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

By: Krista

Jump to Recipe·

53 Comments

·

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.
The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (2)

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.

Helpful Tools for Your Home Bar

The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (3)

The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (4)

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.
The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (5)

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!

The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (6)


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!

The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (7)

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

Print

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

Christmas Holiday Sangria

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 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

Filed Under:

  • Christmas
  • co*cktails
  • Drinks
  • Holidays
  • New Years
  • Thanksgiving
The Ultimate Holiday Sangria | Best Red Sangria Recipe Ever (9)

DON’T MISS A RECIPE ->

FACEBOOK|TWITTER|PINTEREST|BLOGLOVIN|INSTAGRAM

Let's Connect:

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

FAQs

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 brandy is best 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.

What to add to bottled red sangria? ›

Pour the bottle of wine into a large pitcher along with a sliced lemon and orange, 2-4 Tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you like your Sangria – I usually add 3) and 2 shots white rum.

What is the best store-bought 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.

How much alcohol is usually in sangria? ›

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 long do you leave fruit in sangria? ›

Instructions
  1. Add the wine, brandy, orange juice, diced orange, diced apple, diced lemon and cinnamon stick to a large pitcher. Stir to combine. ...
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  3. Serve the sangria over ice, topping off each glass with a splash of bubbly soda (or sparkling water) if desired.

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.

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 wine for sangria? ›

Inexpensive Tempranillos tend to be herbier and spicier and are a good choice as well. A couple sangria-worthy options from outside Spain: Malbec or Bonarda from Argentina, which are often great values.

Is sangria better with rum or brandy? ›

I prefer my red wine sangria with a white rum, but you can also use dark rum, brandy, or or an orange liqueur like triple sec or cointreau! Citrus: IMO, sangria isn't sangria without the citrus! This is what gives it that punchy flavor and takes away the “alcohol” flavor.

What is a substitute for brandy in sangria? ›

All that said, you can make sangria without brandy so if you're just not into getting the extra bottle, skip it, the sangria will still taste great without it. You can also substitute brandy for other liqueur (triple sec and Grand Marnier are a popular choice).

How to jazz up bottled sangria? ›

Combine a bottle with a bit of rum, orange liqueur, and fresh and frozen fruit, and you've just stretched it to serve 12 instead of four or five people.

How to enhance sangria? ›

Ensure your sangria is well-chilled before serving, and don't forget to load up the pitcher with plenty of ice and fresh fruits. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also infuses the sangria with additional flavor as the fruits infuse.

Do you refrigerate bottled sangria? ›

Always refrigerate your sangria to preserve its taste and appearance.

What are the main ingredients in red wine? ›

Better containers, presses and cellars have increased quality and efficiency of red wine production many times over, but it's still essentially a simple process. Red wine production requires no cooking or ingredients besides grapes, yeast and, usually, sulfur dioxide as a preservative.

Does sangria have a lot of alcohol? ›

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.

Is red sangria high in sugar? ›

However, the USDA notes that 8 ounces of red sangria, made with red wine, liqueur or cordial, club soda, sugar and lemon juice, contains 219 calories and 16.3 of sugar. There are also 19 grams of carbs in red sangria.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Last Updated:

Views: 6201

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Birthday: 1999-05-27

Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289

Phone: +2585395768220

Job: Lead Liaison

Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding

Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.