly
- Pinot Grigio stays light and makes the drink easy to sip
- Sparkling apple cider can be replaced with non-sparkling cider if you want a calmer sip
- Honey syrup can take the place of simple syrup for a deeper sweetness
- Pear slices can replace apples if you prefer a softer fruit tone
- Fresh cranberries can be swapped for frozen if needed
These adjustments help the drink match your taste and fit seasonal sangria variations.
Equipment and Glassware
You don’t need much to prepare a good White Christmas Sangria. A large pitcher helps the ingredients mix and chill evenly, and a long spoon keeps the fruit from settling at the bottom.
Helpful at-home tips
- Use a clear pitcher so the fruit can show through
- Chill the wine before mixing, so the drink stays cold
- Keep extra fruit nearby to freshen the pitcher later
- Add the rosemary last so its scent stays clear
- Choose a pitcher large enough for stirring
- Use simple glassware so the light color stands out
These small choices make your drink look clean and inviting.
How to Make It
This White Christmas Sangria comes together quickly and tastes better once it has time to rest in the fridge. The fruit soaks up the wine, and the flavors blend into a smooth winter drink.
- Add the white wine, sparkling apple cider, simple syrup, cranberries, apple pieces, and rosemary to a large pitcher.
- Stir well with a long spoon so everything mixes cleanly.
- Cover and chill for at least two hours.
- Pour into glasses, making sure each serving includes some fruit.
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
You can adjust the sweetness or the amount of fruit to your taste.
Pro Tips
A few helpful moves can make your White Christmas Sangria taste even cleaner and look nicer in the glass.
- Use a dry wine if you want a lighter finish
- Add ice right before serving to keep the flavor from watering down
- Taste before adding more syrup
- Add sliced pears to turn it into a full apple pear sangria
- Use sparkling wine instead of cider for a sparkling Christmas sangria feel
- Add extra rosemary for a stronger aroma
- Freeze your cranberries to chill the drink gently
Feel free to play with the flavor until it fits your style.
Variations
You can shift the flavor of a White Christmas Sangria in several fun ways. These ideas keep the drink bright while giving it a fresh twist.
- Add pear juice to make the mix softer
- Use ginger syrup for warmth
- Swap simple syrup for elderflower syrup for a floral finish
- Add sliced oranges to bring more color
- Replace cider with ginger ale for a sweeter drink
These adjustments help it fit more holiday sangria recipes.
When to Serve and Pairings
White Christmas Sangria works well for Christmas gatherings, winter brunch, and quiet evenings with friends. The light flavor pairs well with several dishes.
Try it with
- Cheese boards
- Light pastries
- Roasted nuts
- Fruit tarts
- Soft crackers
It also pairs well with sangria for Christmas parties when you want something cold and refreshing.
Storage and Serving Notes
White Christmas Sangria tastes best after sitting for at least two hours. You can store the pitcher in the fridge for up to one day. If the fruit absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of wine or cider before serving. Keep it cold and stir before pouring so everything blends well.
FAQs
People often have questions about making Christmas sangria drinks, especially when using white wine.
Can I use red wine for this recipe?
You can, but it becomes a different style. The light color is what makes this a winter white sangria.
Does it need to chill for two hours?
Chilling helps the fruit and wine blend. You can serve it sooner, but the flavor will be sharper.
Can I make it sweeter?
Add more simple syrup or apple juice until it fits your taste.
Can I use sparkling wine instead of cider?
Yes. It will taste brighter and slightly drier.
Can I make a large batch for a big party?
Yes. Double or triple the ingredients, and keep the fruit fresh.
More Cocktails to Try
If you enjoy White Christmas Sangria, here are a few more drinks that fit winter celebrations.
- Snow-jito for a mint and coconut mix that feels bright
- White Coconut Christmas Margarita for a creamy, cool holiday sip
- Cranberry Jalapeno Margarita for a tart drink with a light kick
- Vanilla Pear and Ginger Fizz for a soft winter flavor

Ingredients
- 1 bottle white wine
- 3 oz sparkling apple cider
- 3 oz simple syrup
- 1 cup cranberries for garnish
- 1 apple chopped, for garnish
- rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, sparkling apple cider, simple syrup, fresh cranberries, chopped apple, and rosemary sprigs.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly using a long wooden spoon to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Serve the sangria chilled in glasses, making sure to include a mix of fruit in each serving. Garnish each glass with a fresh sprig of rosemary for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Choose a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the fruity and herbal notes.
- For a sweeter sangria, use a sparkling apple cider with added sugar or increase the amount of simple syrup.
- Freeze some cranberries beforehand to use as decorative ice cubes for a chilled and festive presentation.


