If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing drink that brings together vibrant flavors and a festive spirit, this Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful mix of robust Merlot, tart cranberry juice, zesty orange, and warm hints of cinnamon and brandy that come together like a holiday celebration in a glass. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to elevate your next get-together, this sangria offers a perfect balance of fruity, sweet, and spiced notes that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this sangria plays a crucial role in building up the layers of flavor and the inviting colors that make it so appealing. Using fresh fruits, bold juices, and aromatic spices ensures your sangria tastes as fantastic as it looks!
- Merlot or red wine, 750 ml: Choose a smooth, fruity red wine that forms the rich base of your sangria.
- Cranberry juice, 2 1/2 cups: Adds a tart brightness that balances the sweetness and deepens the color.
- Orange juice, 1 cup: Brings fresh citrusy sweetness to brighten the blend.
- Simple syrup, 1/2 cup: Sweetens softly without overpowering the fresh fruit flavors.
- Blackberry brandy, 1/2 cup: Infuses a lovely berry depth alongside the wine.
- Chambord, 1/2 cup: Adds a hint of lush black raspberry and elegance.
- Lemon-lime soda, 2 cups: Introduces a light fizz and refreshing crispness just before serving.
- Oranges, 2 sliced: Fresh slices give a beautiful garnish and fresh aroma.
- Cranberries, 1 cup: Offer pops of color and a subtle tartness.
- Cinnamon sticks, 6: Bring warm, spicy notes perfect for the festive vibe.
- Rosemary sprigs, for garnish: Aromatic and visually striking, they add a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Magical Base
Start by combining all the liquid ingredients—Merlot, cranberry juice, orange juice, simple syrup, blackberry brandy, and Chambord—in a large pitcher. Then add the sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. This mixture is where all the magic begins, as the fruit and spices start to infuse the wine with delightful layers of flavor.
Step 2: Let Flavors Meld Overnight
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, though overnight is best. This chilling time allows the wine to soak up the fruity sweetness and the warming spice of cinnamon, creating a beautifully balanced flavor that sings with every sip.
Step 3: Add Fizz Just Before Serving
When it’s time to serve, add plenty of ice to the pitcher and gently pour in the lemon-lime soda. The soda adds a welcoming sparkle and lightness that lifts the sangria, turning it into a refreshing party-ready punch.
Step 4: Garnish for Festive Flair
Garnish each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig. Not only does this add an aromatic herbal note that perfectly complements the spices in the sangria, but it also gives your serving an elegant, holiday-ready presentation.
How to Serve Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
Rosemary sprigs are the star garnish here, bringing a vibrant green pop and an enticing pine-like aroma. In addition, consider adding a few fresh cranberries or orange slices in each glass for added visual appeal and extra bursts of flavor with every sip.
Side Dishes
Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe pairs wonderfully with light appetizers like prosciutto-wrapped melon, herbed cheese platters, or spiced nuts—each enhancing the sangria’s fruity and spiced complexity while keeping things fresh and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly memorable gathering, serve your sangria in clear glass pitchers or a beautiful punch bowl so guests can admire the vibrant red hues and fruit pieces glistening inside. Adding ice cubes with frozen cranberries or edible flowers can also up your presentation game and wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any sangria you have left over should be stored covered in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to keep the fruits fresh and the flavors bright. Stir gently before serving leftovers to redistribute flavors.
Freezing
This sangria isn’t ideal for freezing because the carbonation from the lemon-lime soda will dissipate and the texture of fresh fruit will change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Reheating sangria is not recommended as it’s meant to be served chilled and fizzy. However, if you prefer a warm version, gently heat the mixture without the soda and serve as a cozy mulled wine alternative.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of wine for this Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe?
Absolutely! While Merlot works beautifully because of its fruity and smooth profile, other red wines like Tempranillo or Zinfandel can also create delightful variations. Just choose something medium-bodied and not too tannic.
Is it possible to make this sangria non-alcoholic?
Yes! Simply replace the red wine with a robust grape juice or a blend of black cherry and pomegranate juices, and omit the brandy and Chambord. Add a bit more simple syrup to balance the tartness.
How far in advance can I prepare the sangria?
It’s best prepared at least 6 hours before serving to let all the flavors meld properly, but you can make it up to 24 hours ahead for even deeper infusion. Just add the soda and ice right before serving.
Can I use fresh cinnamon instead of sticks?
Cinnamon sticks are preferred because they infuse gently and are easy to remove. Ground cinnamon can be used sparingly, but it may cloud the sangria and create a stronger, sometimes overpowering flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the sangria cold if serving outside?
Keep the sangria pitcher on a bed of ice or use a chilled pitcher to maintain its refreshing temperature. Alternatively, serve it in an insulated beverage dispenser to keep things cool and fizzy longer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a glass of this Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe with friends and family. Its bright colors, layered flavors, and charming aroma make every sip feel like a celebration. I encourage you to try this recipe at your next gathering—it’s guaranteed to bring warmth, joy, and plenty of cheers to the table.
Print
Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
Description
This Festive Red Wine Sangria is a vibrant, flavorful cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings. Blending Merlot with cranberry and orange juices, blackberry brandy, Chambord, and festive spices, this refreshing sangria is chilled to meld the flavors and finished with lemon-lime soda for a light fizz. Garnished with fresh rosemary, it’s a delightful and aromatic drink to celebrate any occasion.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 750 ml Merlot or red wine of choice
- 2 1/2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
- 1/2 cup blackberry brandy
- 1/2 cup Chambord
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda
Fruits & Garnish
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 1 cup cranberries
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the Merlot or red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, simple syrup, blackberry brandy, Chambord, sliced oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher. Stir gently to mix all the flavors together thoroughly.
- Chill the Sangria: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and intensify for the perfect festive taste.
- Add Soda and Ice: Just before serving, add ice to the pitcher and pour in the lemon-lime soda to give the sangria a light, refreshing fizz. Stir gently to combine without losing carbonation.
- Garnish and Serve: Pour the sangria into glasses and garnish each with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive and aromatic presentation that enhances the drink’s holiday appeal.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute red wine and brandies with grape juice and omit alcohol.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of simple syrup according to taste preference.
- Allowing the sangria to chill overnight maximizes flavor infusion for best results.
- Use fresh, seasonal fruits for garnish and enhanced aroma.
