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What are the holidays without a cocktail or two? And when serving a crowd, batched cocktails are often best which is why I know you all will love this Holiday Sangria!
I made a holiday sangria years ago and I thought it was time to give it a little refresh! If you are not familiar with sangria, it is a wine punch that includes fresh fruits and other spirits that originated in Spain and Portugal. I enjoyed plenty of sangria when I studied abroad in Spain while in college so wanted to bring those nostalgic flavors home but with a holiday twist. By including cranberries, cinnamon sticks, apple cider, and a few other garnishes, this tastes like the holidays in a glass!
Holiday Sangria Ingredients:
- Honeycrisp Apple
- Fresh Cranberries
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Star Anise Pods
- 1 bottle of Red Wine
- Apple Cider
- Cointreau
- Orange
- For Serving: Cinnamon, Turbinado sugar, Ice, Rosemary Sprigs
Step-by-Step:
Step One: Start the Flavor Base
To start, thinly slice your apples. Place the sliced apples, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods into the bottom of a large pitcher.
Step Two: Add Liquids
Next, pour the wine, apple cider, and Cointreau into the pitcher. Gentry stir. Tuck the sliced oranges into the pitcher.
Step Three: Chill
Cover and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours.
Step Four: Serve and enjoy!
Serve the Holiday Sangria in cinnamon-sugar-rimmed wine glasses filled with ice. Garnish with rosemary sprig!
Recipe FAQs:
I tend to use a red blend for my sangria but use whatever red wine you prefer!
You can omit this if preferred! These add to the holiday taste of this sangria, but not necessary.
Absolutely! This needs to chill in the fridge for atleast 4 hours for the flavors to meld, but you could also make this the day before your event for the flavors to have even more time.
I hope you enjoy this Holiday Sangria with the ones you love most this season!
For More Holiday Cocktails:
Tequila Espresso-Orange Martini
Holiday Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 small honeycrisp apple
- ¾ cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods optional
- 1 bottle of red wine I use a red blend but use whatever you prefer
- 1 cup apple cider (juice)
- ½ cup Cointreau
- 1 small orange thinly sliced
For Serving:
- Cinnamon
- Turbinado sugar
- Ice
- Rosemary Sprigs
Instructions
- To start, thinly slice your apple then cut those slices in half. Place the sliced apples, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pods into the bottom of a large pitcher.
- Next, pour the wine, apple cider, and Cointreau into the pitcher. Gentry stir. Tuck the sliced oranges into the pitcher.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours.
- Serve in cinnamon-sugar rimmed wine glasses filled with ice. Garnish with rosemary sprig.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Eat Love Eats.
I have made this recipe twice now, doubled each time. I leave out the star anise because it’s too pricey. It’s a crowd pleaser. So easy to make and so tasty!
This was so delicious! I used a Tempranillo wine and it was perfect, not too sweet and lots of depth in the flavor of the sangria. My guests loved the hints of cinnamon and licorice from the star anise.
This was great! Made two batches for Thanksgiving and everyone enjoyed it.
I love the cinnamon taste in this & how festive all of the fruit looks in it. It is delish…will definitely be making again for ladies’ Christmas party!
What can I sub for triple sec? Would luxardo or aperol work?
I can’t wait to make this! Any suggestions for a good appetizer to pair with it?
Yes! Here are a few ideas: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, Mini Croque Monsieur Bites, Baked Feta with Olive, Soppressata and Thyme, or Cranberry Brie Bites!
Can I substitute the cointreau for triple sec?
yes, that should work very well here as a sub
Absolutely incredible! Made for a Friendsgiving. Not too sweet, so good!
Thank you, Ashley! Glad you enjoyed it!
When you say Apple Cider do you mean the juice or the alcohol drink?
the juice!
Oh good thing I checked the comments… I was thinking the vinegar!