Holiday Sangria is the ultimate festive cocktail—simple, stunning, and full of seasonal flavor. This easy batch drink combines dry red wine, crisp apple cider, citrus, warming spices, and a splash of orange liqueur for a chilled punch that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering or a Christmas party, this sangria is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍷 Effortless Elegance: Just mix, chill, and pour
- 🍊 Seasonal Flavors: Cranberries, apple, orange, cinnamon = holiday in a glass
- ❄️ Make Ahead: Prep it the day before your event for stress-free hosting
- 🌿 Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with rosemary and served over ice
- 🍹 Customizable: Use your favorite wine or switch up the fruit
Ingredients
- 1 small honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods (optional)
- 1 bottle dry red wine (Cabernet, Pinot Noir, or a red blend)
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
- 1 small orange, thinly sliced
For Serving
- Ground cinnamon
- Turbinado sugar (for rimming glasses)
- Ice
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Prepare the Pitcher: In a large pitcher, add the sliced apple, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the red wine, apple cider, and Cointreau. Gently stir. Tuck the orange slices into the mix.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors blend.
- Serve: Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar if desired. Fill with ice, pour in sangria, and garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Estimated Cost: ~$15 (depends on wine and fruit)
Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: ~180
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Sugar: ~14g
- Alcohol Content: Moderate
Note: Nutrition will vary by wine and cider used.
Tips & Variations
- White Sangria: Swap red wine for white and use pears and pomegranate arils instead of cranberries.
- Mocktail Version: Skip the wine and Cointreau. Use cranberry juice, sparkling apple cider, and orange slices.
- Extra Sparkle: Add a splash of prosecco or club soda just before serving.
- More Fruit: Add pomegranate seeds, pear slices, or a dash of orange zest.
- Spice It Up: Infuse with whole cloves or a splash of spiced rum for warmth.
Holiday Sangria
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pitcher, combine apple slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Pour in wine, cider, and Cointreau. Stir gently. Add orange slices.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar (optional), fill with ice, and pour sangria. Garnish with rosemary.
Notes
– Can be made 1 day ahead
– Add prosecco for a sparkling twist
– For a non-alcoholic version, swap wine and Cointreau with cranberry juice and sparkling cider
FAQs
What kind of wine works best?
Dry red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or red blends are ideal. They balance well with the sweet cider and fruit.
Can I make this a day in advance?
Yes! Sangria actually tastes better after a night in the fridge. Just wait to add any bubbly ingredients until serving.
Are star anise pods necessary?
Not at all. They add a gentle holiday spice but can be skipped or replaced with cloves.
How do I rim the glasses?
Mix equal parts cinnamon and turbinado sugar. Moisten the rim with an orange slice and dip in the sugar mix.
Conclusion
This Holiday Sangria is the ultimate party drink—vibrant, flavorful, and easy to make ahead. With hints of spice, citrus, and deep red wine, it sets the tone for cozy gatherings and joyful toasts. Serve it chilled, garnished with rosemary, and let the holidays begin!