Christmas is the perfect time for festive drinks. A Christmas Holiday Sangria Recipe brings joy to any celebration. This fruity, spiced drink is easy to make.
It’s great for parties and family gatherings. The Christmas Holiday Sangria Recipe combines wine with seasonal fruits. Add some spices and you’re done!
Everyone loves this colorful, delicious beverage. Learning how to make Christmas Holiday Sangria is simple. Even beginners can master this recipe quickly.
The ingredients for Christmas Holiday Sangria are affordable too. You’ll find everything at your local store. This drink makes your holiday table look beautiful. Plus, it tastes absolutely amazing!
When I First Introduced to Christmas Holiday Sangria
I discovered this drink at a friend’s party. It was December, cold and snowy outside. My friend served this beautiful red sangria. It had floating oranges and cranberries inside.
The aroma was incredible with cinnamon and cloves. I took one sip and fell in love. The flavors were perfectly balanced and festive. Sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy.
Since that day, I make it every Christmas. Now it’s my signature holiday drink. My family always asks for this sangria recipe. It brings back wonderful Christmas memories for me.
Equipment List
You need basic kitchen tools for this recipe. Here’s what to grab before starting:
- Large glass pitcher (2 quarts or bigger)
- Sharp knife for cutting fruits
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wine opener
Ingredients You Need for Christmas Holiday Sangria
- 1 bottle red wine (750ml, choose affordable)
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 apple, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 2 cups sparkling water or ginger ale
Step-by-Step Guide
- Wash all your fruits thoroughly under cold water.
- Slice the orange into thin, round pieces.
- Chop the apple into bite-sized chunks.
- Keep the cranberries whole for best appearance.
- Pour red wine into your large pitcher.
- Add cranberry juice and orange juice next.
- Stir in the brandy if you’re using it.
- Mix everything together with your wooden spoon.
- Add honey or sugar to the mixture.
- Stir until it dissolves completely into the liquid.
- Drop in the cinnamon sticks and cloves.
- Add star anise if you have it available.
- Put all your prepared fruits into the pitcher.
- Push them down gently with your spoon.
- This helps release their natural flavors faster.
- Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap tightly.
- Put it in your refrigerator for minimum time.
- Let it sit for at least 4 hours.
- Overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
- Before serving, add sparkling water or ginger ale.
- This adds fizz and lightens the drink.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes first.
- Pour sangria over the ice generously.
- Make sure each glass gets some fruit.
Tips to Make the Best Christmas Holiday Sangria
- Choose a fruity, light red wine for best results.
- You don’t need expensive wine at all.
- A $10 bottle works perfectly fine here.
- Let the sangria rest for several hours minimum.
- This allows flavors to blend together beautifully.
- For non-alcoholic version, use grape juice instead.
- Replace wine with red grape juice easily.
- Add more sparkling water for lighter taste preference.
- Fresh fruits make a huge difference in flavor.
- Frozen cranberries work when fresh aren’t available.
- Adjust sweetness based on your personal preference.
- Taste before serving and add more honey.
- Make it 24 hours ahead for parties.
- The flavor gets better with more time.
- Serve in clear glasses to show colors.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for presentation.
FAQs about Christmas Holiday Sangria
Q: Can I make this sangria ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! Make it 24 hours before your party. The flavors develop better with more waiting time.
Q: What wine works best for this recipe?
A: Use fruity red wines like Merlot or Pinot. Avoid heavy, tannic wines for this drink.
Q: Can I skip the alcohol completely?
A: Yes, use red grape juice instead of wine. It still tastes delicious and festive for everyone.
Q: How long does sangria last in refrigerator?
A: It stays fresh for 3-4 days when covered. Remove fruits after two days for best quality.
Q: Can I use white wine instead?
A: Yes, white wine works but changes the flavor. Use white cranberry juice to keep it light.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Holiday Sangria Recipe is truly special. It brings festive cheer to any celebration gathering. This drink is simple, affordable, and delicious.
Your guests will absolutely love this beautiful beverage. The combination of fruits and spices is perfect. It captures the essence of Christmas wonderfully.
Try making it for your next holiday party. You won’t regret adding this to your menu. It’s become my most requested holiday recipe.
I hope it becomes yours too this season. Cheers to a wonderful Christmas with family!
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Christmas Holiday Sangria Recipe
Equipment
- Large glass pitcher (2 quarts or bigger)
- Sharp knife for cutting fruits
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wine opener
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine 750ml, choose affordable
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed is best
- 1/4 cup brandy optional but recommended
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 orange sliced into rounds
- 1 apple chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise optional
- 2 cups sparkling water or ginger ale
Instructions
- Wash all your fruits thoroughly under cold water.
- Slice the orange into thin, round pieces.
- Chop the apple into bite-sized chunks.
- Keep the cranberries whole for best appearance.
- Pour red wine into your large pitcher.
- Add cranberry juice and orange juice next.
- Stir in the brandy if you’re using it.
- Mix everything together with your wooden spoon.
- Add honey or sugar to the mixture.
- Stir until it dissolves completely into the liquid.
- Drop in the cinnamon sticks and cloves.
- Add star anise if you have it available.
- Put all your prepared fruits into the pitcher.
- Push them down gently with your spoon.
- This helps release their natural flavors faster.
- Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap tightly.
- Put it in your refrigerator for minimum time.
- Let it sit for at least 4 hours.
- Overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
- Before serving, add sparkling water or ginger ale.
- This adds fizz and lightens the drink.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes first.
- Pour sangria over the ice generously.
- Make sure each glass gets some fruit.
Notes
- Choose a fruity, light red wine for best results.
- You don’t need expensive wine at all.
- A $10 bottle works perfectly fine here.
- Let the sangria rest for several hours minimum.
- This allows flavors to blend together beautifully.
- For non-alcoholic version, use grape juice instead.
- Replace wine with red grape juice easily.
- Add more sparkling water for lighter taste preference.
- Fresh fruits make a huge difference in flavor.
- Frozen cranberries work when fresh aren’t available.
- Adjust sweetness based on your personal preference.
- Taste before serving and add more honey.
- Make it 24 hours ahead for parties.
- The flavor gets better with more time.
- Serve in clear glasses to show colors.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for presentation.