Easy Christmas Sangria Recipe with Red Wine (2024)

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This Christmas sangria recipe with red wine will get you in the holiday spirit. This simple recipe is perfect for your next Christmas party! Winter co*cktail, anyone?!

Easy Christmas Sangria Recipe with Red Wine (1)

Red wine Christmas sangria is the perfect co*cktail recipe for the holiday season.

If you’re looking for a big-batch co*cktail, as an excuse to bust your punch bowl, or the perfect drink for holiday parties, this easy recipe is the one.

This festive Christmas sangria is an excellent addition to Christmas dinner or celebrating the new year.

I can hear the glass clinking in cheers already just thinking about it!

This holiday co*cktail is delicious. It mixes red wine, fresh citrus, and bubbly liquids (think ginger ale or club soda.)

You can even elevate your party by setting up a sangria station – find the details below!

Easy Christmas Sangria Recipe with Red Wine (2)

Christmas Sangria Recipe

My favorite winter sangria recipe includes winter citrus fruit, fresh cranberries, and mint flavors. This easy co*cktail recipe is a festive drink.

You will want to serve it on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The fruit juices and spices mix well together, creating the perfect balance.

The main ingredient is red wine, so use the best red wine in your price range.

You can use the entire bottle of wine for this red sangria recipe; this will really get you and your guests in the holiday spirit.

Easy Christmas Sangria Recipe with Red Wine (3)

Christmas Sangria Ingredients

Dry Red Wine:Choose a robust and dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, to serve as the base for your sangria. The bold flavors will meld well with the fruity and citrusy elements.

Orange Juice or Orange Liqueur:Adding a citrusy component, either in the form of fresh orange juice or an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier, enhances the overall brightness and sweetness of the sangria.

Fresh Cranberries:These festive berries bring a burst of color to your sangria and contribute a tart and refreshing taste.

Orange:Sliced oranges add a juicy sweetness to the mix and provide an attractive visual element.

Lemon: Lemon wedges contribute a zesty and slightly tart flavor, balancing the sweetness of the fruits and wine.

Lime: Lime wedges bring a citrusy and tangy kick, adding depth to the flavor profile.

Tangerine:Tangerine wedges introduce a sweet and vibrant citrus note, complementing the other fruits.

Fresh Mint Leaves:Fresh mint leaves impart a fragrant and herbal aroma, elevating the overall freshness of the sangria.

Ginger Ale:The effervescence of ginger ale adds a sparkling touch to your sangria, enhancing its festive and celebratory character. Adjust the amount to achieve your preferred level of fizziness.

Easy Christmas Sangria Recipe with Red Wine (4)

Red Wine Christmas Sangria Ingredient Substitutions

  • Dry Red Wine:You can experiment with different red wine varieties based on your preference. Try a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel for unique flavor profiles.
  • Fresh Cranberries:Consider using other seasonal berries like raspberries, blueberries, or pomegranate seeds for a variation in color and taste.
  • Orange, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine:Winter fruit is usually citrusy. Feel free to mix and match citrus fruits based on availability and personal preference. Grapefruit, blood oranges, or clementines are good options.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves:Substitution: Swap fresh mint with basil or rosemary sprigs for a different herbal note. Alternatively, use a few drops of mint extract if fresh mint is unavailable.
  • Ginger Ale:Sparkling water or club soda can replace ginger ale for a less sweet version. Add a splash of ginger syrup or ginger-flavored kombucha for a hint of spice.
  • Spices​: You can add star anise, cinnamon sticks,

Create A Sangria Bar Station

If youhave the timeand people are coming over for the holidays, you can set upa sangria bar station.

Adding a sangria bar station is an easy way to spice up any holiday party.

The prep can be done beforehand, including fancying up your glasses. Mix up your sangria and slice your fruit hours before your guests arrive.

All you need is a fridge to keep things cold and fresh.

Also, adding a bar station to your party will give you more time to socialize.

You’ll have more fun at your party if you’re talking to people and not spending all of your time mixing your guests’ drinks.

Easy Christmas Sangria Recipe with Red Wine (6)

After you prepare your red wine sangria, clear a space to set up your bar station.

You don’t need a lot of room – you can just use the corner of a table if you don’t have a lot of space.

Grab your stemless wine glasses and rim them ahead of time. Rub a lemon or lime wedge along the edge of each glass.

Then, on a small plate, mix 1 tablespoon of white sugar, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch or two of ground nutmeg.

Rub the moistened rim in the sugar mixer, shake off any excess, and put the glasses aside.

Add a sign if you want, or just direct everyone to the sangria bar when they arrive.

Easy Christmas Sangria Recipe with Red Wine (7)

Looking for more winter co*cktails?

Try these!

  • Vanilla Cranberry Mimosa
  • Raspberry Kir Royale
  • Lemon Blueberry Vodka Spritzer
Easy Christmas Sangria Recipe with Red Wine (8)

Christmas Sangria

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Celebrate with this delicious and easy-to-make Christmas sangria recipe and add a sangria bar station to your next holiday party. Winter co*cktail, anyone?!

Ingredients

  • 6 cups dry red wine
  • 1 cup orange juice or orange liqueur
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 orange, sliced in half and then sliced again
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1 tangerine, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1-2 pinches of ground nutmeg
  • ginger ale

Optional Garnishes

  • lemon slices
  • lime wedges
  • mint leaves
  • orange slices
  • cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. Combine the red wine, fresh cranberries, orange slices, lemon wedges, lime slices, tangerine wedges, and mint leaves in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
  2. Mix well with a long-handled wooden spoon and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
  3. When serving, carefully pour sangria into the pre-rimmed glasses. Fill halfway.
  4. Spoon some of the fruit from the sangria into the glass using the long-handled spoon.
  5. Top off the glass with ginger ale.
  6. Then, garnish with some cut-up fruit and a spring of mint.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 240Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 13mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 16gProtein: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may not be correct.

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Easy Christmas Sangria Recipe with Red Wine (2024)

FAQs

What red wine works best for sangria? ›

The best wine for sangria is Garnacha (also called Grenache) or Pinot Noir. Garnacha comes from Spain, so it's my top pick for authentic Spanish sangria! Choose an inexpensive wine (under $20) that you would enjoy on its own.

How far in advance should I make sangria? ›

I let mine chill for at least 8 hours before serving, or overnight for the best flavor. Taste and adjust. Whenever you're making a co*cktail at home, be sure to taste and adjust it to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add an extra splash of orange juice or a little maple syrup.

Can you use old red wine for sangria? ›

For the bottles that are only slightly less delicious than they were when first opened, you can give the wine new life in sangria or mulled wine. Using the wine as a vehicle for strong ingredients such as fruit or spices is a great way to still enjoy that bottle.

What can I add to store bought red sangria? ›

Any juicy fruits (such as citrus, berries, grapes, pineapple, mango, kiwi, etc.) would be delicious. Add fresh ginger: If you would like to give your sangria a bit of a kick, muddle in a few slices of fresh ginger.

What is the best cheap wine for sangria? ›

"For whites, we love the tropical fruit flavors that Spanish Verdejo from Rueda brings to the sangria party like the Marques de Riscal," said White. "An inexpensive Italian pinot grigio is also easy to find at any wine shop and makes a great base for white sangria."

What is the best bottled sangria? ›

Best Ready To Drink Sangria
  • Carlo Rossi Sangria. 4.4 out of 5 stars. ...
  • Sol de Espana Sangria. 4.6 out of 5 stars. ...
  • Franzia Fruity Red Sangria. 4.4 out of 5 stars. ...
  • Mija Red Sangria. 4.2 out of 5 stars. ...
  • Jose Cuervo Red Sangria. 5 out of 5 stars. ...
  • Lolailo Sangria. 4.7 out of 5 stars. ...
  • Carlo Rossi Sangria. 4.4 out of 5 stars. ...
  • Real Sangria.

What are the basic ingredients for sangria? ›

Originally, sangria was aged wine mixed with fruit and spices, such as cinnamon, then evolved through time into regional variations. Our recipe combines red wine with orange juice, brandy, apples, blueberries, strawberries, and a cinnamon stick to create the classic fruity, spiced flavor.

What kind of wine is best for sangria? ›

Any dry red wine will work, but we like to use fruity Spanish wine, such as Garnacha for the best flavor results. It doesn't have to be the most expensive bottle either.

Should sangria soak overnight? ›

The Overnight Resting Period Is Important!

Most sangria recipes call for the wine to rest overnight, or at the very least, for a few hours in the refrigerator. This lets the fruit infuse the wine, letting its juices get in the mix and sweeten up the drink.

What fruit is good for sangria? ›

It is recommended to add citrus, stone or tropical fruits for the perfect Sangria. If you prefer softer fruits such as berries, watermelon or melon, then add them just before serving so they don't get too soft and mushy. Don't forget to add a splash of sparkling water or soda for a little bit of extra fizz.

Can you use cheap wine for sangria? ›

As long as the wine is inexpensive, fruity and tastes good on its own, it'll work well in sangria.

What happens if you don't refrigerate sangria after opening? ›

Even if you use a spirit base like vodka or gin, sangria still needs refrigeration because the fruit will become mushy and unpleasant-looking. Always refrigerate your sangria to preserve its taste and appearance.

Should you put ice in sangria? ›

Sangria needs a lot of ice

Sangria can be incredibly sweet — especially white sangria or any version that's mixed with soda. As a result, it can be harsh to drink it straight, depending on your palate. By adding ice to the mix, you introduce dilution that will help give a subtle-sweet flavor that isn't overpowering.

What do you eat when drinking sangria? ›

Red Sangria: Rich, Bold Pairings

You can also think about pairing it with dishes like empanadas, grilled steak, chorizo, manchego cheese, or sweet and sour meatballs. The bold flavors of red sangria can stand up to the richness of these dishes, creating a perfect match.

How do you make boxed sangria taste better? ›

Throw in some fruit

Add any fruit from berries to apples to pineapple, and you've got homemade sangria.

Is Merlot a good wine for sangria? ›

Fresh, fruity and fun, Sangria made from a bottle of merlot and some fresh fruit is the adult beverage for summer. There's a secret ingredient you might not guess, but don't leave it out! Add all ingredients to a large pitcher and stir to combine. The fruit will naturally float to the top.

What shade of red is sangria? ›

Sangria is a dark slightly purplish red. It is the color of Sangría wine. It is named after this wine. Sangria can also be called a burnt red.

What Pinot Noir is good for sangria? ›

Garnacha Wine

This Spanish wine is made with Pinot Noir grapes. It's a popular choice in sangria thanks to its strong natural berry notes—they pair great with fresh fruit!

What makes sangria wine different? ›

Sangria is a wine punch, also known as an aromatized wine. It combines wine with fruit, fruit juices, and other aromatic ingredients like herbs and spices. Traditionally, the mix of ingredients depended on local custom — each region had a unique recipe, but the classic mix is Spanish red wine with oranges.

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