Christmas Sangria
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Try this refreshing Christmas sangria recipe for a perfect blend of seasonal flavors. Fruity, festive and easy to make Holiday drink!
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s also great for a big batch prep.
How to make Christmas sangria
Ingredients:
- Red wine
- Cranberry juice
- Pear nectar
- Ginger beer
- Cranberries
- Pears
- Star anise
- Orange
- Fresh rosemary
Tools:
- Large pitcher – or a wide-neck carafe
- Chopping board & knife
- Long spoon for mixing
The process:
All you need to do is combine all the ingredients and let it steep for several hours, 4 should be the minimum.
When it comes to the fruits, simply cut them into slices of any size you like. I also like to slice a few cranberries. They look so pretty. Rosemary is optional but it does make for a nice garnish as well as add a touch of flavor.
Serving ideas:
This Spanish drink goes well with all kinds of appetizers. To stay in a festive mood, why not make some brie bites to snack on while enjoying a glass or two.
Mini Christmas tree pizzas are also fun Christmas appetizers that will also pair well with winter sangria and so will festive charcuterie board.
Expert tips and recommendations
You can easily omit or substitute some of the ingredients. Why not add a cinnamon stick as a garnish?
Glasses for serving – Use anything. Wine glasses, footed or tall thick glasses are all great options but use what you have on hand.
This festive sangria is like a cold cousin of mulled wine. If you prefer the warm beverages, try it out instead!
You will need a pitcher that can hold at least 1.5 quarts (1.5 liters) of liquid.
Frequently asked questions:
Can I make sangria ahead of time?
Yes, you can. The longer it sits in the fridge, the more infused with the fruits and spices it will become and the tastier it gets.
How long will it last in the fridge?
When stored properly, it can last up to 4-5 days. For best results enjoy within 24-48 hours. If you decide to make it in advance, note that after 12-18 hours it is best to strain the fruit and keep it covered until ready to serve. Then, simply add fresh fruits before serving.
Can I make non-alcoholic sangria for Christmas?
Absolutely. Use cranberry juice as the base and experiment by adding other juices. As for the fruits – any winter fruits will work great!
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can. However, I recommend using fresh ones to achieve the best results. Keep the frozen ones for cranberry sauce or other …. Like cranberry panna cotta.
Other delicious Christmas drinks:
- Coquito – Easy recipe with no eggs and no evaporated milk!
- Caramel liqueur – Another simple recipe using 3 ingredients only!
- Homemade Irish Cream
- Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
Christmas Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine (750 milliliters), see note 1
- 1 cup sweetened cranberry juice
- 1 cup pear nectar or pear juice
- 1 ginger beer (330 milliliters)
- 2-3 whole star anise
- ½ cup fresh cranberries (see note 2)
- 1 pear (sliced)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients and stir.
- Refrigerate for 4+ hours before serving (see note 4 & 5).
- Enjoy!
Notes
- I used rioja tempranillo, dry Spanish wine but you can use anything you have on hand.
- Fresh cranberries are the best option here! You can add more if you like!
- If you want to make this in advance, or keep it for a few days in your fridge, make sure to strain the fruits (and discard them) after 12 hours and keep the sangria in the pitcher covered with a lid (or in a bottle), refrigerated. Also, you can add the ginger beer just before serving.
- Serve with fruits in each glass and topped with rosemary, star anise or cinnamon stick. Use either the infused fruits (when chilled in the fridge for a short time) or freshly cut fruits (when prepared in advance).
- You could add ice, but I feel like it is not needed when it is well chilled.
My favorite winter drink! I especially love the aroma of star anise. Can’t wait to make it for Christmas dinner!
Enjoy, Shawn! :)