Christmas Sangria: 7 Festive Flavors to Celebrate Joy

November 29, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year filled with laughter, joy, and of course, delicious drinks. My favorite festive beverage? *Christmas sangria*! It’s wonderfully refreshing, bursting with vibrant flavors, and just perfect for those cozy gatherings with family and friends. I remember the first time I made it for a holiday party—everyone was raving about how the fruity notes and a hint of spice made it feel like a celebration in a glass! Trust me, once you whip this up, it’ll become a beloved tradition at your holiday table.

Ingredients List

1 bottle of red wine (750 ml)
1 cup of brandy
1 cup of orange juice
1/2 cup of cranberry juice
1/4 cup of simple syrup
1 orange, sliced
1 apple, diced
1 cup of fresh cranberries
1 cinnamon stick
Club soda, to taste

How to Prepare Christmas Sangria

Making *Christmas sangria* is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step of the process. Let’s get started on this festive concoction!

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

First things first, grab a large pitcher and pour in that lovely bottle of red wine. Add in the cup of brandy, orange juice, cranberry juice, and the simple syrup. Mix everything together well—this is where the magic begins! You want those flavors to start mingling right away.

Step 2: Add Fruits and Spices

Next, it’s time to brighten things up! Toss in the sliced orange, diced apple, fresh cranberries, and the cinnamon stick. These ingredients not only look beautiful but also add a delightful depth of flavor to your sangria. The fruity notes combined with that warm cinnamon? Oh wow, it’s just perfect!

Step 3: Chill and Meld Flavors

Now, here’s where patience comes in. Pop your pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is essential as it allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference when you take that first sip!

Step 4: Serve with Fizz

Finally, when you’re ready to serve, top your sangria with club soda for that fizzy touch. Serve it over ice to keep it refreshing. And voilà! You’ve got a festive drink that’s sure to impress your guests and bring holiday cheer to the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip up this stunning drink in just 10 minutes! Perfect for those last-minute holiday gatherings.
Festive Flavors: The combination of red wine, citrus, and spices creates a delightful symphony of flavors that truly captures the essence of the season.
Customizable: Feel free to mix and match with seasonal fruits or tweak the sweetness—make it your own!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it a day in advance for even better flavor, making your life easier when hosting.
Refreshing and Light: The fizzy club soda adds a refreshing twist, perfect for sipping while celebrating with loved ones.
Impress Your Guests: This beautiful, colorful drink is sure to wow your friends and family, making any gathering feel extra special!

Tips for Success with Christmas Sangria

Now that you’re ready to make your *Christmas sangria*, here are some of my go-to tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

Experiment with Fruits: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding seasonal fruits like pears, pomegranates, or even a handful of blueberries for extra color and flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness: Taste as you go! If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add more simple syrup gradually until it’s just right for your palate.
Use Quality Wine: A good bottle of red wine makes a world of difference in flavor. Choose something you’d enjoy sipping on its own!
Chill Longer: If you have the time, let your sangria chill for longer than 2 hours. The more time those flavors have to mingle, the better it will taste!
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a beautiful presentation, consider adding a sprig of mint or rosemary when serving. It adds a lovely aroma and a touch of elegance!

With these tips, you’ll have a *Christmas sangria* that’s not only delicious but also uniquely yours. Enjoy the process and have fun with it! Cheers!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about storing any leftovers of your delicious *Christmas sangria*! First off, I have to say, this drink is best enjoyed fresh. The flavors are vibrant and lively right after it’s made, but if you happen to have some left (which is rare, trust me!), you can store it in the refrigerator.

Just pour the sangria into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 1 to 2 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld, which can be nice, but the fresh fruit might start to lose its crispness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a little stir and maybe add a splash more club soda for that fizzy lift! Cheers to making the most of your festive drink!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! Knowing the nutritional information for your *Christmas sangria* can be super helpful, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your intake during the festive season. Here’s the estimated breakdown based on a serving size of 1 cup:

Calories: 200
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, feel free to mix and match, but also enjoy every delightful sip of your *Christmas sangria*! Cheers to festive flavors and fun times!

FAQ About Christmas Sangria

Can I use white wine instead of red?

Absolutely! If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, white wine can be a fantastic substitute. Just keep in mind that it will create a different flavor profile—think crisp and refreshing! A nice Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully, especially when paired with bright citrus fruits.

**How long can I keep christmas sangria in the fridge?**

You can store your *Christmas sangria* in the fridge for about 1 to 2 days. However, the flavors will continue to meld, which can enhance the taste, but the fresh fruit may start to lose its crunch. So, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, just give it a little stir before serving!

**What fruits can I add to christmas sangria?**

The options are endless! Feel free to get creative with seasonal fruits. In addition to oranges and apples, how about adding some pears, pomegranates, or even a handful of fresh raspberries? Each fruit brings its unique flavor and color, making your sangria not just delicious but visually stunning!

Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?

You bet! To whip up a non-alcoholic version of *Christmas sangria*, simply replace the red wine and brandy with a combination of grape juice or sparkling grape juice, and mix in some extra fruit juices like cranberry and orange. You’ll still get that festive vibe without the alcohol—perfect for everyone to enjoy!