There is nothing more Christmassy than Sangria. It’s the perfect Holiday drink and can be made so many different ways. My version sparkles with rosemary sprigs, pops of spicy ginger-ale come through while being coated in a nice cabernet. Fresh cranberries and pears round out this easy Sangria, while honey-crisp apples and orange slices give it that warm welcome feeling. This Sangria will be the hit at all of your holidays parties, and a staple you can use for years to come!
This week has been one for the books. We got home from an amazing and very needed vacation last week and I’m still reeling in the post vacation high where I’m super motivated to get all of end-of-year work done and particularly excited for December in general. Today is December 1st and it’s the last month of the year, but I still feel this gratifying sense of renewal to hit the refresh button in many areas of my life. There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint on an old wall am I right? Is anyone else feeling the end of year/refresh feelings? I know I’m not the only one.
This Sangria is similar to that renew/refresh button. It’s spicy, warm, inviting, and will be the hit at all of your holiday gatherings! My Christmas Sangria is also super easy to whip up when last minute guests come knocking at your door, with that surprise! look on their faces. This Sangria is similar to your traditional classic Sangria, but I’ve zested my version up a bit.
I’ve been making this version for years and my close friend Kathy, from Before And After My Empty Nest, was looking for an easy Sangria to make for an upcoming holiday party and asked me if I had a recipe and I was like, you know what, indeed I do! Check out Kathy’s beautiful blog and amazing yoga photos.
There are many ways you can spice up Sangria. When California has Cara-Cara and Blood Oranges in season, I like to swap those varieties in for regular oranges because Blood Orange in everything is delicious. Cinnamon sticks take this recipe up a notch and I highly suggest keeping them in there the entire duration of your holiday party. The cinnamon keeps on giving to the sangria and the flavors comes together for the perfect winter cocktail.
Make sure you have ice on hand, because Christmas Sangria is best served cold over ice with some fresh sprigs of rosemary.
Have you tried Sangria before? Do you prefer red or white wine Sangria? Comment below and share all the deets with me.
If you make this recipe, please tag me in your posts on Instagram using the hashtag #fittyfoodlicious. I love seeing my recipes in your kitchen!
What holiday gatherings are you excited about this year?
Now, go out and celebrate and enjoy all of what December has to bring!
With love,
Genevieve
Christmas Sangria
There is nothing more Christmassy than Sangria. It’s the perfect Holiday drink and can be made so many different ways. My version sparkles with rosemary sprigs. Pops of spicy ginger-ale come through while being coated in a nice cabernet. Fresh cranberries and pears round out this easy Sangria, while honey-crisp apples and orange slices give it that warm welcome feeling. This Sangria will be the hit at all of your holidays parties, and a staple you can use for years to come!
Makes: Servings: 10
Prep time:
Ingredients:
- 2-cups Fresh Cranberries
- 1-cup Chopped Honeycrisp Apples
- 1-cup Chopped Pears
- 1/2-cup Pomegranate Arils
- 1/4-cup Mandarin Orange Slices
- 1-cup Orange Slices
- 1-bottle of Cabernet
- 1-bottle of Ginger Beer of choice (I used the spicy version from Trader Joe’s.
- 1-cup of Fresh Orange Juice
- 1-cup of Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
- 24-oz of Cranberry Raspberry Sparkling Water or Plain Sparkling Water
- Cinnamon Sticks and Rosemary Sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the fresh cranberries, chopped apples, chopped pears, pomegranate arils, and mandarin orange slices to the bottom of a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Add the liquid ingredients and stir.
- Place orange slices and cinnamon sticks on top of the Sangria and stir lightly.
- Serve over ice with a sprig of fresh rosemary
- For best results, store in the fridge for at-least one hour for all of the flavors to infuse together before serving.
Wow, I love all the winter fruits you put in this sangria and adding the Ginger Beer is such a good idea. This is so festive and perfect for the holidays.
Sangria is such a good go-to for the holidays or for large gatherings! Thanks for sharing this recipe!