Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleaser that’s both refreshing and perfect for holiday vibes, you’ve got to try this Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe. I absolutely love how this sangria strikes the perfect balance between fruity, spicy, and just a hint of fizz – it’s one of those drinks that instantly lifts your spirits and feels like a celebration in every glass. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or just want something special to sip on chilly evenings, you’ll find this recipe easy to make and endlessly enjoyable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe comes from layering flavors that complement each other beautifully. Choose good-quality red wine and fresh fruit for the best results—you don’t have to splurge on a pricey bottle, but avoid the cheapest too. The fresh citrus and cranberries add a bright pop, while the spices give it that seasonal warmth.

• Red Wine (Merlot or choice): I usually go with Merlot because it’s smooth and fruity without too much tannin, which pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Cranberry Juice: Adds a tartness that balances the sweetness and enhances the festive color.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed works wonders, but bottled is fine in a pinch, adding zesty brightness.
• Simple Syrup: Sweetens gently without overpowering; you can adjust the amount based on your preference.
• Blackberry Brandy: A secret weapon for rich berry depth that elevates the sangria.
• Chambord: Another berry-flavored liqueur that boosts the fruitiness with a subtle floral note.
• Lemon-Lime Soda: Adds effervescence and just the right touch of sweetness and citrus sparkle.
• Oranges (sliced): Fresh slices add color and can be eaten after – bonus!
• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen works; they add that classic holiday zing and look beautiful floating on top.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Infuse warm spice, and they make for charming garnishes too.
• Rosemary Sprigs: For garnish, giving a lovely herbal aroma that complements the spices.

Variations

I love making this Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe my own by trying out different fruits and spirits. Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs — it’s all about enjoying the drink that feels right for your celebration.

• Variation: When I wanted a lighter version, I swapped half the red wine for sparkling water; it was just as vibrant but with fewer calories.
• Variation: For extra holiday flair, adding pomegranate seeds instead of cranberries not only looks festive but tastes amazing too.
• Variation: If you prefer a non-alcoholic sangria, simply omit the brandy and Chambord, and add extra cranberry and orange juices with lemon-lime soda for fizz.

How to Make Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Wine and Fruits

Start by combining the red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, simple syrup, blackberry brandy, Chambord, sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher. Give everything a gentle stir to help blend those flavors together. I like to do this part the night before if I can – that way, the spices and fruit get to infuse beautifully overnight in the fridge, which really amps up the taste.

Step 2: Chill Thoroughly

Patience is key here. Let your sangria chill for at least six hours—overnight is ideal—so all the flavors marry perfectly. Trust me, it makes a huge difference. If you’re pressed for time, even a few hours will still yield a delicious drink, but the longer, the better!

Step 3: Add the Fizz and Serve

Right before serving, add plenty of ice to the pitcher and pour in the lemon-lime soda. This adds a refreshing sparkle that brightens the drink and makes it wonderfully festive. Give it one last gentle stir, then pour into glasses garnished with a rosemary sprig for that cozy holiday touch. I tend to have the rosemary on hand because it smells amazing and gives the sangria a lovely herbal aroma!

How to Serve Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs because they add a beautiful, festive look and a hint of piney aroma that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sticks floating in the sangria. Plus, the fresh orange slices and cranberries on top make it look like holiday magic in a glass.

Side Dishes

Whenever I serve this sangria, I like to pair it with savory bites like baked brie with cranberry chutney, roasted nuts, or a charcuterie board featuring soft cheeses and cured meats. The wine and fruit flavors really balance salty and creamy snacks, making your spread feel elevated and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve taken to serving this sangria in large glass pitchers with floating fruit and spices visible – it’s such a gorgeous presentation! Another fun idea is offering mugs with cinnamon sticks and a rosemary sprig per person, giving guests a charming, cozy feel like they’re holding a holiday hug.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sangria keeps really well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though I recommend adding fresh soda and ice only when you’re ready to serve again. This helps maintain the fizz and freshness without the drink getting watered down.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing sangria because the carbonation from the soda will be lost and the texture of fresh fruit usually changes after freezing. Instead, stick to making just enough you can enjoy fresh or store refrigerated leftovers.

Reheating

Sangria is best served cold and never reheated. If you want a warm twist, such as mulled wine during colder days, I suggest a separate recipe designed for heating up, since the soda and fresh fruit won’t hold up well to heat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings because it’s simple, vibrant, and packs that seasonal punch we all crave. The blend of juicy fruit, warming spices, and a little sparkle makes each sip feel special, and it’s a real conversation starter with friends and family. I’m confident you’ll love how easy it is to pull together, and how it brings a little extra joy to your celebrations. Cheers to good times and great sangria!

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