There’s something magical about a drink that tastes just like the holidays, isn’t there? My Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe captures that cozy, fruity spirit in a glass — with bright apples, fresh cranberries, warm spices, and a splash of red wine that’s perfect to sip alongside your holiday cheer. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and feels like a little celebration with every pour.

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’ve made this Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe so many times during the holidays now, I can honestly say it’s become my go-to party drink. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and tart, with hints of winter warmth from the cinnamon and rosemary. Plus, it looks stunning in a punch bowl when guests arrive!

Festive Flavors: The combination of apple, cranberry, and orange makes every sip taste perfectly seasonal and refreshing.
Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip it up in minutes and let it chill while you get everything else ready.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add extra spices to match your personal taste or dietary needs.
Great for Gatherings: It’s an easy, festive punch that looks great on the table and keeps the party spirits bright.

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

Each ingredient plays its own role in making this Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe truly special. The fresh fruit adds brightness and texture, while the apple cider and cranberry juice bring a natural sweetness balanced by crisp citrus and warming spices.

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: Adds fresh crunch and a subtle sweetness; choose a firm variety like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture.
Cranberries (fresh or frozen): Bring that beautiful holiday red color and a tart punch that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Navel orange and orange slices: Fresh citrus brightens the whole drink and adds a lovely zesty aroma.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: A fragrant herb that adds a piney note, really enhancing the festive vibe.
Honey: Natural sweetness that blends smoothly; plus, it adds a bit of a rich depth you won't get from plain sugar.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy kick to brighten all those flavors.
Cinnamon sticks: Infuse warming spice that evokes cozy holiday feelings—plus, they look pretty, too!
Apple cider (unfiltered): Brings body and that classic fall flavor which pairs wonderfully with the wine.
Unsweetened 100% cranberry juice: Boosts the tartness and deepens the color without adding extra sugar.
Sweet red wine of choice: The backbone that ties everything together; I usually reach for a fruity Merlot or a Grenache.

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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

I love playing around with the flavor profile depending on the vibe of the party or what’s in season. This recipe is so flexible — you can really make it your own by adjusting the sweetness, swapping fruit, or even changing the base wine.

Variation: One year, I added a splash of brandy for some extra warmth and depth; it was a total hit for a chilly evening! You might also try adding pomegranate seeds or substituting blood orange for a twist.
For a lighter twist: Use a dry rosé instead of sweet red wine, and cut back on the honey if you want it less sweet.
Non-alcoholic: Substitute sparkling apple cider for the wine and increase the cranberry and apple juices for a festive mocktail.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Fruit & Herbs

Start by washing your apples, cranberries, and oranges. Slice the apples thinly so they soak up the sangria flavors well. Peel your navel orange into segments or just slice one orange pretty thin. Then, grab a couple of fresh rosemary sprigs to add that holiday fragrance.

Step 2: Build Your Sangria Base

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, toss in your sliced apples, orange slices, and cranberries. Pour in the bottle of sweet red wine, the unsweetened cranberry juice, and unfiltered apple cider. Add the lemon juice and honey, then stir everything gently until the honey is dissolved and the flavors start mingling.

Step 3: Add Spice and Chill

Pop in cinnamon sticks and lay the rosemary sprigs on top for a lovely aromatic garnish. Cover the sangria and refrigerate it for at least one hour, but I find letting it sit overnight gives the best flavor infusion. Patience pays off here!

Step 4: Serve With Holiday Joy

Give it one last gentle stir before serving. Pour into glasses with a few pieces of fruit and some ice cubes if you like it chilled just so. You’re all set to impress your guests with this festive, delicious concoction!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe truly shine. These simple tips have saved me from common pitfalls and brought out the best flavor every time.

Use Unfiltered Apple Cider: It adds more depth and a richer apple flavor compared to filtered versions, which can taste watery.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Let the sangria rest in the fridge for at least an hour so the fruit can soak up the wine’s flavor — overnight is even better for a more harmonious blend.
Choose a Fruit-Forward Wine: I like to use a fruity, not too dry red wine for balance, like a Merlot or Grenache — they complement the fruit without overpowering it.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Rosemary is subtle but crucial; avoid dry or wilted sprigs as they don’t deliver the bright, piney aroma you want.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe

Festive Christmas Sangria - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always serve this sangria with a few extra fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary in each glass — it instantly looks festive and smells incredible. Sometimes I add a cinnamon stick in the glass for that extra holiday flair and slow stirring action as guests sip.

Side Dishes

This sangria pairs wonderfully with classic holiday appetizers like spiced nuts, sharp cheeses, and crusty breads. For a full meal, I enjoy serving it alongside roasted turkey or ham — the sangria's fruity brightness cuts through those rich, savory flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served this sangria in a large glass punch bowl surrounded by fresh pine branches and mini ornaments for a winter wonderland vibe. Another fun idea is to portion it into individual mason jars with cinnamon stick stirrers — super cute and no-fuss for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because this sangria tastes even better after some time, I usually keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, and the fruit will continue soaking up those delicious flavors.

Freezing

I haven't tried freezing sangria myself because the texture of the fruit changes and the wine’s quality can be affected. For the freshest taste, I recommend making as much as you think you’ll drink within a couple of days.

Reheating

This sangria is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you want a warm version, you could reheat it gently on the stove with fresh spices and serve as a mulled wine twist!

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While I prefer a fruity red like Merlot or Grenache, you can experiment with dry reds, rosé, or even sparkling wine depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level of the wine will affect the final flavor, so adjust honey accordingly.

How far ahead can I prepare this sangria?

I recommend preparing it at least one hour in advance so the flavors meld nicely. Overnight chilling in the refrigerator is even better as it deepens the flavor and infuses the fruit thoroughly. Just be sure to keep it covered so it doesn’t absorb any other fridge odors.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe?

Yes! Substitute the red wine with sparkling apple cider or grape juice, and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. The cranberries and citrus will still give you that festive, vibrant taste without the alcohol.

What are good garnishes for this Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe?

Fresh cranberries, thin orange slices, rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon sticks are my favorites because they add visual appeal and enhance the holiday aroma. They make the presentation feel extra special, especially when guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe holds a special place in my heart (and my holiday parties) because it’s easy, beautiful, and full of those warm-yet-fresh flavors that make December feel so inviting. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this sangria front and center every year. Give it a go—you’ve got nothing to lose but a perfectly merry sip in hand!