There's something magical about this bubbly, fruity blend that instantly lifts the holiday spirit. The Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe mixes vibrant seasonal flavors like crisp apples, tart cranberries, and warming cinnamon, making it a festive showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to throw together.

The image shows three glasses filled with a deep red drink. Each glass has a green sugar rim and is filled with ice cubes, floating cranberries, and slices of orange and red fruit. One glass, in focus, has a cinnamon stick and a rosemary sprig placed inside, standing upright. The glasses are clear and set on round white coasters with gold rims, placed on a light wooden board. The background has a white marbled texture with a blurred red and white cloth and extra cranberries scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this sangria on a chilly December afternoon, and what amazed me was how it instantly felt cozy and cheerful. It's one of those drinks that feels complex but really just lets the fresh ingredients shine in perfect harmony.

Simple, fresh ingredients: Everything is easy to find and comes together in minutes – no fancy bartending skills needed.
Perfect holiday flavors: Apples, cranberries, cinnamon, and rosemary capture the essence of Christmas in every sip.
Refreshing but cozy: The balance of fruity and spice flavors works beautifully warm or chilled.
Great for sharing: Whether at a big party or intimate gathering, it looks stunning and serves a crowd easily.

The image shows three round glasses filled with a deep red drink layered with floating cranberries, orange slices, and a cinnamon stick each, topped with a sprig of rosemary. The glass rims are coated with green sugar crystals. The glasses are placed on round white coasters with golden edges, which rest on a wooden board. Around the board are some scattered fresh cranberries, a small bowl of cranberries, and festive decorations including a green glittery bauble, pine branches, and a checkered red cloth. The background features green fir branches and a red candle holder, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The secret to this Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe is layering bright, tart fruit with smooth, sweet wine and seasonal spices. Each ingredient adds its own special touch, so picking fresh and high-quality versions really pays off.

Flat lay of fresh red cranberries scattered next to a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, bright orange navel fruit whole and another orange sliced into thin rounds, crisp light green apple slices arranged neatly, a few fresh green rosemary sprigs, two cinnamon sticks placed parallel, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red cranberry juice, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale yellow lemon juice, and a small white ceramic bowl with amber unfiltered apple cider, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apple slices: Crisp and subtly sweet, apples add lovely texture and absorb the sangria flavors beautifully.
Fresh or frozen cranberries: Their tartness is refreshing and they're quintessential for that festive red pop.
Navel orange & orange slices: The orange brightens the mix with juicy citrus notes and a little zest.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: Adds an unexpected piney aroma that feels wonderfully seasonal.
Honey: Natural sweetness to balance the tart and spice — I prefer local honey if you can find it.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity that lifts the flavor and keeps it vibrant.
Cinnamon sticks: Warmth and spice that make this sangria feel like a holiday hug in a glass.
Apple cider (unfiltered): Rich, fresh apple flavor that deepens the sangria base.
Unsweetened cranberry juice: Boosts berry goodness without extra sweetness.
Sweet red wine of choice: I usually go for a fruity Merlot or Zinfandel – something with berry notes that’ll complement the fruit.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over the years, I’ve played around with different fruits and spices based on what I have on hand and the vibe of the party — and you should too!

Variation: When I want a little extra sparkle, I swap half the cider for sparkling water or prosecco – it’s like a holiday party in your mouth!
Diet-friendly tweak: For a lighter version, use a dry red wine and reduce the honey, or try a sugar-free sweetener you like.
Seasonal twist: Try adding pomegranate seeds or a few star anise pods for a cool visual and flavor upgrade.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Fruit

First things first: slice your apples and oranges thin enough to soak up the liquid but thick enough to avoid falling apart. I love using a really sharp knife here for clean edges. Toss the sliced apples, oranges, and fresh or frozen cranberries into a large pitcher or punch bowl – this is your vibrant fruit base.

Step 2: Mix the Liquid Ingredients

Next, pour your sweet red wine, unsweetened cranberry juice, apple cider, fresh lemon juice, and honey right over the fruit. Stir it all together gently but thoroughly — the honey dissolves slowly so mixing well is key. You’ll see that lovely blending of colors and aromas right away.

Step 3: Add Your Garnishes and Chill

Place a couple fresh rosemary sprigs and some cinnamon sticks on top – these give that special festive flair that makes this sangria so memorable. Then cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. I always let it chill for at least an hour, but overnight? Even better for those flavors to marry.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

When your guests arrive, give the sangria a gentle stir, then ladle it into glasses including some fruit. Every sip is a little holiday celebration. I often like keeping extra cinnamon sticks handy for stirring or simple garnish tweaks.

Top Tip

Having made this Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe numerous times, I’ve learned a few tips that make it shine even brighter. Trust me, a little attention can turn a good sangria into a glorious one.

Freshness Matters: Always use fresh fruit when you can — frozen cranberries work in a pinch, but fresh ones add a beautiful crunch and brightness.
Honey Dissolution: Warm the honey slightly or stir the mixture for a full minute to ensure it dissolves entirely; clumps of honey can distract from the drink’s smooth flavor.
Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling – even an hour makes a difference, but letting it rest overnight elevates the flavors and softens the spices.
Cinnamon Control: If you prefer a milder spice note, add cinnamon sticks during chilling and remove before serving to avoid overpowering the sangria.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of the rustic holiday look here — a few extra rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks make your glasses smell amazing and look festive. Tossing in a few extra cranberries or a slice of orange on the rim adds a classy, colorful touch. It’s an easy way to impress without extra effort.

Side Dishes

This sangria pairs beautifully with savory Christmas appetizers like spiced nuts, cheese boards with sharp cheddar and brie, or even warm sausage rolls. I’ve found these combos really bring out the layers of fruit and spice in the drink.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite party tricks is serving this sangria in a large glass punch bowl with a ladle, surrounded by festive fairy lights. Adding floating orange slices and rosemary makes it look like a holiday centerpiece you almost don’t want to sip from — almost!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sangria keeps surprisingly well in the fridge for about 2-3 days. I store it in the same pitcher or transfer it to a sealable container, then give it a gentle stir before serving again. The flavors deepen, so it can taste even better the next day.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing sangria because the fruit and wine textures change dramatically and can become watery or mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

For a cozy winter twist, gently warm leftover sangria on the stove until just hot (not boiling). This softens the spices even more and feels like a festive mulled wine, perfect for chilly nights.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of wine for this Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer a sweet red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel for their fruity notes, a dry red or even a bold white wine like Chardonnay can work. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly.

How long should I soak the sangria before serving?

I recommend chilling it at least one hour, but overnight is even better. This gives the fruit time to infuse the wine and juices with their flavors, making the sangria rich and balanced.

Can I prepare this Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, preparing it a day before your event helps all the flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before serving and add fresh fruit garnishes if you want extra flair.

Is the cinnamon flavor very strong?

It depends on how long you let the cinnamon sticks steep. If you prefer a lighter cinnamon note, remove the sticks before serving. Leaving them in overnight will give a stronger, warming spice.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe has found a sweet spot in my holiday traditions. It’s effortless enough to whip up last minute, yet feels like a thoughtful seasonal treat that brings everyone together. I hope when you make it, you feel that same warmth and joy sipping this festive concoction with your friends and family. Cheers to delicious moments and merry memories!