Sangria is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, a vibrant blend of wine, fresh fruit, and a splash of citrus that’s perfect for any gathering. This Spanish classic has a fun, laid-back vibe that invites everyone to relax and enjoy.
With rich, fruity notes balanced by a refreshing citrus tang, each glass feels like a little escape. The beauty of sangria lies in its versatility; it’s easy to customize with seasonal fruits and can be as sweet or as dry as you like.
Serve this sangria with hearty Birria Tacos for a lively flavor pairing or with Bruschetta to add a touch of Mediterranean flair to your spread. The juicy, spiced tacos bring out the richness in the sangria, while the bright tomatoes and basil on the bruschetta enhance its fruity notes.
Sangria brings a festive spirit to any occasion, transforming simple gatherings into something memorable. With every sip, this drink radiates warmth, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Effortlessly Festive: Sangria’s mix of wine and fruit brings an instant party vibe to any setting.
- Customizable & Fun: Add your favorite fruits or even a splash of sparkling water for a twist.
- Crowd-Friendly: Easily made in big batches for everyone to enjoy without fuss.
Whether it’s for a special celebration or a casual get-together, this sangria recipe is bound to be a hit!
Christmas Sangria Recipe
Equipment
- Pitcher
- Spoon for stirring
- Glasses for serving
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine such as Pinot Noir or Garnacha
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- ½ cup apple cider
- ½ cup brandy
- 3 4 tablespoons honey adjust for desired sweetness
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 apple diced
- 1 pear diced
- 2 cinnamon sticks extra for garnish
- 2 sprigs rosemary extra for garnish
- Seltzer optional, for fizz when serving
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a pitcher, combine wine, cranberry juice, apple cider, brandy, honey, cranberries, diced apple, diced pear, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary.
- Chill: Stir well and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight for more flavor).
- Serve: Pour over ice, top with seltzer if desired, and garnish with rosemary and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 196 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
Tips that Are Worth Your Time!
- Fruit Variety: Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as oranges, pomegranate seeds, or even a handful of grapes to add more color and flavor to the sangria.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Honey can be adjusted depending on the sweetness of your fruit and personal preference. Start with 2 tablespoons, then taste and add more if you like it sweeter.
- Choosing the Wine: Pinot Noir and Garnacha are both excellent choices for sangria because they have enough fruitiness to complement the cranberries and spices without overpowering them. If you want a more robust flavor, you could try a Zinfandel or Merlot.
- Chill Time: The longer you let the sangria chill, the more time the flavors have to meld. Let it sit overnight for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
- Seltzer for Fizz: If you like a fizzy drink, top off your sangria with a splash of seltzer when serving. This adds a refreshing touch and lightens the overall drink.
- Garnish Extra: For a more festive presentation, garnish each glass with extra cinnamon sticks and a sprig of rosemary. This will not only look beautiful but also enhance the aroma as you sip.
With these tips, you can make a vibrant, holiday-ready sangria that’s as fun to make as it is to drink!