Christmas Sangaria Recipes

The idea of a Christmas sangria feels like a throwback to childhood holidays, but with a grown-up twist. It’s a chance to play with flavors, balancing the sweetness of fruit with the warmth of spices and a splash of something stronger. This recipe was born out of late-night experimentation with what I had in the fridge, and surprisingly, it worked.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

It captures the chaos and comfort of the season—bright fruits, warm spices, a splash of spirit. Every batch feels like a celebration, a chance to gather and share something familiar yet new. It’s the kind of drink that sparks stories and memories, no matter how many times I make it.

Breaking Down the Festive Flavors

• Red wine:: A solid base, I prefer a fruity Spanish Tempranillo, but any dry red works. Imagine dark berries and subtle oak.
• Brandy:: Adds warmth and depth, a splash of caramel and vanilla notes. Swap with bourbon for a smoky kick.
• Fruits:: Oranges, apples, and pomegranate seeds bring vibrant color and juicy sweetness.
• Spices:: Cinnamon and star anise create a cozy, aromatic backbone—think warm spice shop.
• Sparkling water:: Lightens the drink, adds a crisp, bubbly finish—look for a lemon or lime-flavored tonic.

Essential Equipment & Tools for Your Festive Brew

• Large pitcher or bowl: Mixing and marinating the sangria.
• Sharp knife: Thinly slicing fruits.
• Spoon or stirrer: Gently combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensuring accurate ingredient ratios.
• Serving glasses with ice: Enjoying the chilled drink.

Step-by-step Guide to Crafting Your Christmas Sangria

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and tools before you start, so nothing sneaks up on you.

Step 2: Mix the wine, brandy, and fruit juices in a large pitcher or bowl, stirring gently to combine.

Step 3: Add the sliced fruits, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Let sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Just before serving, add sparkling water or tonic for a fizzy lift.

Step 5: Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or sugar, if needed. Serve over ice garnished with fresh fruit slices.

Cooking Checkpoints & Tips for Perfect Christmas Sangria

• Ensure fruits are sliced thin enough to release their juices easily.
• Keep the sangria chilled for the best refreshing effect.
• Stir gently to avoid muddling the fruit too much, which can make the drink cloudy.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• Fruits are unevenly sliced or too thick.? Use a sharper knife to avoid uneven slices.
• Fruits don’t infuse enough flavor.? Let the sangria sit longer in the fridge.
• The drink is too flat or sweet.? Add a splash more soda or tonic.
• Cloudy or overly mashed fruit pieces.? Stir gently to avoid muddling fruits.

Christmas Sangria

This festive sangria combines dry red wine, brandy, and a medley of fresh fruits with warm spices, creating a vibrant, aromatic beverage. The mixture is chilled to allow flavors to meld, resulting in a refreshing, bubbly drink with a beautiful ruby hue and juicy texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it balances sweetness, spice, and sparkle in every glass.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Festive

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 bottle dry red wine (e.g., Tempranillo) preferably fruity and slightly oak-aged
• 1/2 cup brandy adds warmth and depth
• 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed or store-bought
• 1 orange orange thinly sliced into rounds
• 1 apple apple cored and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds for vibrant color and juiciness
• 2 sticks cinnamon break into smaller pieces if desired
• 2 stars star anise adds warm spice aroma
• 1 liter sparkling water (lemon or lime flavored) just before serving for bubbles

Equipment

• Large pitcher or bowl
• Sharp knife
• Spoon or stirrer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving glasses with ice

Method

 

1. Gather all your ingredients and tools, ensuring everything is ready to go for a smooth process.
   
2. Pour the red wine, brandy, and orange juice into a large pitcher or bowl, then gently stir to combine, filling your space with a fragrant, fruity aroma.
   
3. Thinly slice the orange and apple, then add these slices along with pomegranate seeds into the wine mixture for vibrant color and juicy bites.
   
4. Drop in the cinnamon sticks and star anise, which will infuse warm, aromatic spices into the sangria as it sits.
   
5. Stir everything gently with a spoon or stirrer, ensuring the fruit slices and spices are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
   
6. Cover the pitcher or bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
   
7. Just before serving, remove the spices if desired, then pour in the sparkling water, gently stirring to add a lively, bubbly finish.
8. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, adding a touch of honey or sugar if desired, then fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over, garnishing with extra fruit slices for a festive touch.
9. Enjoy your colorful, aromatic Christmas sangria, perfect for holiday celebrations and making memories around the table.

Emily Carter

Hi, I’m Emily Carter, the founder of Absolute Chaos Mode. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, I grew up in a household where dinner was equal parts delicious and unpredictable