Indulge in a festive blend that combines the warmth of red wine and brandy with apple cider, maple syrup and vibrant seasonal fruits. This enchanting mix of citrus, pomegranate and spices results in a drink bursting with holiday spirit. Perfect as Xmas Sangria and Holiday Winter Sangria, it instantly elevates any celebration.

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I’ve been makin this Christmas Sangria for a couple of years now and it’s always a hit at my holiday parties. I start with a 750 ml bottle of red wine that provides a good dose of antioxidants and a warming base for the drink.

I then add 1 cup of brandy and 2 cups of apple cider, which not only boost the flavour but also pack a bit of nutritional punch like vitamin C from the apple and cranberry mix. I mix in 1/2 cup of orange liqueur, 1/4 cup of pomegranate juice and 1/4 cup of maple syrup to bring a festive, tangy sweetness.

I toss in 1 apple sliced thin, 1 orange sliced into rounds, 1 cup of fresh cranberries and 2 cinnamon sticks for that extra Christmas vibe. Sometimes I top it off with a splash of sparkling water.

This Holiday Winter Sangria is simple, festive, and perfect if you’re lookin for a Christmas wine drink thats both delicious and full of natural ingredients.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it mixes a bunch of different flavors that really pop. The red wine, brandy, and apple cider along with all the fruit like apple slices and cranberries give it a unique taste that always makes me feel festive.

I like how easy it is to prep too. I just stir all the ingredients together, let it chill in the fridge and then serve it over ice. It doesnt take long to make a big batch so i can spend more time hanging out with my friends.

Another reason i enjoy it is that the fruit really infuses into the drink, making every glass taste a bit different. The orange rounds and cinnamon sticks add this warm, cozy vibe perfect for the holidays.

Lastly, that little splash of sparkling water before serving gives it a fun fizz which makes the whole drink feel extra special.

Ingredients

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Red wine provides antioxidants and rich, deep flavors for a smooth festive base.
Apple cider adds a fruity tang along with vitamins and some healthy fibre.
Brandy gives warmth and a spirited kick, adding depth to the sip.
Cranberries offer tangy bursts of Vitamin C, boosting both taste and nutrition.
Cinnamon sticks infuse a warm spice that makes the aroma extra festive.
Maple syrup naturally sweetens the sangria with a mellow sugar note.
Orange liqueur balances citrus with subtle sweetness for extra fruity flavor.
Apple and orange slices bring natural sweetness, textures, vitamins and bright color.
Optional sparkling water provides effervescence, lightening the mix for a refreshing finish.

Ingredient Quantities

750 ml bottle of red wine

1 cup of brandy

2 cups of apple cider

1/2 cup of orange liqueur

1/4 cup of pomegranate juice

1/4 cup of maple syrup

1 apple, cored and thinly sliced

1 orange, sliced into rounds

1 cup of fresh cranberries

2 cinnamon sticks

Optional: a splash of sparkling water or club soda for topping off

How to Make this

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1. In a large pitcher, pour in the red wine, brandy, apple cider, orange liqueur, pomegranate juice, and maple syrup.

2. Give everything a good stir to make sure that the syrup and juices mix properly.

3. Add the thinly sliced apple, orange rounds, and fresh cranberries into the pitcher.

4. Drop in the cinnamon sticks and let the mixture sit for a bit so all the flavors can get to know each other.

5. Cover the pitcher and put it into the fridge for at least 2 to 4 hours, or even overnight if you can wait.

6. Stir it again before serving to mix up any fruit that might have settled.

7. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and gently ladle the sangria over.

8. If you like a little fizz, top each glass off with a splash of sparkling water or club soda.

9. Enjoy your festive Christmas Sangria at your holiday party and have a great time!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pitcher (big enough to hold all your ingredients)
2. Stirring spoon (or whisk if you prefer)
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Refrigerator
6. Serving glasses
7. Ladle for scooping the sangria
8. Ice tray or bowl for ice cubes

FAQ

Q: What exactly is Christmas Sangria?

A: It's a festive twist on classic sangria. You mix red wine, brandy, apple cider and all those spiced goodies to get a drink that reminds you of the holidays.

Q: How long should I let it sit before serving?

A: Let it chill and mingle in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight works great too if you want the flavors to really blend.

Q: Can I make any ingredient substitutions?

A: Sure, you can swap the brandy for another spirit like rum if you prefer. And if you don't have maple syrup, a bit of honey might work, but it may change the flavor slightly.

Q: Do I really need to add fresh fruits like apple and orange?

A: Yup, the fruits not only look pretty but also add a nice fresh taste. They help release their flavors and make the drink extra festive.

Q: Why include cinnamon sticks and cranberries in the recipe?

A: They give the sangria a warm, holiday feel. The cinnamon adds spice while the cranberries provide a tart burst that balances the sweetness.

Q: Should I add sparkling water or club soda?

A: That's totally up to you. A splash just before serving adds a fizzy touch if you're in the mood for a little sparkle.

Christmas Sangria Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of red wine, you could use a fruity merlot or even try a non-alcoholic red grape juice for a lighter option.
If you don’t have brandy, swapping it out for cognac or a decent quality rum works pretty well.
Apple cider can be replaced with apple juice mixed with a little lemon juice if you’re short on cider.
For the orange liqueur, triple sec is a good substitute or you could go with Grand Marnier if you wanna get fancy.
Instead of pomegranate juice, cranberry juice might do the trick for that tart kick.

Pro Tips

1. Let the sangria chill in the fridge for as long as you can, even overnight if possible. This makes sure all the flavors from the fruit and spices really get a chance to blend together.
2. Stir the mix a couple of times after it sits. Fruit can settle at the bottom and a good stir helps to keep the flavors even throughout the drink.
3. If you have extra citrus like lemon or lime, throw in a few slices along with the apple and orange. It gives the sangria an extra layer of tang that makes it even more refreshing.
4. When adding the sparkling water or club soda, do it right before you serve so you get that fizzy kick; if you mix it in too early, it might lose the bubbles.

Christmas Sangria Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

160

kcal

Equipment: 1. Large pitcher (big enough to hold all your ingredients)
2. Stirring spoon (or whisk if you prefer)
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Refrigerator
6. Serving glasses
7. Ladle for scooping the sangria
8. Ice tray or bowl for ice cubes

Ingredients

750 ml bottle of red wine
1 cup of brandy
2 cups of apple cider
1/2 cup of orange liqueur
1/4 cup of pomegranate juice
1/4 cup of maple syrup
1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
1 orange, sliced into rounds
1 cup of fresh cranberries
2 cinnamon sticks
Optional: a splash of sparkling water or club soda for topping off

Directions

In a large pitcher, pour in the red wine, brandy, apple cider, orange liqueur, pomegranate juice, and maple syrup.
Give everything a good stir to make sure that the syrup and juices mix properly.
Add the thinly sliced apple, orange rounds, and fresh cranberries into the pitcher.
Drop in the cinnamon sticks and let the mixture sit for a bit so all the flavors can get to know each other.
Cover the pitcher and put it into the fridge for at least 2 to 4 hours, or even overnight if you can wait.
Stir it again before serving to mix up any fruit that might have settled.
When you're ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and gently ladle the sangria over.
If you like a little fizz, top each glass off with a splash of sparkling water or club soda.
Enjoy your festive Christmas Sangria at your holiday party and have a great time!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.