Holiday Sangria

What's a holiday party without a signature drink? Enter holiday sangria - a festive, flavorful twist on the traditional Spanish punch. This holiday sangria recipe, packed with dry red wine, luscious apple cider, tangy cranberry juice, and a generous splash of triple sec, will surely be the star of your holiday table!

A Toast to the Season: Crafting the Perfect Holiday Sangria

The holiday season is all about traditions and creating memories with loved ones.

One of my favorite traditions is going over to my mom's home, and she hosts the entire family for a huge holiday meal! While everyone gets tasked to make a few dishes (including me), one of my favorite contributions is my holiday cocktails.

A delicious, festive drink that not only gets everyone in the holiday spirit but also pairs perfectly with all those tasty dishes on the dinner table!

Every year, it's been something different. One year, it was this holiday margarita. The year before, it was my holiday cranberry cocktail. But this year, I've decided to mix things up and bring a new holiday favorite – Holiday sangria!

This festive drink combines the warmth of red wine, the sweetness of fruit, and the spiciness of cinnamon for a perfect blend that will have your guests coming back for more.

So let's raise our glasses and learn how to make a delicious holiday sangria that will have everyone feeling merry and bright.

Ingredients needed

Putting together the perfect holiday sangria is easier than you think. Here's a list of ingredients you'll need:

• Red Wine: For the base of the sangria recipe, I like to use a whole bottle of dry red wine. Choose your favorite brand or type! I used Cabernet Sauvignon for this recipe.
• Apple Cider: The sweetness of apple cider adds a nice balance to the tangy cranberry juice. Make sure to use 100% apple cider for best results. You'll need about a cup.
• Cranberry Juice: This adds a festive touch and gives the sangria its signature ruby red color. For this holiday sangria recipe, I switched it up a bit and used cranberry-raspberry juice instead of 100% cranberry juice.
• Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur adds a little kick to the sangria. You can also use other types of orange liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. If you are making a nonalcoholic version, you can swap it out with some orange juice!
• Sparkling Apple Cider: I know I already mentioned apple cider, but I like to add a little bit of bubbly to my sangria for some extra festive spirit. It's optional, but I highly recommend it!
• Fruit: Sliced apples, pears, and oranges are perfect for this holiday sangria recipe. They not only add flavor but also make the drink look beautiful.
• Garnishes: To top it all off, add a few cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, and cranberries to your glass of sangria for some added holiday flair.

Kitchen tools required

Here’s a bit more information about what I used to make a batch of this delicious red wine sangria for the holidays:

• Large Pitcher
• Spatula
• Wine Glasses

For measuring, you will need a cup.

How to make holiday sangria

Making this holiday sangria is super easy and can be done in just a few steps! Follow these instructions to create the perfect festive drink for your next holiday gathering.

Grab a big pitcher and pour in the wine. Now add some apple cider, cranberry juice, and triple sec. Give it a good stir.

Next, pour in the sparkling apple cider and gently stir again.

Time to add some fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries for extra flavor.

Don't forget to add ice to your glasses before pouring in the sangria.

Finally, garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary.

Cheers, and enjoy!

Below are some common sangria questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post! I am always happy to help.

Can I use different fruits?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the fruit in your sangria based on personal preferences or what’s in season. Some other great options could be sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, or even pineapple chunks.

Can I make this sangria ahead of time?

Yes! This sangria can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together and the fruit will infuse with the alcohol.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Definitely! Simply omit the red wine and triple sec and replace them with equal amounts of cranberry or apple juice. You can also use sparkling water or ginger ale for some added fizz.

Do I have to use red wine?

No, you can also use white wine for a lighter and more refreshing sangria. However, red wine tends to be more traditional for holiday sangrias.

If you prefer white wine, take a look at my recipe for an easy white sangria!

What can I serve with holiday sangria?

This sangria pairs well with a whole holiday spread!

Start off with this delicious appetizer of cheesy fig and prosciutto crescent bites and follow it up with a main dish of holiday braised chicken. These pecan-crusted pork chops with apple chutney are also filling and a great dinner option!

Don't forget some tasty sides like garlic parmesan potatoes and oven-roasted honey carrots.

And for dessert, serve up some gluten-free chocolate tart or Christmas sugar cookies. Trust me, your guests will thank you!

Sangria is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be kept in the fridge for up to two days. Just be sure to remove any leftover fruit before storing.

It can turn the wine sour and make the sangria taste off.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Here are some of my favorite drink recipes you should make next. Enjoy!

• Pomegranate Margarita
• Peppermint Espresso Martini
• Limoncello Spritz
• Classic Whiskey Sour
• Strawberry Mint Ranch Water

Photos by Moriah Sawtelle and recipe by Erin Antoniak.