The Ultimate Big Batch Holiday Sangria: Your Go-To Recipe for Festive Celebrations
Get ready to elevate your holiday gatherings with this incredible Big Batch Holiday Sangria! This isn’t just any sangria; it’s a meticulously crafted blend of classic seasonal flavors that delivers an unparalleled depth and richness. Once you taste this, you’ll understand why it’s the only sangria recipe you’ll ever need, perfectly suited for every celebration, big or small. Its complex yet harmonious profile makes it an absolute showstopper, ensuring your guests will be talking about it long after the party ends.
table of contents
Toggle
About This Ultimate Holiday Sangria
The inspiration for this phenomenal Big Batch Holiday Sangria recipe began during a memorable foodie adventure to Asheville, North Carolina. If you follow me on Instagram, you might remember my trip back in August with my mom. Asheville is a culinary paradise, and we were truly spoiled with some of the most extraordinary food and drink experiences of our lives.
Among these discoveries was the most incredible sangria I had ever tasted, found at the renowned Zambra. This sangria was so utterly captivating that my mom and I couldn’t stop talking about it for an entire week. It was so good, in fact, that we found ourselves back at Zambra later that very same evening for another glass… or perhaps it was two!
Naturally, I was determined to recreate that magic at home. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on the original recipe and, with a few personal tweaks, adapted it to be the perfect festive drink for your holiday parties. My goal was to infuse it with those comforting, classic seasonal flavors that just scream “holidays.”
Beyond its exquisite taste, one of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its “big batch” nature. With the holiday season fast approaching, party invitations are inevitable, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be hosting at least one gathering, if not more. This recipe is designed to simplify your entertaining, allowing you to prepare a delicious, impressive drink well in advance, freeing you up to enjoy your guests.
This generous recipe can effortlessly serve a crowd, making it the ideal centerpiece for your next big celebration. And when I say “big batch,” I truly mean it: this recipe yields enough sangria to serve 15 to 20 people! For smaller get-togethers, simply halve the recipe. No matter the size of your party, this Big Batch Holiday Sangria is guaranteed to be the star of the show, leaving everyone talking about its incredible flavor the next day.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Holiday Sangria
The secret to this sangria’s incredible depth of flavor lies in its thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced, aromatic, and truly festive drink:
- White Wine: For the base, a crisp and bright white wine is essential. I personally prefer a Pinot Grigio for its refreshing qualities, but a Pinot Gris would also work beautifully, offering a similar light and fruity profile that harmonizes well with the other ingredients.
- Red Wine: To add complexity and a beautiful hue, a dry red wine is key. Following the original recommendation, I used a Syrah. Its dark fruit notes and subtle spice complement the holiday spices perfectly. Other excellent choices include a Pinot Noir (lighter body, red fruit notes) or a Tempranillo (classic Spanish, medium-bodied, savory notes). The most important thing is to choose a dry red wine to ensure the sangria isn’t overly sweet.
- Sherry: This fortified wine is a game-changer. Sherry, made from fermented grape juice, adds a wonderful richness and a slightly nutty, complex undertone that elevates the sangria beyond ordinary. Opt for a dry or medium dry sherry to avoid clashing with the other sweet elements.
- Port: Another essential fortified wine, port brings a beautiful, deep sweetness and a full-bodied character. Ruby port, with its vibrant fruit flavors, is a fantastic choice here, adding layers of sweet berry and warmth that are perfect for the holiday season.
- Brandy: Distilled from wine, brandy contributes a lovely warmth and a subtle oaky, fruity note. It’s often enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif, and its presence in this sangria adds a sophisticated depth that truly makes it stand out from other recipes.
- Simple Syrup: This allows you to control the sweetness of your sangria precisely. You can buy simple syrup pre-made, or easily whip it up at home by combining equal parts granulated sugar and water, bringing it to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Once cooled, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For a slightly different flavor, you could also substitute with honey.
- Fresh Juices: A trio of fresh citrus juices provides essential brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the wines and fortified spirits. You’ll need fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. While store-bought high-quality juices can work, freshly squeezed will always deliver the best, most vibrant flavor.
- Fresh Ginger: For a delightful warming spice, fresh ginger is indispensable. Purchase whole ginger root from the produce section, then peel and finely chop it to release its pungent, aromatic oils into the sangria.
- Whole Spices: These are the heart of the “holiday” flavor. Aromatic cinnamon sticks, intriguing star anise, fragrant cloves, and warm allspice combine to infuse the sangria with comforting, festive notes, reminiscent of mulled wine but in a refreshing form.
- Citrus Fruit Slices: Thin slices of fresh orange, lemon, and lime are not just for garnish; they further enhance the citrus profile and add a beautiful visual appeal, making each glass look as good as it tastes.
- Ginger Ale: Added just before serving, ginger ale provides a delightful effervescence and a lovely, mild ginger kick that brightens the entire drink. It adds a refreshing sparkle without making the sangria too sweet.
- Vodka: A neutral spirit like vodka helps to fortify the drink without altering the intricate flavors of the wines and spices. While there’s no need to splurge on top-shelf vodka, choose a good quality brand that you enjoy. Tito’s or Absolut are excellent mid-range choices. For a special touch, Absolut Elyx is a fantastic option.
Need a holiday sangria recipe that’s not such a big batch? Try this Christmas Sangria, perfect for smaller gatherings!
Essential Tools for Your Big Batch Sangria
Making this impressive Big Batch Holiday Sangria is surprisingly simple, but having the right tools on hand will make the process even smoother:
- Large Pitcher or Stockpot: Since this recipe yields a substantial amount, you’ll need a container with ample capacity. A very large 80 Ounce Clear Glass Pitcher is a good start, but for the full batch, a large covered stockpot (8-quart or more) is often the most practical choice for combining and chilling before transferring to serving vessels.
- Long Wooden Spoon: A sturdy, long-handled spoon is perfect for gently stirring all the ingredients together, ensuring everything is well combined without crushing the delicate fruit slices.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for safely and efficiently prepping your fresh ginger and slicing the various citrus fruits into perfect rounds.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, especially with the different alcohols and syrups, to ensure the balanced flavor profile of the sangria.
How to Make Your Big Batch Holiday Sangria
Combining the Flavors
Creating this delicious holiday sangria is surprisingly straightforward. Start by gathering all your liquid ingredients: the white wine, red wine, dry sherry, port, brandy, simple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Pour all of these into your chosen large container – whether it’s an extra-large pitcher or a spacious stockpot. Give them a good, gentle stir with your long wooden spoon to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. Next, add the fresh chopped ginger, whole cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and allspice. Finally, carefully add your thinly sliced oranges, lemons, and limes. Stir again lightly, making sure not to bruise the fruit. Remember, this is a truly big batch, so a standard pitcher simply won’t suffice for the initial mixing!
The Importance of Chilling
This is perhaps the most crucial step for developing the sangria’s complex flavors. Once all the ingredients are combined, cover your container and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the sangria to chill for at least 24 hours before serving. This extended chilling time is essential for the spices and fruit to fully infuse the liquid, allowing all the distinct flavors to meld and harmonize beautifully. While you can serve it after 12 hours if you’re in a pinch, waiting the full 24 hours will yield a noticeably richer and more integrated taste. When it’s time to serve, you have a choice: you can leave the spices and citrus fruit slices in the mixture for continued infusion and visual appeal, or you can strain them out before transferring the sangria to smaller serving pitchers or a beverage dispenser. Just before serving, stir in the ginger ale and vodka for that refreshing fizz and extra kick. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish individual servings with fresh cranberries, additional orange slices, or even a sprig of fresh rosemary for an extra festive touch. Other fresh fruits like pomegranate seeds or apple slices also make wonderful garnishes.
Looking for more delightful holiday drink ideas this season? Don’t miss these other festive recipes: Cranberry Orange Moscow Mule | Cranberry Spice Sparkler | Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria | Christmas Sangria
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Sangria
Serving Sangria at a Large Party
Serving this Big Batch Holiday Sangria at a party is a breeze! For large gatherings, consider using a decorative beverage dispenser with a spigot, or set out several extra-large pitchers or even a traditional punch bowl. This allows guests to help themselves, minimizing your work. Make sure to have plenty of ice nearby for individual glasses, and perhaps a small bowl of fresh garnishes like extra citrus slices, cranberries, or rosemary sprigs for a personalized touch. Remember to add the ginger ale and vodka just before the party starts or as guests begin to arrive to maintain its fizziness and potency.
How Far in Advance Can I Prepare This Sangria?
For the best flavor development, this sangria benefits greatly from sitting in the refrigerator for a full 24 hours before serving. This allows all the wines, fortified spirits, fruits, and spices to meld and deepen their flavors. However, if you find yourself short on time, you can get away with chilling it for a minimum of 12 hours. The longer it sits (up to 48 hours for optimal infusion), the more complex and delicious it will become, making it an ideal make-ahead party drink for busy holiday schedules.
Can I Customize the Sweetness?
Absolutely! The beauty of homemade sangria is that you can tailor it to your preference. The recipe calls for 2 cups of simple syrup, which creates a beautifully balanced sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with 1.5 cups of simple syrup and taste after 12 hours of chilling. You can always add more simple syrup incrementally until it reaches your desired sweetness. Conversely, if you like it sweeter, feel free to add an extra half cup of simple syrup or even a splash more port.
What Other Fruits Can I Add?
While the citrus blend is classic and perfectly suited for this holiday sangria, don’t hesitate to experiment with other seasonal fruits! Sliced apples (Granny Smith for tartness, Fuji for sweetness), pears, or even cranberries (fresh or frozen) can add wonderful textures and flavors. Pomegranate seeds can also be a beautiful and festive addition. Just ensure they are firm and ripe. Add any additional fresh fruits during the last few hours of chilling or just before serving to keep them from becoming too soft.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version?
Yes, with some modifications, you can create a delightful non-alcoholic “mock-sangria.” Replace the white and red wines with non-alcoholic versions or simply use cranberry juice, grape juice, or sparkling cider. Omit the sherry, port, brandy, and vodka. You can enhance the depth of flavor by adding a bit more fresh fruit juice (like cherry or pomegranate) and increasing the amount of whole spices and ginger. Use sparkling ginger ale or sparkling water for the fizz. The result will be a refreshing, flavorful, and festive drink suitable for all ages!
How Do I Store Leftover Sangria?
If you happen to have any leftover sangria (which is a rare occurrence!), simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain delicious for 2-3 days. For best results, it’s recommended to strain out the fruit and spices before storing, as they can become mushy or impart an overly strong flavor over time. Also, remember to only add the ginger ale and vodka right before serving, so any leftovers will be without those ingredients and you can add them fresh when ready to enjoy again.
Big Batch Holiday Sangria Recipe Card
Equipment
-
Large Pitcher
-
Mikasa Cheers Glass Beverage Pitcher (for serving)
-
Large Covered Stockpot (8qt+)
-
Long Wooden Spoon
-
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml bottle of dry white wine I recommend Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris
- 1 750 ml bottle of dry red wine I used a Syrah, Pinot Noir or Tempranillo also work
- 1 3/4 cups dry sherry
- 2 cups port (e.g., Ruby Port for rich fruitiness)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 2 cups simple syrup (made from equal parts water and granulated sugar)
- 2 cups fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped ginger
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 Tbsp whole star anise
- 1/2 Tbsp whole cloves
- 1/2 Tbsp whole allspice berries
- 1 orange cut into round thin slices
- 1 lemon cut into round thin slices
- 1 lime cut into round thin slices
- 2 cups ginger ale (added just before serving)
- 1 cup vodka (added just before serving, optional but recommended)
Instructions
-
Combine Ingredients: In an extra-large pitcher (80 oz+) or a large covered stockpot (8-quart or more), combine both bottles of wine, sherry, port, brandy, simple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Stir gently with a long wooden spoon. Add the chopped ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, allspice, and the sliced oranges, lemons, and limes. Stir once more to ensure everything is well distributed.
-
Chill for Flavor Infusion: Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This crucial chilling period allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the spices to infuse the sangria, developing its rich, complex profile. You can leave the fruit and spices in during chilling.
-
Prepare for Serving: Just before serving, remove the sangria from the refrigerator. You can choose to strain out the whole spices and fruit slices for a clearer drink, or leave them in for continued infusion and visual appeal.
-
Add Fizz and Serve: Stir in the ginger ale and vodka (if using). Pour the sangria into individual glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with fresh cranberries, extra orange slices, or a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch. Enjoy responsibly!
Finally, if you make this incredible Big Batch Holiday Sangria recipe, please be sure to give it a rating or leave a comment below! I absolutely love hearing about your experiences and seeing these recipes come to life in your homes. Your feedback truly means the world to me, and I make an effort to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop any questions you might have, too!
Oh, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you share photos of your festive creation! Seeing your beautiful sangrias is my favorite thing to look through, and it’s always a highlight to see how you celebrate with these recipes. Cheers to a wonderful holiday season!