Sparkling White Christmas Sangria: The Ultimate Festive Holiday Drink Recipe
Embrace the festive spirit with a glass of Christmas Sangria, a wonderfully balanced and refreshing holiday cocktail. This gorgeous, chilled drink offers a perfect blend of crisp, fruity flavors with just a hint of sweetness, making it an indispensable part of your seasonal celebrations.
Table of Contents
Toggle
About This Christmas Sangria
The holiday season has a way of sneaking up on us, doesn’t it? One moment you’re planning for Thanksgiving, and the next, Christmas is just around the corner. Despite weeks of preparation—from decorating to gift shopping and planning elaborate meals—the arrival of Christmas Day often feels like a delightful surprise, yet it consistently brings immense joy and a flurry of delicious food.
For me, the holidays are synonymous with a cooking and baking marathon. It’s a time to truly unleash my inner chef, creating an abundance of homemade delights to share with loved ones. There’s no greater gift than gathering around a table laden with food prepared with care, surrounded by family and friends. And no holiday feast is complete without the perfect celebratory drink.
This Christmas Sangria recipe is more than just a beverage; it’s a cherished family tradition. It’s the one drink my entire family insists on having for our Christmas Eve celebration every single year. Its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation perfectly capture the essence of the season, making any holiday meal feel merrier and brighter. The subtle hint of fresh rosemary, in particular, adds that distinct, aromatic taste of the holidays that I adore so much. From the very first sip, you’ll understand why this white wine sangria becomes a staple you won’t want to celebrate Christmas without.
Note: This post has been updated from its original publication on December 23, 2014, with fresh insights and helpful tips on November 17, 2023. While the recipe remains perfectly delicious and unchanged, this updated version includes answers to frequently asked questions, additional success tips, and more detailed information to help you create the best Christmas Sangria possible.
Key Ingredients for Christmas Sangria
Crafting the perfect Christmas Sangria starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that crisp, fruity, and slightly sweet balance that makes this festive drink so irresistible:
- Dry White Wine: The foundation of this white sangria. Opt for a dry white wine such as a crisp Chardonnay or a bright Sauvignon Blanc. The key here is to avoid overly sweet wines, as we’ll be adding sweetness through other ingredients. A drier wine provides a clean base that allows the fruit flavors to truly shine.
- Sparkling Apple Cider: This ingredient adds a delightful bubbly texture and a touch of non-alcoholic apple sweetness. Look for non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider, sometimes labeled as sparkling apple juice. It contributes to the festive effervescence without adding extra alcohol. Please do not use alcoholic hard cider for this recipe, as it will alter the flavor profile significantly.
- Simple Syrup: While the original recipe called for granulated sugar, we’ve found through extensive testing that simple syrup integrates far more seamlessly into cold liquids. It dissolves instantly, ensuring a perfectly smooth and consistent sweetness throughout your sangria, without any gritty residue. This simple sugar-water solution is easy to make at home or readily available at stores.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are highly recommended, especially since they are perfectly in season during the holidays, offering a beautiful tartness and festive color. However, if fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work just as well – simply refer to my “Seasonal Cranberry Tip” at the end of this post for best practices when using them.
- Granny Smith Apple: A crisp, green Granny Smith apple is ideal for this recipe. Its tartness provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the cider and balances the overall flavor. Plus, its vibrant green color adds a lovely holiday touch to the drink. Be sure to chop it into small, bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to enjoy in each glass.
- Fresh Rosemary: This aromatic herb is the secret ingredient that truly elevates this sangria to a holiday masterpiece. Its piney, slightly peppery notes instantly evoke the scents of Christmas. Always use fresh rosemary for the best flavor infusion and a beautiful, elegant garnish. While you can omit it if absolutely necessary, its unique contribution to the holiday taste is invaluable. Remember to pick up extra sprigs for garnishing each glass – it adds an extra layer of festive flair that guests will adore.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To effortlessly craft and serve your delightful Christmas Sangria, a few key pieces of kitchen equipment will make all the difference:
- Stemless Wine Glasses: Perfect for a casual yet elegant presentation. They’re comfortable to hold and less prone to tipping, making them ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Large Pitcher: A beautiful and sturdy pitcher is essential for mixing and serving your sangria. I highly recommend a glass pitcher that allows you to showcase the vibrant colors of the fruit and herbs within. A good quality pitcher, like the one linked below, is not only functional but also adds to your holiday decor. This particular pitcher is a personal favorite, offering both elegance and ample capacity for a batch of sangria.
- Long Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon is perfect for gently stirring the ingredients together and ensuring the simple syrup fully dissolves without damaging the fruit. It’s a versatile tool that’s a must-have in any kitchen utensil jar.
How to Make This Christmas Sangria Recipe
Creating this festive Christmas Sangria is incredibly simple, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday preparations. Follow these easy steps to bring this delightful drink to life:
1. Combine All Ingredients
Start by gathering all your prepped ingredients. In a large, elegant pitcher, combine the dry white wine, sparkling apple cider, simple syrup, halved and whole cranberries, chopped Granny Smith apple, and fresh rosemary sprigs. Ensure all the fruit is distributed evenly.
2. Refrigerate for Flavor Infusion
Give the mixture a good stir with a long wooden spoon, ensuring the simple syrup is thoroughly incorporated. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Once stirred, cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This chilling period is non-negotiable for the best possible taste, as it allows the fresh fruits and rosemary to infuse the wine with their delightful essences, creating a truly harmonious and refreshing beverage.
3. Serve and Garnish
Once sufficiently chilled, your Christmas Sangria is ready to dazzle your guests! Pour the sangria into stemless wine glasses, ensuring each serving includes a generous amount of the festive fruit. For a final touch of holiday elegance, garnish each glass with an extra sprig of fresh rosemary. The vibrant colors and aromatic garnish will make every sip feel special.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Sangria
To ensure your Christmas Sangria is an absolute showstopper, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Rush the Chilling Time: This is arguably the most important step! Allowing this easy holiday sangria recipe to chill for at least 4 hours, and ideally longer (up to 24 hours), gives the fresh fruits ample time to infuse their sweet and tangy flavors into the wine. Cutting this time short will result in a less flavorful, less harmonious drink. Patience is key for maximum deliciousness.
- Taste and Adjust to Your Liking: Your palate is the ultimate judge! Before serving, give your sangria a taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little extra simple syrup or a splash more sparkling apple cider. For those who enjoy a richer, more “boozy” flavor with an orange twist, consider adding a splash of Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Experiment until you find your perfect balance – that’s the joy of making homemade cocktails!
- Chill Your Glasses: For an extra touch of sophistication and to keep your sangria perfectly cold without excessive ice dilution, chill your serving glasses in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before pouring.
- Prepare Fruit Ahead: Chop your apples and halve your cranberries a few hours or even a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save time on the day of your gathering.
- Add Ice Just Before Serving: While the sangria itself should be well-chilled, add ice to individual glasses just before serving. This prevents the entire pitcher from becoming watered down, especially if you anticipate leftovers.
Craving more festive sips? Explore these other delightful sangria creations: Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria | Big Batch Holiday Sangria | Sake Sangria | Last-Minute Apple Pie Sparkling Sangria
What Type of White Wine Should I Use?
Selecting the right white wine is crucial for the perfect Christmas Sangria. For this particular recipe, I highly recommend using a drier white wine. Options like a crisp Pinot Grigio or a bright and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc work exceptionally well. These wines offer a clean, refreshing base that prevents the sangria from becoming overly sweet, especially once you add the apple cider and simple syrup. If you opt for a Riesling or another variety, make sure it’s clearly labeled as “dry” to ensure the balance of flavors remains intact. Always taste the wine beforehand to confirm its dryness and avoid any unexpected sweetness that might overpower the delicate fruit and rosemary notes of your sangria.
What If I Can’t Find Cranberries?
While fresh cranberries add an unparalleled festive touch and tartness to this Christmas Sangria, I understand that they might not always be readily available, depending on your location or the time of year. Don’t worry, there are excellent substitutes that will still yield a delicious holiday drink!
- Pitted Cherries: Fresh or frozen pitted cherries are a fantastic alternative. They offer a lovely sweetness and a similar round fruitiness, and their deep red color is still wonderfully festive. Use them in the same quantities as you would cranberries in the recipe.
- Pomegranate Seeds: These ruby-red jewels add a beautiful pop of color and a delightful, slightly tart crunch. If you choose to use pomegranate seeds, I recommend adding them to the sangria during the last hour of chilling, or even just before serving. This prevents them from releasing too much of their strong flavor and potentially overpowering the sangria’s other delicate notes.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Absolutely, and in fact, it’s highly recommended! Making this Christmas Sangria ahead of time allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious and harmonious drink. You can prepare this sangria up to 2 days in advance. For optimal freshness and flavor preservation, especially if storing for more than 6 hours, transfer the sangria into an airtight container or a pitcher with a tightly fitting lid before refrigerating. This prevents any unwanted odors from the fridge from impacting your drink and keeps the ingredients at their peak. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving!
Can I Use Regular Apple Cider Instead of Sparkling Apple Cider?
Yes, you certainly can! While sparkling apple cider adds a delightful effervescence that contributes to the festive feel of the sangria, regular, non-alcoholic apple cider is a perfectly acceptable and delicious substitute. If you happen to have regular cider on hand or can’t find the sparkling variety, don’t hesitate to use it. The sangria will still be wonderfully flavorful, just without the bubbles. In a real pinch, apple juice can also be used as a last-minute alternative, though it might be slightly sweeter and lack the rich apple depth of cider.
Seeking further holiday inspiration? Dive into my comprehensive holiday recipes page for an abundance of festive culinary ideas!
What to Serve with Christmas Sangria
This vibrant Christmas Sangria is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of holiday dishes, whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner or a grand festive party. Its crisp and fruity notes complement both savory and sweet flavors, making it the ideal accompaniment to your holiday spread. Here are some of my favorite recipes to serve alongside this delightful cocktail:
Appetizers:
- For a super gooey and hearty starter, my tear-apart sourdough holiday cheese dip is always a hit. Its rich, savory flavors are a delightful contrast to the sangria’s brightness.
- If you prefer elegant, two-bite handheld options, consider this sophisticated roasted cranberry goat cheese crostini. The tart cranberries in the crostini beautifully echo the cranberries in the sangria.
- For a truly impressive and customizable spread, curate a festive Christmas cheese board, featuring a variety of cheeses, nuts, and fruit that will delight every guest.
Main Dishes:
- A comforting and flavorful main like salmon chowder is a cherished tradition in our family every Christmas Eve. The light, savory notes of the chowder surprisingly harmonize well with the sangria’s refreshing profile.
- Alternatively, this cranberry rosemary walnut stuffed pork tenderloin meal is a fantastic contender. Its savory and slightly sweet elements, especially the cranberries and rosemary, create a cohesive flavor experience with the sangria.
Sweets & Desserts:
No holiday celebration is complete without decadent desserts! These treats are always winners with guests and pair wonderfully with the remaining sips of sangria:
- Gingerbread Christmas crack candy: A sweet, crunchy, and addictive holiday treat.
- Christmas shortbread cookies: Classic, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Snowball cookies: Delicate, nutty, and dusted with powdered sugar, they truly evoke a winter wonderland.
- Chewy snickerdoodle bars: Warm, cinnamon-spiced, and irresistibly soft.
- Honestly, any of your favorite Christmas cookies will make a great pairing!
If you’re in a time crunch, I’ve also compiled the best last-minute Christmas recipes to ensure your holiday gathering is a culinary success.
And for those who love variety, don’t forget to explore the full list of Christmas cocktails and drinks, which includes fantastic non-alcoholic options for all your guests!
How to Store Christmas Sangria
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and vibrant flavors of your Christmas Sangria. If you plan to serve it within 6 hours of preparation, the sangria can comfortably remain in its pitcher, chilled in the refrigerator. However, if you are preparing it a day or two in advance, or expect to have leftovers beyond the initial 6-hour window, it’s crucial to transfer the sangria to an airtight container. This will protect the delicate flavors from absorbing any unwanted odors from your refrigerator and help the fruit remain fresh and firm. Stored correctly, your delicious Christmas Sangria will remain delightful for up to 2 days, ensuring you can enjoy its festive cheer for longer.
Discover More Favorite Holiday-Themed Drinks!
If you find yourself enchanted by the festive flavors of Christmas cocktails, you’re in for a treat! Beyond this delightful Christmas Sangria, I have a collection of other holiday-themed drinks that are perfect for any celebratory occasion. Whether you’re looking for a personal indulgence or a large batch for a crowd, there’s a festive drink waiting for you:
- Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria: Ideal for those moments when you and a special someone crave a cozy, rich red sangria without making a large batch. It’s perfectly proportioned for two!
- Cranberry Boulevardier: A sophisticated, tart, and incredibly tasty cocktail that offers a refreshing twist on a classic. Its vibrant cranberry notes make it wonderfully festive.
- Gingerbread Bourbon Punch: This is a party showstopper! Perfect for larger gatherings, this punch pairs beautifully with the white Christmas Sangria, offering a complementary flavor profile that can be elegantly served in a punch bowl.
- Cranberry Pomegranate Champagne Mule: Your favorite refreshing ginger drink gets a stunning holiday makeover with the addition of tart cranberries and juicy pomegranate, topped with celebratory champagne.
- Gingerbread White Russian: Indulgently creamy, wonderfully dreamy, and infused with the warm, comforting spices of gingerbread – this cocktail is pure holiday bliss.
- Big Batch Holiday Red Sangria Recipe: Planning a huge holiday bash? This recipe is designed to make an enormous batch of sangria, bursting with citrus, oranges, and other warming spices. It’s a fantastic red wine option to serve alongside this white Christmas Sangria, giving your guests a delightful choice of holiday flavors.
Seasonal Cranberry Tip
When preparing this festive sangria, you have the option of using either fresh or frozen cranberries. While both work, I highly encourage using fresh cranberries when they are in season during the holidays, as they impart a bright, natural tartness that truly elevates the drink’s flavor profile. If you opt for frozen cranberries, be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the sangria. An important note: thawed frozen berries may release some of their color, potentially adding a beautiful (but unintended) light red tint to your otherwise white sangria. This can still look wonderfully festive, so embrace the subtle color shift!
Finally, if you whip up this delightful Christmas Sangria, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please take a moment to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment below. Your feedback means the world to me, and I genuinely make an effort to respond to every single comment. Don’t hesitate to drop any questions you might have as well!
Oh, and if you share your festive creations on social media, be sure to tag me on Instagram @cakenknife! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and I love scrolling through your beautiful photos. It brings me immense joy!
Christmas Sangria
4 hours
5 minutes
4 hours
5 minutes
8
Equipment
-
Stemless Wine Glasses
-
Large Pitcher
-
Long Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 750 ml bottles Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
- 3/4 cup sparkling apple cider
- 3 oz simple syrup*
- 1/4 cup cranberries halved
- 3/4 cup cranberries whole
- 1 Granny Smith apple chopped
- 3 rosemary sprigs
- Garnish: rosemary sprigs
Instructions
-
1. Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher.
-
2. Stir together with a large wooden spoon to help the simple syrup dissolve completely.
-
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to fully meld.
-
4. Serve chilled, ensuring each glass contains a portion of the infused fruit and garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
Holiday
Booze, Cocktail