When the tree is up, the lights are twinkling, and your feet are aching from a full day of holiday prep, there’s really nothing like pouring yourself a glass of something a little fancy and very festive. This Christmas Sangria Cocktail fits that mood perfectly. I always say, if you’re going to celebrate, make it sparkle—and this drink does just that. I like to think of this recipe as the joyful cousin of mulled wine. It’s bright, fruit-forward, and crisp with just enough sweetness to keep you sipping. We’re talking oranges, apples, pomegranate seeds—all soaking up those red wine and brandy flavors like a Christmas miracle in a glass. This one’s great for a party because it’s easy to scale, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to impress their guests with something that looks straight out of a holiday magazine? So if you’re hunting for Holiday Food Ideas Christmas that go beyond the cookie plate, consider your search complete.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Christmas Sangria Cocktail Recipe
3) Ingredients for Christmas Sangria Cocktail
4) How to Make Christmas Sangria Cocktail
5) Tips for Making Christmas Sangria Cocktail
6) Making Christmas Sangria Cocktail Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Christmas Sangria Cocktail
8) Try these Drinks next!
9) Christmas Sangria Cocktail
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This sangria is the perfect Holiday Food Ideas Christmas crowd-pleaser.
Use fresh fruit, good wine, and a splash of something strong like brandy.
Letting it chill overnight deepens the flavor and makes it party-ready.
Don’t forget to stir in the soda just before serving to keep it fizzy.

2) Easy Christmas Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Let’s talk about sangria. Specifically, Christmas sangria. It’s one of my favorite holiday drinks. Not only does it bring cheer with every sip, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. When I’m prepping for the holidays, I love recipes that don’t ask for much but deliver a whole lot. This one fits that bill.

The beauty of this recipe is how relaxed it feels. You pour, chop, mix, and that’s it. It’s a break from the stress of holiday cooking. When I serve this during my holiday gatherings, it always disappears fast. People love that it tastes like the holidays in a glass. If you’re searching for Holiday Food Ideas Christmas, this one checks every box.

We’re combining the richness of red wine with brandy and orange liqueur. A little maple syrup brings the sweetness, while fresh fruits add flavor and color. It’s bright, balanced, and easy to batch. Whether you’re into Easy Holiday Cookies Christmas or just love Holiday Recipes with a twist, you’ll find this one brings the party to life.

3) Ingredients for Christmas Sangria Cocktail

1 bottle of dry red wine: Pick a wine you’d drink on its own. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Just something dry and bold enough to hold up to the fruit and brandy.

1/2 cup brandy: This gives your sangria a warm kick. It lifts the flavor and makes the drink feel a bit more grown-up.

1/4 cup orange liqueur: Think triple sec or Cointreau. Adds a citrusy edge that brightens the mix and plays well with the fruit.

1/4 cup maple syrup: You can add more or less depending on your sweet tooth. I like it just sweet enough to round things out without being sticky.

1 orange, thinly sliced: Oranges bring both color and that sweet-tart flavor that feels like the holidays.

1 apple, chopped: Choose something crisp. Apples soak up the wine and brandy, then give a juicy bite.

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds: These look like little rubies and give a tart burst in every glass. They scream holiday cooking at its prettiest.

1 cinnamon stick: Adds that subtle spiced warmth. It’s not overpowering—it’s more like a whisper of December.

1 cup club soda: Only add this just before serving. It lifts the whole drink with a bit of fizz.

Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional): They’re more for show than taste, but the piney aroma ties in perfectly with holiday baking scents.

4) How to Make Christmas Sangria Cocktail

Step 1. Pour the red wine into a large pitcher. Add the brandy, orange liqueur, and maple syrup. Stir gently to mix everything together. I usually give it a taste here to check the sweetness.

Step 2. Toss in the orange slices, chopped apple, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon stick. Use a wooden spoon to press some of the fruit slightly. It helps release more flavor into the drink.

Step 3. Cover the pitcher and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours. Overnight is even better. This gives the ingredients time to get cozy and mingle.

Step 4. When you’re ready to serve, stir in the club soda. Do it slowly so the bubbles stay lively. That fresh fizz really takes it to another level.

Step 5. Pour into glasses filled with ice. Add a sprig of rosemary to each glass if you want it to look holiday-party ready.

5) Tips for Making Christmas Sangria Cocktail

Let the sangria chill for at least a couple hours. It’s tempting to drink it right away, but waiting makes it so much better. The fruit softens, and the flavors settle into a cozy blend.

Use a wine you like. The mix-ins won’t mask a wine you hate. For the best flavor, choose one that’s dry but still smooth.

Don’t skip the fizz. That final splash of club soda right before serving is what gives it life. It lifts the richness and makes every sip feel light. For more Easy Christmas Food Ideas, adding a festive drink like this really rounds out the spread.

6) Making Christmas Sangria Cocktail Ahead of Time

I love a recipe that works ahead of the party. This sangria does just that. You can mix everything the night before and keep it in the fridge. That overnight soak actually makes the fruit taste better.

If you want to make this as part of your go-to Holiday Food Ideas Christmas list, you’ll appreciate how low-stress it is. No heating. No last-minute chopping. Just pour and stir.

Wait to add the club soda until just before serving. That way, you won’t lose the fizz. Your guests get the fresh sparkle, and you get the credit.

7) Storing Leftover Christmas Sangria Cocktail

Leftovers? Not likely. But if you happen to have any, you can store sangria in a covered pitcher in the fridge. It’ll last two to three days.

The fruit might get a little soft, but the flavor will still hold up. I’ve even poured the leftovers over ice and added a splash of fresh soda to perk it up.

When planning your holiday baking or Holiday Recipes lineup, drinks like this make the whole thing feel more complete. A little festive cheer in every glass never hurts.

8) Try these Drinks next!

9) Christmas Sangria Cocktail