Amazing holiday sangria: 1 secret tip

When the holidays roll around—all that excitement, the cozy lights, the gatherings—the last thing I want is stress lurking in the kitchen. Trust me, I’ve been there, scrambling to mix up something special when guests arrive, feeling totally flustered. That’s why I live by the rule that entertaining should be joyful, not complicated. If you’re nodding along, you need to ditch the complicated cocktails and embrace the magic of a good, hearty batch of **holiday sangria**. It’s vibrant, it tastes like everything wonderful about winter—think cranberries, oranges, and warm spice—and the best part? You make it the day before. It’s literally impossible to mess up, and it always looks stunning on the table.

Why This Ultimate Cranberry Orange Holiday Sangria is Your New Favorite Festive Winter Cocktail

Honestly, this isn’t just *another* drink recipe; it’s your secret weapon for stress-free hosting. If you want a crowd pleasing holiday beverage that genuinely tastes like the holidays in a glass, this is it. Forget tiny, fiddly cocktails—we’re making a true sangria for a crowd.

• Seasonal Flavor Bomb: It captures cranberry, bright orange, and cozy cinnamon spice perfectly. It smells like Christmas in your kitchen!
• Make Ahead Holiday Drinks Gold: This recipe demands chilling time, which is a chef’s kiss for busy hosts. It tastes better the longer it infuses.
• Instant Wow Factor: The deep red wine color studded with vibrant fruit slices makes this instantly beautiful, which is why I love it for any easy entertaining moments.
• Simple Spirit Boost: A little brandy adds depth without making the texture too heavy. It’s sophisticated but incredibly easy!

Gathering Ingredients for Your Spiced Apple Holiday Sangria

Okay, now that we’re all excited about having the best holiday party punch ready to go hours before anyone rings the doorbell, let’s talk ingredients. For me, part of building confidence in the kitchen is knowing exactly what you need before you start. This recipe is straightforward, relying on seasonal fruits and warming spices.

You’ll need a few things to create this perfectly balanced cranberry orange sangria. If you have everything on hand, prep only takes about fifteen minutes!

• You need one standard 750 ml bottle of dry red wine. I usually grab a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon; something fruity but not too heavy works best here.
• For the base liquid, grab 1 cup of simple apple cider—the real stuff, not the super sugary processed drinks.
• We’re adding a little kick with 1/2 cup of brandy. Trust me, it wakes up the fruit flavors beautifully.
• For that citrus note, measure out 1/4 cup of orange liqueur, like Cointreau or Triple Sec if you have it on hand.
• We need 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, but don’t stress if your fruit is super sweet; we can adjust this later.
• The spice is crucial for this festive winter cocktail! You’ll use 2 full cinnamon sticks and 3 whole star anise pods. Don’t skip the star anise; it gives it that incredibly cozy aroma.
• For the fruit, slice one large orange very thinly, and do the same with one large apple. I love using a crisp one like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
• Toss in 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries—frozen ones are great because they help keep the whole mixture chilled while infusing.
• Finally, for that little bit of sparkle right before serving, keep 1 cup of sparkling water or club soda ready.

That’s the whole list! See? Nothing weird, just delicious things waiting to become an amazing holiday sangria.

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Mastering the Steps: How to Prepare the Best Holiday Sangria

Now we get to the fun part—assembling this gorgeous drink! Getting the timing right is everything, especially since this is one of those amazing easy entertaining recipes that does most of the work for you ahead of time. You’ll need a big pitcher or maybe even a punch bowl if you’re having a huge crowd over.

Combining the Base for Your Holiday Sangria

First things first: we build the liquid foundation. Pour that whole bottle of red wine right into your pitcher. Then, add your 1 cup of apple cider, the 1/2 cup of brandy, and the 1/4 cup of orange liqueur. Next, toss in that measured sugar. Don’t just dump it in, though! Stir this mixture really well—you need to actively stir until that sugar is completely dissolved. We don’t want any gritty sweetness hanging out at the bottom, right?

Infusing the Flavors: The Make Ahead Holiday Drinks Secret

This is where the magic truly happens for any great holiday sangria. Add all your aromatic elements now: those 2 cinnamon sticks, the 3 fuzzy little star anise pods, your sliced oranges and apples, and the cup of cranberries. Cover the entire thing tightly and stick it in the fridge. I always tell people, at least 4 hours, but if you can manage it, let it go overnight! That long, cold chill time is the secret to pulling all those cozy spice and fruit notes into the wine. It’s the key to making this a fantastic make ahead holiday drink.

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Final Touches Before Serving Your Holiday Sangria

When your guests are starting to arrive, it’s time for the finishing touches. Look back at your pitcher and gently take out those two cinnamon sticks and the star anise—we don’t want anyone biting into those! Then, carefully pour in that 1 cup of fizzy sparkling water or club soda. Give it a very gentle stir, just enough to mix the bubbles in. Serve this festive winter cocktail immediately over lots of ice, making sure everyone gets a scoop of the beautifully soaked fruit in their glass!

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Expert Tips for the Perfect Holiday Sangria Infusion

Okay, you’ve mixed it, you’ve chilled it, and now you want to make sure this holiday sangria isn’t just *good*, but absolutely legendary. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to elevate any basic wine punch into something truly special. Since this recipe is designed to be a sangria for a crowd, tweaking it slightly for your group makes all the difference.

First, let’s talk wine selection again. I mentioned dry red like Merlot, but if you find a really fruit-forward Zinfandel or a Spanish Tempranillo, lean into that! The key is avoiding anything too jammy or oaky. We want the fruit and spice to shine, not fight with heavy tannins. If you check out my general tips for great wine pairings, you’ll see flavor balance is everything.

Next, sweetness adjustment. After the sangria has steeped overnight, give it a taste before you add the bubbly water. If your fruit was a little tart or your wine was unusually dry, you might want to dissolve one or two more teaspoons of sugar into a small splash of the liquid before stirring it back in. You’re aiming for sweet enough to be festive, but still tart enough to be refreshing. Never let it turn syrupy!

And for all those big holiday bashes? Go big or go home! Scaling this recipe is super simple, which is why it’s my go-to when I’m hosting. Just multiply everything by two or three. Keep those ratios the same, but here’s a crucial tip if you’re tripling it: use a very wide punch bowl instead of stacking pitchers. A wider surface area allows the fruit to infuse the wine more evenly across the entire batch. Plus, serving it from a beautiful bowl just looks incredible—it immediately screams, “This is the main event!”

Variations: Creating a White Winter Sangria Recipe or Other Citrus and Spice Sangria Options

I always want everyone to find their perfect drink, even if you aren’t a big fan of heavy red wine. Luckily, this framework for a holiday sangria is super versatile! It takes beautifully to lighter spirits and wines, transforming it into something totally different but equally festive.

The easiest switch is creating a vibrant White Winter Sangria Recipe. You just swap out the dry red for a crisp white. Think Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry Riesling if you like a touch more sweetness naturally present in the wine. Everything else stays exactly the same—the apple cider, the brandy, and the spices! It results in a brighter, cleaner drink that feels perfect for sipping while watching the snow fall. It’s a lovely, lighter option.

Adding Pomegranate for a Jewel-Toned Holiday Sangria

If you want to stick with the red wine base but need a little extra sparkle and tartness to really amp up the visual appeal, toss in some pomegranate seeds! They look like little jewels floating in the drink. Add about a cup of fresh or frozen arils when you add the apples and oranges. They add a wonderful pop of tartness that balances out the sugar wonderfully. It makes your holiday sangria look incredibly dramatic in the pitcher, honestly.

The Secret Boost: Rosemary for Extra Citrus and Spice Sangria Notes

For those of you who love aromatic cocktails—and since we are already playing with warm spices like cinnamon and star anise—let’s sneak in a subtle herbal element. This is where you turn it into a next-level citrus and spice sangria. Right when you add your cinnamon sticks, throw in two sprigs of fresh rosemary. Don’t chop it, just lay the whole sprigs right in there. The rosemary doesn’t overpower the fruit; it just adds this beautifully earthy, piney note that feels unbelievably cozy and totally wintery. Just remember to fish those woody rosemary sprigs out before you serve, just like you do the cinnamon!

Serving Suggestions for Your Crowd Pleasing Holiday Beverage

We’ve made the absolute best holiday sangria—now let’s make sure it looks as amazing sitting on your counter as it tastes! Presentation is everything during the holidays, and honestly, this drink barely needs help because the fruit looks so gorgeous floating in that deep red, but a few simple tricks will really level up that visual impact for your guests.

When it comes to the vessel, it really depends on the size of your party. If you’re hosting a smaller group (maybe 6 people or fewer), a nice, tall glass pitcher looks really elegant. But if you’re having a big bash, I wholeheartedly recommend moving everything into a large, clear punch bowl. It just invites people over, doesn’t it? You don’t have to babysit a pitcher; folks can serve themselves easily. I always give my bowl a little polish right before the guests arrive so it shines!

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Garnishing is the fun finish line! When you serve that first batch, make sure you’re scooping in plenty of the infused fruit. But for extra flair, you can float a couple of fresh orange wheels right on top of the liquid. Remember that fresh rosemary I suggested earlier in the recipe? Snip off a few pretty, small sprigs and drop them in with the fruit garnish; they look just like tiny pine branches floating there. It adds that extra unexpected, festive touch that people notice.

Now, what do you serve alongside this beautiful festive winter cocktail? Since sangria is fruity and slightly sweet but still packs a punch from the wine and brandy, it pairs perfectly with things that aren’t too heavy. I always set out a simple spread of appetizers. Think about salty and savory elements to balance the drink. A classic cheese board with some hard cheddars and creamy brie is fantastic. You can find some of my favorite easy pairings over at my appetizers and snacks page!

Also, remember to give folks a spot to hang out online! I always tell people if they snap a picture of their glass or your beautiful punch bowl to tag me over on Facebook; I love seeing how you all bring these recipes to life during the holidays! You can find me right here: Pure Cooking Joy on Facebook.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Holiday Sangria Leftovers

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes you make a giant pitcher of the most amazing holiday sangria, and you just can’t drink it all in one night of merriment! The good news is that this isn’t like a delicate cocktail that goes flat immediately. Because we infused all those lovely spices and fruits overnight, the leftovers are actually still packed with flavor the next day. But there’s one golden rule you absolutely must follow if you plan on saving some for later.

Do NOT store the leftovers with the sparkling water or club soda mixed in! That fizzy stuff is only added right before serving, and if you leave it stewing in the fridge overnight, you’ll end up with flat, sad wine soup.

Here’s my go-to method for saving the magic. Carefully strain the liquid from any remaining fruit and spice solids—unless you want them soaking forever, which can sometimes make the fruit mushy. Use a sealable container, like a large mason jar or an airtight pitcher, to store the infused wine mixture. As long as it’s sealed well, it keeps perfectly fine in the fridge for about three to four days. That way, you have a delicious, ready-to-pour winter fruit infused wine waiting for you!

Refreshing Your Leftover Holiday Sangria

If you’re pulling out the leftovers the day after your party, they will taste a little less vibrant than when you first made them fresh. That’s okay! They just need a little wake-up call. When you’re ready to pour a glass, take that steeped wine mixture and pour it over fresh ice. You’ll want to add a fresh splash of acidity and sparkle to bring it back to life. I usually add a dash more fresh orange juice or even a splash of just plain seltzer water—no need for the full cup of club soda you used before, just enough to lift the flavors.

If you’ve stored it for three or four days and you’re worried about the intensity, you can always add a fresh slice or two of orange to your glass before serving. It’s such a fantastic cozy seasonal cocktail that it’s worth preserving, even for a slow sipper like me!

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Holiday Sangria

I get so many sweet messages asking about tweaks and substitutions, and I totally get it—every gathering is different! Since this holiday sangria is so flexible, let me clear up some of the most common worries I hear from people prepping for their big festive gatherings. We want this to be a genuinely easy festive wine recipe for you!

Can I make this Easy Festive Wine Recipe without Brandy?

Oh, absolutely! Brandy adds a lovely, warming depth, kind of like vanilla does in a cake, but if you don’t keep hard spirits on hand, no problem at all. For substitutions, you have a couple of great options here. If you have Applejack or Cognac, those work beautifully as direct swaps since they are already fruit-based spirits. But honestly, the easiest trick for maintaining that cozy flavor is to swap the brandy with an additional 1/2 cup of strong, chilled apple cider. You might lose a tiny bit of the complexity, but you keep that lovely fall/winter vibe going strong. It’s an excellent solution for making this a truly crowd pleasing holiday beverage right out of the gate.

What is the best wine for a rich holiday sangria?

When crafting a rich holiday sangria, you want a wine that can stand up to the spices and the brandy, but you don’t want to spend a fortune! My personal favorite, as I mentioned, is a dry, fruit-forward Merlot—it’s smooth enough that it doesn’t taste harsh after infusing. A good Spanish Tempranillo is authentic and works perfectly because it has those earthy, slightly spicy undertones that marry with the cinnamon. Big, oaky California Cabernets are usually where I draw the line; too much oak clashes with the delicate fruit flavors. If you’re serving a huge group, look for an inexpensive but decent quality box wine labeled “Red Blend”—they are designed to be mixed and they are perfect for a large batch of this sangria for a crowd!

How can I make a non-alcoholic version of this Festive Winter Cocktail?

This is such a great question, and yes, you can totally make a fantastic non-alcoholic version of this festive winter cocktail! The key is replacing the wine and the brandy with something that provides a similar volume and complexity. Instead of the full bottle of wine, use a mix. I suggest starting with 2 parts high-quality, deep red grape juice (like Concord or unsweetened cherry juice) to 1 part chilled sparkling white grape juice or sparkling white cranberry juice. That combination gives you that tartness and color, mimicking the wine base. For the brandy, swap it out with an extra 1/2 cup of that chilled apple cider we already use, or use a non-alcoholic red wine substitute if you can find one you like.

Be sure to still add all the spices and the fresh fruit! The infusion time is even more important in the non-alcoholic version because the juices need time to really soak up those cinnamon and anise notes. It makes for a wonderful, vibrant option for everyone at your party!

Share Your Ultimate Cranberry Orange Holiday Sangria Experience

Well, that’s it! We’ve mixed, we’ve chilled, and now you have the absolute best, brightest, and most stress-free holiday sangria recipe ready for your celebration. Seriously, pouring this liquid gold out when your guests arrive is one of those quiet hosting wins that makes all the effort worthwhile.

Now, I really want to know how this recipe worked out for you! Did you use the rosemary sprigs? Did you let it sit overnight, or did you rush it a bit? Head down below and leave me a comment rating this recipe so others know how much you loved it. I read every single one, and it truly helps me fine-tune future recipes for you.

If you took a gorgeous photo of your pitcher sitting prettily on your kitchen island or on your contact page—I always love seeing your setups! Snap a picture of your festive spread and tag me on social media. Sharing cooking joy is what this whole process is about, and seeing your beautiful results keeps my own passion burning bright.

Cheers to happy, delicious, and easy holiday entertaining, my friends. Enjoy every single sip of that spiced wine!

Ultimate Cranberry Orange & Spiced Apple Holiday Sangria (Red Wine)

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Make this festive red wine holiday sangria for your next gathering. It combines seasonal flavors like cranberry, orange, apple, and warm spices, and you can prepare it ahead of time for easy entertaining.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Total Time: 4 hr 15 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Cocktail
• Method: Infusing/Chilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 whole star anise
• 1 large orange, thinly sliced
• 1 large apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (added just before serving)
• Ice for serving

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Instructions

1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the red wine, apple cider, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, sliced orange, sliced apple, and cranberries to the wine mixture.
3. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fruit to infuse the wine with flavor. This step makes it a perfect make ahead holiday drink.
4. Just before serving, remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise. Gently stir in the sparkling water or club soda.
5. Serve the holiday sangria over ice, making sure each glass gets some of the infused fruit.

Notes

• For a brighter flavor, use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio to make a White Winter Sangria variation.
• If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the added sugar to 2 tablespoons.
• To make this a crowd pleasing holiday beverage, double or triple the recipe and serve from a large punch bowl.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22
• Sodium: 15
• Fat: 0
• Saturated Fat: 0
• Unsaturated Fat: 0
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 25
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 0
• Cholesterol: 0