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

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

FAQs

What are the basic ingredients for sangria? ›

Image of What are the basic ingredients for sangria?
Red wine is a type of wine made from dark-colored grape varieties. The color of the wine can range from intense violet, typical of young wines, through to brick red for mature wines and brown for older red wines.
Wikipedia

What red wine is 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. Why Garnacha and Pinot Noir?

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.

What kind of brandy is good in sangria? ›

What Is the Best Brandy for Sangria? To keep the sangria authentic, use a Spanish brandy, such as brandy de Jerez. However, at such a low volume, the brandy doesn't have a huge impact on sangria. Feel free to pour any brandy you have in the bar.

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.

What is the alcohol content of homemade sangria? ›

Typical sangria contains the same alcohol level as the wine used to make it—if not less—averaging between 12% and 14% ABV. Of course, adding juice or sparkling water to the mixture dilutes its alcoholic strength. On the other hand, adding fruit schnapps, brandy, or cognac can restore some of its alcohol kick.

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."

Is dry or sweet wine better for a sangria? ›

“For Sangria at home, choose a wine that is dry but fruity at the same time.

What to add to bottled 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.

Is there a good bottled sangria? ›

Bodega Sangria is the best bottled Sangria wine because it has all the necessary ingredients, natural fruit flavors and succulent red wine all fused together in one bottle.

Is fresh or frozen fruit better for sangria? ›

When it's time to serve, pop a few slices of the frozen fruits into each glass, pour your sangria over it, and savor each sip. The frozen fruit will keep your drink icy cold, won't dilute your drink, and you'll have some bonus wine-soaked fruits to enjoy after you've drained your glass!

What type of alcohol is sangria? ›

Sangria is a mixed alcoholic drink from Spain. The color of sangria depends on the wine. Red sangria is made with red wine, and white sangria with white wine. There are several regional variations of sangria, so ingredients vary.

Is sangria stronger than wine? ›

If you're new to the sangria scene, you might wonder, "Is sangria stronger than wine?" Not necessarily. While sangria contains wine and often brandy, the addition of fruit and optional soda or sparkling wine dilutes the alcohol, making it a relatively mild, fruity beverage.

What is wine with brandy called? ›

Fortified wine is wine that contains a distilled spirit like brandy. Common varieties include port wine, sherry, and vermouth.

Why do you put brandy in wine? ›

At its core, fortified wine is about enhancement and preservation. By adding a distilled spirit, usually grape brandy, winemakers not only increase the alcohol content but also introduce a new dimension of flavor. This process, dating back centuries, was initially a way to stabilize wine for long voyages.

What is sangria wine made from? ›

Red sangria is made with red wine, and white sangria with white wine. There are several regional variations of sangria, so ingredients vary. In addition to wine, traditional sangria may contain: Fruit juice, typically such as orange juice.

What is the most common fruit in sangria? ›

Brandy: This is the spirit most commonly added to Spanish sangria recipes. But if you don't have any on hand, feel free to sub in cognac or orange liqueur instead. Fresh chopped fruit: The standard three fruits you will see most often in Spain are oranges, lemons and green apples.

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.

How long does sangria need to sit? ›

Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. The sangria gets softer, sweeter, and much more delicious overnight in the fridge. Top with sparkling water. When ready to serve, top off the sangria with sparkling water.

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