The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (2024)

By: Krista

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Rating★★★★★ 4.9 from 8 votes

This easy Christmas sangria is filled with citrus, pomegranate, pear, and cinnamon for one irresistible holiday co*cktail! You’ll be the star of the holiday party with this easy co*cktail recipe!

Love sangria? Then you’ll love my White Wine Sangria and my classic Red Wine Sangria!

The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (1)

Table of Contents

  • The Ultimate Holiday Sangria
  • Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sangria Recipe
  • What is Sangria?
  • What You’ll Need for Christmas Sangria
  • How to Make Christmas Sangria
  • How Long Should I Let the Fruit Soak?
  • More Sangria Recipes to Try
  • More Holiday co*cktail Recipes
  • Get the Recipe

The Ultimate Holiday Sangria

No holiday is complete without a delicious sangria, in my humble opinion. I made this recipe last year for a Women’s Christmas Event and y’all, I literally tripled the recipe and it was gone in 30 minutes! No joke! So needless to say, everyone will love it!

With the holidays just around the corner and lots of fun parties to attend I thought I’d give you a recipe you can be proud of so let’s say cheers, clink our glasses, and get started!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sangria Recipe

  • Easy. One of the best things about sangrias is how easy they are to make. Just add everything to a pitcher, stir and chill.
  • Flavorful. All of the fresh fruit in this sangria adds tons of flavor! When combined with red wine, brandy and Grand Marnier the end result is totally delicious.
  • Festive. This simple co*cktail is ultra festive thanks to all the colors.
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What is Sangria?

Sangria is an alcoholic wine drink that is originally from Spain. It is traditionally made with red wine, chopped up fruits, fresh citrus and brandy or sometimes orange juice. Some versions are made with sparkling water, ginger ale and/or sweeteners.

What You’ll Need for Christmas Sangria

Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make this holiday sangria. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for specific amounts.

  • Red Wine: Use a dry red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Tempranillo. You don’t need to splurge because this wine will be infused with other flavors.
  • Brandy: This is the most common liquor added to Sangria.
  • Grand Marnier: I like to add grand marnier, it’s a combination of brandy and triple sec which gives it an orange flavor. Perfect for sangria.
  • Agave: Adds a little bit of sweetness to the sangria, can be omitted if you like.
  • Fresh Chopped Fruit: Typically you will see oranges and limes in sangria, in this recipe I used oranges, limes, fresh pear and pomegranate seeds for a holiday twist.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: What’s a holiday sangria without a little cinnamon, these cinnamon sticks will give the sangria a spiced tummy warming flavor that everyone will love.
  • Ginger Ale or Sparkling Water: A little bit of effervescence never hurt any one. The addition of ginger ale or sparkling water will give your sangria that edge on all the rest to make it stand out! Make sure you add this right before serving, not overnight!

The Best Red Wine for Sangria

Cabernet Sauvignon is the bigger better wine to use with Sangria. It has notes of black currant, blackberry, and sometimes cocoa or coffee. If you light a lighter more fruit-forward sangria I’d use Pinot Noir. Or if you really want to go for it and change it up you could use Rosé or a Sauvignon Blanc.

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How to Make Christmas Sangria

This easy holiday sangria comes together in a few simple steps. Here’s how to make it:

  • Combine fruit, agave, liquor, and spices. To a large pitcher add agave nectar, Grand Marnier, Brandy, orange slices, lime slices, pear slices, pomegranate seeds and cinnamon sticks.
  • Add wine. Next, pour one bottle of red wine into the pitcher. Stir to combine.
  • Chill. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for 1-2 hours. (the longer it sits the better it will taste) I highly recommend overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Add some fizz. Right before you are about to serve sangria, top it with ginger ale and give a quick stir.
  • Pour over ice or serve chilled. Garnish with fresh limes and oranges.
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How Long Should I Let the Fruit Soak?

Honestly, the longer the better. I’d say the least amount of time would be 1 to 2 hours. However, for a sangria recipe with maximum flavor, I’d highly recommend soaking your fruit for 8 to 10 hours or overnight!

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All the flavors get nice and cozy together when this Holiday Sangria sits overnight. You can taste all the flavors – the hint of cinnamon, the citrus, and sweetness from the pear. They truly become one! Topping it with the bubbles from ginger ale is the cherry on top!

I can’t wait to see what you guys think of this one. Honestly, it’s my best co*cktail yet! Hope you enjoy! Bon Appetite my friends, or should I say Cheers!

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More Sangria Recipes to Try

  • Peach Sangria
  • Holiday Cranberry Sangria Recipe
  • Peach Moscato Sangria

More Holiday co*cktail Recipes

  • Easy White Christmas Margarita Pitcher Recipe
  • Harvest Apple Bourbon co*cktail in a Pitcher
  • Festive Holiday Pomegranate Gin co*cktail

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The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (8)

Christmas Holiday Sangria

★★★★★4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Author: Krista
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Fridge
  • Cuisine: Spanish
Print Recipe

Description

The Ultimate Holiday Sangria is filled with citrus, pomegranate, pear and cinnamon for one irresistible co*cktail! Find out my secret method to making the BEST sangria.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 tablespoons agave nectar
  • 1/4 cup grand marnier
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1 orange, halved and then sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 1 pear, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 sticks of cinnamon
  • 1 bottle of dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 3/4 cup ginger ale

Instructions

  1. To a large pitcher add agave nectar, grand marnier, brandy, orange, lime, pear, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks. Stir to combine.
  2. Pour in the entire bottle of red wine.
  3. Cover and place in refrigerator for 1-2 hours. (the longer it sits the better it will taste)
  4. Right before you are about to serve add the ginger ale to the sangria mixture.
  5. Pour over ice or serve chilled.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 oz
  • Calories: 278
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 13 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: winter sangria, holiday sangria, christmas sangria

Filed Under:

  • Christmas
  • co*cktails
  • Drinks
  • Holidays
  • New Years
  • Thanksgiving
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The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (2024)

FAQs

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 is the best red wine 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. Why Garnacha and Pinot Noir?

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 percentage of alcohol is in red sangria? ›

Here is a rough guideline: EU law says bottles from Spain are limited by law to less than 12% alcohol by volume (ABV). Bottles produced in the U.S. usually have between 5% and 15%. Sangria made with red wine is usually stronger than white wine punches.

How much alcohol is usually in sangria? ›

That very much depends on how the sangria is made. A sangria spiked with peach brandy has a higher alcohol content than a sangria made with only wine. The European Union law gives you a general idea of the alcohol percentage: Drinks labelled as sangria must have an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 12% vol.

What's a good brandy for sangria? ›

"When choosing a brandy, it is best to go toward a Spanish one made with Spanish grapes," said Trujillo. "I find Carlos I Solera Gran Reserva Brandy to be perfect for sangria." This brandy was aged in American oak casks and has notes of vanilla and caramel.

Who makes a good sangria wine? ›

Sol de Espana Sangria

Spain- A true Sangria produced by Felix Solis, the number one Sangria producer in Spain. Easy drinking, fresh and fruity showing red fruit and citrus flavors intermingled with hints of cinnamon. Ready to drink right away this classic selection that will get any party started.

What type of alcohol is sangria? ›

“Sangria” is Spanish for “blood,” referring to the drink's traditional base of red wine. If you're going classic, look for a Spanish red wine like Rioja or other Tempranillo-based wine. A bold and fruit-forward Spanish Garnacha can also work well. Here are some of our favorite red wines for sangria.

Is sangria a healthy red wine? ›

Sangria contains all the properties and benefits of red wine. Thanks to its powerful antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids protect cells from aging. And also has resveratrol is a substance having the grapes that protects against inflammatory processes in the body.

What is the best cheap red wine 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. You'll be adding so many sweet ingredients to the wine that will dress it up.

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.

What do you eat with red 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.

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.

Does real sangria get you drunk? ›

Like any other alcohol consumption, it depends on how much you drink, how quickly, your body weight, individual tolerance, and whether or not you're drinking this on an empty stomach. But absolutely its possible to get drunk on these, and I've seen it happen. Is Sangria a wine?

Is red sangria stronger than white? ›

Red wine is typically heavier in alcohol volume (ABV) than white, which means a red sangria will usually be much stronger than one made with white wine. The traditional sangria is made from red wine.

How long is homemade sangria? ›

Classic Spanish sangria is made with red wine, fruit, a little sugar and brandy. Once all of the ingredients are combined, they allow the sangria to sit for a few hours, usually overnight.

What is considered a sangria? ›

Originating from Spain, sangria is a mixed alcoholic drink made with red or white wine. It can also include flavored liqueur, fruit juice, and a variety of sliced fruits such as oranges, pineapples, mango, pears, kiwi, and more.

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