There’s something about the sparkle of holiday lights and the warmth of good company that calls for a special drink, and this Holiday Sangria fits the bill perfectly. I first mixed it up on a chilly December evening when I wanted something festive yet refreshing—something that celebrated the season without stealing the spotlight from the meal. Bursting with seasonal fruits, a hint of spice, and a splash of bubbly, this sangria quickly became my go-to for gatherings big and small. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, letting you spend less time behind the bar and more time enjoying the party. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or just treating yourself after a long day, this Holiday Sangria brings a bright, joyful burst of flavor that’s sure to impress and delight every palate.
Why choose Holiday Sangria?
Festive Flair: Holiday Sangria bursts with vibrant seasonal fruits and warming spices that perfectly capture festive cheer. Effortless Prep: Quick to mix, so you spend more time celebrating and less time behind the bar. Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for gatherings of any size, pleasing diverse palates with its refreshing sparkle. Versatile Twist: Easily adaptable with your favorite bubbly or fruits to match your holiday vibe. Bright & Joyful: This sangria adds a lively kick to any holiday occasion, making moments unforgettable.
Holiday Sangria Ingredients
For the Sangria Base
- Red wine – Choose a dry, fruity red like Rioja or Merlot for rich holiday warmth.
- Brandy – Adds depth and a cozy kick; feel free to substitute with orange liqueur.
- Orange juice – Freshly squeezed is best for natural brightness and balance.
- Apple cider – Brings a crisp, festive note to your Holiday Sangria.
For the Fruits
- Oranges – Sliced thin for vibrant color and juicy sweetness.
- Apples – Crisp varieties like Granny Smith provide a tart contrast.
- Cranberries – Fresh or frozen, they add a sparkling pop of color and tartness.
- Pomegranate seeds – Jewel-like bursts that bring festive flair and a hint of tang.
For the Spice and Fizz
- Cinnamon sticks – Infuse cozy warmth without overpowering the fresh fruits.
- Cloves – Just a few for subtle, aromatic magic.
- Sparkling water or club soda – Added just before serving for a lively fizz that lifts the flavors.
Holiday Sangria is all about embracing the season’s best flavors with ease and joy!
How to Make Holiday Sangria
- For the Base: Combine 1 bottle of rich red wine, brandy, fresh orange juice, and crisp cider in a large pitcher; stir until ruby hues meld beautifully.
- For the Fruits: Add seasonal sliced oranges, crisp apples, tart cranberries, and jewel-like pomegranate seeds, ensuring vibrant color and varied textures throughout the festive mixture.
- Infuse Spices: Tuck in whole cinnamon sticks and aromatic cloves, then stir briefly until the kitchen fills with warm, inviting holiday spice notes.
- Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—or ideally overnight—to allow all flavors to marry and intensify beautifully.
- Serve: Just before serving, pour in chilled sparkling water or club soda to add fizz, then garnish each glass with fresh rosemary sprigs for fragrant holiday flair.
Optional: Rim glasses with sugar and cinnamon.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Holiday Sangria?
As you lift your glass to merry conversations, delicious pairings can elevate your festive gatherings even more.
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Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and creamy brie, beautifully complements the fruity notes, providing a savory balance to your drink. Pair with assorted nuts for added texture.
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Spiced Almonds: Roasted with cinnamon and a hint of cayenne, these crunchy snacks mirror the warming spices in your sangria, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
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Honey Glazed Ham: The savory sweetness of a honey glazed ham contrasts dramatically with the zingy sangria, making every sip and bite a joyous experience.
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Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes offers a warm, earthy component that pairs wonderfully with the chilled drink, spotlighting both color and taste.
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Turkey Sliders: Mini turkey burgers with cranberry sauce provide a savory touch, elegantly echoing the festive flavors found in the sangria.
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Dark Chocolate Truffles: Rich and decadent, these truffles serve as a perfect finale, the bittersweet chocolate wonderfully melding with the sweetness of the fruits in your Holiday Sangria.
Each pairing beautifully accentuates your festive drink, ensuring that your holiday celebrations are absolutely memorable.
How to Store and Freeze Holiday Sangria
- Fridge: Store any leftover Holiday Sangria in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the fruits and flavors may lose their quality and texture once thawed.
- Reheating: If you prefer a warm version, gently heat the sangria on the stove, ensuring not to boil, to keep the delicate flavors and aromas intact.
- Make Ahead: For best taste, prepare your Holiday Sangria a day ahead, letting it chill and infuse overnight before serving.
Expert Tips for Holiday Sangria
- Use Quality Wine: Choose a dry, fruity red wine like Merlot or Rioja for the best flavor foundation in your Holiday Sangria.
- Chill Thoroughly: Let the sangria sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the fruit and spices fully infuse, enhancing the taste.
- Fresh Fruits Matter: Use fresh, crisp fruits, and slice them thinly to release their juices without overpowering the drink’s balance.
- Add Fizz Last: Pour sparkling water or club soda just before serving to maintain a lively, refreshing fizz without it going flat.
- Spice It Lightly: Use whole cinnamon sticks and cloves sparingly to avoid bitterness, ensuring a warm, subtle holiday aroma.
- Prep Ahead: Make your Holiday Sangria a day ahead to deepen flavors, saving you time and stress on party day.
Holiday Sangria Variations
Feel free to explore these fun twists and swaps that will make your Holiday Sangria uniquely yours!
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White Wine: Switch red wine for a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc to create a lighter, refreshing version.
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Substitute Brandy: Replace brandy with gin or vodka for a different kick, adding layers of botanical flavors to your drink.
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Seasonal Fruits: Experiment with fruits like pears or kiwis; they’ll add new textures and vibrant colors to your sangria.
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Add Bubbles: Try using ginger ale or lemon-lime soda instead of sparkling water for a delightful zing and extra sweetness.
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Herbal Infusion: Toss in fresh mint or basil for a refreshing herbaceous note that lifts the overall flavor profile.
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a slice of jalapeño for those who dare to turn up the heat!
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Citrus Variants: Alongside oranges, incorporate grapefruits or lemons for a citrusy zing that brightens the flavor.
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Maple Syrup: Drizzle in some maple syrup instead of sugar for a warming, earthy sweet note that complements the spices beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Holiday Sangria preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their festive planning! You can mix the sangria base (red wine, brandy, orange juice, and apple cider) up to 3 days in advance, simply refrigerating it in a covered pitcher to keep the flavors fresh. Additionally, slice the fruits (oranges and apples) and store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours—this prevents them from browning and ensures they stay vibrant. When you’re ready to serve, just add the chilled sparkling water or club soda for that refreshing fizz, and you’ll have a stunning Holiday Sangria that’s just as delightful as if it were made on the spot!
Holiday Sangria Recipe FAQs
What kind of red wine should I use for Holiday Sangria?
I recommend a dry, fruity red like Merlot or Rioja. These wines provide a rich, warm base without overpowering the fresh fruit flavors. Avoid overly tannic or heavy wines to keep the sangria smooth and drinkable.
How long can I store leftover Holiday Sangria in the fridge?
You can keep leftover sangria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the fresh fruit will start to break down, and flavors may not be as bright, so enjoy it within that window for the best experience.
Can Holiday Sangria be frozen for later use?
Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe. The fruits lose their texture, and the flavors often become muted after thawing. Instead, I suggest preparing the sangria fresh or up to a day ahead and refrigerating it to maintain that vibrant holiday cheer.
What should I do if my sangria tastes too strong or too sweet?
No worries! If it’s too strong, add more sparkling water or club soda to dilute without losing fizz. If too sweet, a splash of fresh lemon juice or extra apple cider can balance it out. Adjust slowly and taste as you go—that’s the joy of home-mixed sangria!
Are there any holiday spices I should avoid for people with allergies or pets?
Cinnamon and cloves are safe in small amounts for most people but can cause allergic reactions in rare cases. Keep sangria and its spiced fruits away from pets, as cloves and cinnamon oils can be harmful to them. If allergies are a concern for guests, consider making a spice-free version or infusing the spices separately so they can be easily removed.
Irresistible Holiday Sangria Recipe to Brighten Your Festive Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine 1 bottle of rich red wine, brandy, fresh orange juice, and crisp cider in a large pitcher; stir until ruby hues meld beautifully.
- Add seasonal sliced oranges, crisp apples, tart cranberries, and jewel-like pomegranate seeds, ensuring vibrant color and varied textures throughout the festive mixture.
- Tuck in whole cinnamon sticks and aromatic cloves, then stir briefly until the kitchen fills with warm, inviting holiday spice notes.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—or ideally overnight—to allow all flavors to marry and intensify beautifully.
- Just before serving, pour in chilled sparkling water or club soda to add fizz, then garnish each glass with fresh rosemary sprigs for fragrant holiday flair.
