Festive, simple, and beautiful, this Christmas Sangria is a wonderful big-batch drink for holiday gatherings. Dry white wine, cranberries, and crisp Granny Smith apples are mixed with fresh orange juice, orange liqueur, brandy, and sparkling water, then finished with wintry garnishes like rosemary and star anise. It is bright, bubbly, refreshing, and perfect for serving at Christmas parties, holiday dinners, or any festive winter celebration.
The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy family, food, and festive drinks, and this white Christmas sangria fits right in. It has the fresh flavor of citrus, the crispness of apples, the tart pop of cranberries, and just enough sparkle to make every glass feel celebratory.
This Christmas sangria recipe is especially useful when you are hosting because most of the drink can be prepared ahead of time. The fruit, wine, orange juice, brandy, and orange liqueur can be combined and chilled several hours in advance, or even overnight. When guests arrive, simply add the sparkling water and frozen cranberries so the sangria stays cold, bubbly, and fresh.
Serve this holiday sangria in a large pitcher, punch bowl, or glass beverage dispenser so guests can help themselves. It is an easy way to offer a festive cocktail without mixing individual drinks all night. The red cranberries, green apples, rosemary sprigs, and star anise also make it look elegant on the table with very little effort.
Recipe Ingredients
The ingredients for this Christmas sangria are simple, easy to find, and full of seasonal color. Use the notes below to choose the best options for a balanced, refreshing holiday cocktail.
- White wine. Choose a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A crisp, dry wine keeps the sangria refreshing rather than overly sweet.
- Orange liqueur. Grand Marnier was used here, but Gran Gala or another orange liqueur will also work well.
- Brandy. Brandy adds depth and helps give the sangria its classic flavor.
- Orange juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best bright citrus flavor, but store-bought orange juice can be used if needed.
- Apples. Granny Smith apples are ideal because they are tart, crisp, and provide a nice green contrast against the cranberries.
- Cranberries. Cranberries add holiday color and a tart seasonal note. Save extra frozen cranberries for garnish and to help keep the drinks cold.
- Sparkling water. Sparkling water, flavored seltzer, or club soda adds bubbles right before serving.
- Rosemary and star anise. These garnishes give the drink a beautiful winter look and a festive aroma.
See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list, exact quantities, preparation time, serving size, and step-by-step instructions.
How to make it
- Slice 2 large Granny Smith apples. Squeeze enough orange juice to equal 1/4 cup, or 2 ounces.
- Add the apple slices, cranberries, orange juice, 2 dried star anise, 2 ounces of orange liqueur, and 2 ounces of brandy to a large pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour 1 750 ml bottle of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, into the pitcher and stir again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Right before serving, add 16 ounces of sparkling water along with extra frozen cranberries. Stir gently so the bubbles remain lively.
- Add some of the soaked fruit to each glass, pour in the Christmas sangria, and garnish with a rosemary sprig and star anise. Serve immediately and enjoy.
More holiday cocktails
If you enjoy serving festive drinks during the holiday season, these cocktail ideas also pair well with Christmas dinners, winter parties, and cozy gatherings.
- Eggnog White Russian – made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and eggnog.
- Cranberry Mule – made with vodka, lime, ginger, and cranberry juice.
- Thanksgiving Sangria – made with pears, apples, pear juice, and apple vodka.
If you make this Christmas Sangria Recipe, leave a rating and share how it turned out in the comments. This is a great holiday drink to prepare ahead, serve chilled, and customize with your favorite festive garnishes.
For best results, chill the wine and fruit mixture for at least 2 hours before serving. Add sparkling water only at the end so the sangria stays bubbly and fresh.
Christmas Sangria
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples sliced
- 2 cups cranberries plus more frozen cranberries for garnish
- 2 dried star anise plus more for garnish
- 2 ounces Grand Marnier or Gran Gala or another orange liqueur
- 2 ounces brandy
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 1 750 ml bottle dry white wine
- 16 ounces sparkling water
- rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
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In a large pitcher, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, and star anise with the orange liqueur, brandy, and orange juice. Stir gently to combine.
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Add the dry white wine to the pitcher and stir again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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When ready to serve, add the sparkling water and stir gently.
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Add some of the fruit to each glass, pour in the sangria, and garnish with rosemary, frozen cranberries, and extra star anise if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pinot Grigio works well, but any dry white wine can be used for this Christmas sangria.
- Fresh orange slices can also be used as a festive garnish.
- Add sparkling water just before serving to keep the drink bubbly.
Nutrition
| Calories: 141kcal
| Carbohydrates: 11g
| Protein: 0.3g
| Fat: 0.1g
| Sodium: 5mg
| Potassium: 166mg
| Fiber: 1.4g
| Sugar: 7.1g
| Calcium: 8mg
| Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.