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clear glass pitcher and two rocks glasses filled with fruit-filled red Christmas sangria on top of a white doily on a wooden table with cranberries scattered around and a bowl with multicolored christmas lights to the side.
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4.56 (34 ratings)

Christmas Sangria

This sangria is simple to make and fizzy with your choice of club soda or tonic water and sweet from the natural fruit juices that are muddled and swim in the wine overnight. This drink is cheerful, economical, and delicious. What’s not to like? Make it the night before and your pitcher will be ready to display on your table for your guests.
Prep Time5 minutes
Chill6 hours
Total Time6 hours 5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Spanish
Servings: 8 to 12
Author: Yvette Marquez

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces cranberries rinsed
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 1 apple cored and cut into thin wedges
  • 1 pear cored and cut into thin wedges
  • 2 bottles red wine recommend Tempranillo
  • 1 liter club soda or tonic water chilled

Instructions

  • Muddle the cranberries in a large pitcher. Use the back of a spoon to crush and smash them against the sides of the pitcher.
  • Add the orange, apple and pear slices and muddle.
  • Pour in the wine and stir. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • Before serving, stir in tonic water or club soda. Serve cold.

Video

Notes

Optional Variations
  • Swap Fruits - Feel free to use any mix and match of sangria fruit you like. I recommend sweet citrus (avoid super tart lime, lemon, and grapefruit), apples and pears, berries of all kinds, pomegranate arils, stone fruits, and even tropical fruit like pineapple or mango. Just remember to make a true “Christmas” sangria, you should stick to wintry fruit options that are in-season in December.
  • Extra Boozy - While I kept this recipe relatively light by only using wine and sparkling water, you’re welcome to amp up the buzz and add orange-flavored Cointreau.
  • Non-Alcoholic Sangria - Don’t forget the DD’s and kids at the party! Make a spectacularly delicious punch either with NA red wine or cranberry juice cocktail, plenty of fruit, and a splash of sparkling soda.
Expert Tips
  • Muddling helps release the flavors of the fresh fruit by pressing the ingredients against the side of the glass to smoosh them a bit. However, do not over-muddle the cranberries—too much of their tannic juices will make your sangria tart and cloudy. Professional muddlers come in either wood, plastic, or metal, but a wooden spoon also works perfectly. 
  • Prepare extras! I like to keep a few batches of this pitcher cocktail on hand in the fridge for when it inevitably runs out. I’ve learned to expect about 1-2 drinks per guest per hour.
  • Make sure to get some fruit chunks in every glass for the full, delicious effect. Crunching on the wine-soaked nibbles is half the fun of sangria!
Storage Instructions
  • Room Temperature - While it is safe to leave this easy Christmas sangria out for several hours at room temperature, it is best served chilled. As such, I recommend nestling your punch bowl inside a larger ice bath to keep it perfectly frosty throughout your party. You’re also welcome to add frozen orange slices and cranberries to the bowl to act as edible ice cubes.
  • Refrigerated - Sangria will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I recommend removing the fruit—doing so will help it keep for closer to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg