Festive Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria: Your Perfect Holiday Cocktail Recipe

Indulge in the spirit of the season with this delightful Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria! It’s the ultimate solution for enjoying a luxurious, homemade sangria without the commitment of making an entire pitcher. No need to host a large party; you can celebrate your fabulous self this holiday season with a perfectly portioned, festive glass of sangria, just for Y-O-U. Each sip, adorned with a sparkling, sugar-coated sprig of rosemary, promises to make you feel utterly merry and bright. This recipe ensures you get your sangria fix in the most convenient and charming way possible.

About This Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria

The holiday season, with all its twinkling lights and festive cheer, often brings with it a whirlwind of social events and gatherings. And if I’m going to be hosting any of these celebrations, big or small, you can bet that a vibrant, celebratory sangria will be a centerpiece of the beverage menu. The harmonious blend of colors, the delightful mix of flavors, and the sheer simplicity of preparation make sangria the perfect drink to ease the sometimes overwhelming, yet wonderfully social, demands of this time of year.

For many years, my go-to recipe has been my classic Christmas Sangria. It’s consistently been one of the most popular recipes on this site, and for good reason! It’s incredibly easy to make, boasts a beautiful, eye-catching color palette, and is festively garnished with fresh rosemary, creating an inviting aroma and visual appeal that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.

However, as time goes on and life evolves, two significant changes have occurred in my holiday traditions. Firstly, I’m not hosting as many large-scale holiday events as I once did. Secondly, my appreciation and preference for red wine have grown immensely. These shifts led me to rethink how I enjoy my favorite holiday beverage.

Why Single Serve and Red Wine for the Holidays?

Considering these changes, I realized it was high time to adapt my sangria ritual. I wanted to create a version that not only allowed me to enjoy my favorite sangria without committing to a giant, party-sized batch, but also fully embraced my growing love for rich red wines. The result? This exquisite Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria.

Drawing inspiration from my beloved Christmas Sangria, I’ve brought back the iconic rosemary garnish. However, this time, it’s given a magical frosted look thanks to a simple sugar coating, adding an extra touch of winter wonderland elegance. This subtle detail elevates the drink from simply delicious to truly enchanting, making it feel extra special.

This recipe combines the robustness of red wine with the brightness of fresh fruit, the warming spice of cinnamon, and the subtle depth of brandy. The result is a bold, comforting, and incredibly hearty sangria that is absolutely perfect for those intimate holiday moments. Imagine curling up under the Christmas tree, perhaps with a good book or a classic holiday movie, and sipping on this beautifully balanced drink. It’s ideal to make just for yourself, or perhaps for a cozy night in with your significant other or your best friend. This single serve approach means no waste, just pure, unadulterated holiday enjoyment tailored precisely to your needs. It’s a moment of self-care and festive indulgence, perfectly packaged in a glass.

Essential Ingredients for Your Festive Sangria

Crafting the perfect Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria begins with selecting quality ingredients that will harmonize to create a truly memorable drink. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Red Wine: As the name suggests, a good quality red wine is the star here! I highly recommend a varietal that offers a good balance of fruit and structure, such as a Merlot or a Syrah (also known as Shiraz). These wines tend to have approachable tannins and lovely fruit notes that mingle beautifully with the other ingredients. Alternatively, a Cabernet Sauvignon will offer a bolder profile, while a Pinot Noir will provide a lighter, more aromatic touch. The best advice? Choose a red wine you genuinely enjoy drinking on its own, as its character will shine through in the sangria.
• Orange Juice: Fresh, vibrant orange juice is key to balancing the richness of the red wine and brandy. It adds a crucial layer of sweetness and bright citrusy tang. You can absolutely use freshly squeezed orange juice for the freshest flavor, or a high-quality store-bought option for convenience. The choice between pulpy or pulp-free is entirely up to your personal preference.
• Brandy: A mid-tier brandy is the secret weapon that adds depth, warmth, and a subtle complexity to this festive cocktail. Brandy, being a distilled wine, naturally complements the red wine, enhancing its fruit notes and contributing to that comforting holiday feel. No need for top-shelf here, but avoid anything that tastes harsh.
• Fresh Fruit: The fruit is where the holiday colors and textures truly come alive! For this recipe, you’ll need juicy orange slices, crisp chopped apple, and bright, tart fresh cranberries. The oranges contribute more citrus zest and visual appeal, apples add a wonderful crunch and subtle sweetness, and cranberries bring that quintessential Christmas color and a delightful tart burst with every sip.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Just a couple of aromatic cinnamon sticks infuse the sangria with a warm, spicy essence that immediately evokes feelings of holiday cheer. Their natural aroma deepens as the sangria chills, creating an inviting and cozy experience.
• Rosemary: While optional, fresh rosemary sprigs are highly recommended as a festive garnish. Not only do they add a beautiful green contrast, but their slightly piney, earthy aroma perfectly complements the other holiday flavors. It’s truly the crowning touch!
• Granulated Sugar: You’ll only need a small amount of granulated sugar to create that stunning “frosted” effect on the rosemary sprigs, transforming them into a winter wonderland garnish.

Must-Have Tools for Making This Sangria

Making this Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria is wonderfully straightforward, requiring only a few basic kitchen tools. Investing in these items ensures a smooth and enjoyable preparation process:

• Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: A sturdy utility cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife are essential for safely and efficiently chopping your orange slices, apples, and any other fruit you might include. Precision in cutting ensures uniform flavor distribution and a beautiful presentation.
• Cocktail Spoons: Since this is a single-serve recipe, you’ll be mixing everything directly in your glass. Long-handled cocktail spoons (or bar spoons) are perfect for stirring the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring all the flavors meld without spilling.
• Stemless Wine Glasses: While not strictly a “tool,” having a couple of elegant stemless wine glasses enhances the drinking experience. They’re stylish, comfortable to hold, and provide ample space for the fruit and ice.
• Small Shallow Dish: For creating the beautiful sugared rosemary garnish, a small, shallow dish or plate will make coating the sprigs much easier and less messy.

How to Make Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria: Step-by-Step

Creating this festive red sangria is incredibly simple and takes just a few minutes of active preparation. Follow these steps to craft your perfect holiday sip:

Combine the Flavors

1. Start by gathering your chosen red wine, orange juice, and brandy. Carefully measure them out.
2. Evenly divide these liquids between two large wine glasses. The precise measurements in the recipe ensure a balanced flavor profile for each serving.
3. Next, add a fresh slice of orange and one aromatic cinnamon stick to each glass. These elements will immediately start infusing the liquid with their delightful essences.
4. Finally, distribute the chopped apple and plump cranberries evenly between the two glasses.
5. Give everything a brief stir with your cocktail spoon to gently combine the ingredients. This initial stir helps the flavors begin to meld even before chilling.

Chill to Perfection

6. Once combined, place your two glasses of sangria in the refrigerator. It’s crucial to chill the sangria for at least one hour, and ideally up to four hours.
7. This chilling period allows the fruits to macerate and release their juices, while the cinnamon and brandy permeate the wine, creating a richer, more cohesive flavor. Don’t rush this step – patience is key for truly delicious sangria!
8. While it can be chilled for longer (up to 4 hours is excellent), avoid chilling for excessively long periods (e.g., overnight with fruit) as some fruits might become too soft or infuse unwanted bitterness.

Garnish and Serve

9. When you’re ready to serve, prepare your beautiful sugared rosemary garnish. Pour about 1/4 cup of granulated sugar into a shallow dish with a wide mouth.
10. Briefly rinse your rosemary sprigs under cold water. Gently shake off any excess water; you want them damp, not dripping wet.
11. Roll each damp rosemary sprig thoroughly in the granulated sugar until it’s evenly coated, creating a beautiful “frosted” effect. Shake off any loose excess sugar.
12. Set the garnished rosemary sprigs aside on a clean plate until just before serving.
13. Serve your Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria chilled, directly from the refrigerator, or you can let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer the flavors to be slightly more pronounced. Add the sugared rosemary sprig to each glass for that final, magical touch. Enjoy your perfectly crafted holiday drink!

What to Serve with Your Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria

This Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with delicious holiday bites. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or sharing it with a close friend, a little snack can elevate the experience. Here are some of my favorite festive appetizers and small plates that perfectly complement the bold, fruity, and spicy notes of this sangria (remember to adjust the recipe sizes for single or double servings!):

• Roasted Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini: The tangy goat cheese and sweet-tart roasted cranberries on crispy crostini create a delightful contrast with the rich sangria. It’s a sophisticated and festive bite.
• Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets: The creamy, melted brie and savory bacon wrapped in pastry are a comforting and indulgent match for the spiced red wine. The richness of the brie beautifully balances the fruitiness of the sangria.
• Berbere Fried Ravioli: If you’re looking for something with a bit of a kick, these spiced fried ravioli offer a savory crunch that stands up wonderfully to the sangria’s robust flavors. The warmth of the berbere spice resonates with the cinnamon in the drink.
• Chicken Spinach Artichoke Dip Puffs: These cheesy, creamy puffs are an ultimate comfort food that pairs splendidly with red wine. The rich, savory flavors make for a satisfying complement to the fruity and warm notes of the sangria.

These pairings ensure that your solo or intimate holiday celebration is not just delicious, but truly memorable and perfectly balanced.

And for those planning a fuller holiday menu, don’t forget to explore the other fantastic holiday recipes I’ve shared as part of the 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways series. There’s a bounty of deliciousness waiting for you!

• Day One – Red Wine Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
• Day Two – Gingerbread Challah Bread
• Day Three – Mini Beef Wellingtons
• Day Four – Bourbon Gingerbread Punch
• Day Five – Twice-Baked Chicken Shawarma Stuffed Potatoes
• Day Six – Head Country BBQ Prize Pack
• Day Seven – White Chocolate Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Day Eight – Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria

And for those seeking even more drink inspiration, be sure to check out the full list of Christmas cocktails and festive drinks (including delightful non-alcoholic options!) that I’ve curated. If you are indeed planning a larger gathering and prefer a bigger batch, my classic red sangria recipe is a perfect choice.

Finally, I would absolutely love to hear from you! If you make this Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria recipe, please take a moment to give it a rating or leave a comment below. Your feedback truly means the world to me, and I make sure to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop any questions you might have too – I’m here to help!

Oh, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you share your creations! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is my absolute favorite thing. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness your culinary adventures, and it truly brings joy to my day.

Red Christmas Single Serve Sangria

Instead of making a GIANT batch of sangria, get your fix without hosting the party with a single serve red sangria! Perfect for a cozy holiday treat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Additional Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

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equipment

• Pyrex Prepware Measuring Cups
• Shun Chef’s Knife
• Utility Cutting Board
• Stemless Wine Glasses

ingredients

Sangria

• 1 1/2 cups red wine
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 2 slices of orange
• 1 apple chopped
• 1/3 cup cranberries
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Garnish

• 2 sprigs rosemary
• Water
• 1/4 cup sugar

instructions

• Divide the orange juice, red wine, and brandy evenly between two large wine glasses.
• Add a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick to each glass.
• Divide the chopped apple and cranberries evenly between the two glasses.
• Stir briefly to combine.
• Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Add sugar to a shallow dish with a wide mouth.
• Briefly rinse rosemary sprigs under water, shaking excess water off to ensure a good sugar coating.
• Roll the damp rosemary sprigs in sugar until evenly coated. Set aside on a clean plate until ready to garnish.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with the sugared rosemary.

Cuisine: Holiday

Category: Booze