Christmas Prosecco Sangria

This Christmas Prosecco sangria is not your typical heavy variety: this is a light and bubbly Prosecco with winter fruits and spices added. Plus, it looks so pretty with floating cranberries and rosemary sprigs, and having something beautiful at a Christmas party is one of the nicest parts of life.

clear glass of sangria with orange slice, cranberries, and ice.

Christmas Prosecco Sangria

A pretty and bubbly Christmas sangria that combines prosecco with seasonal fruits and spices for a light and just sweet enough drink. Makes 8 servings.

Prep Time 10

Chill Time 2

Total Time 2 10

Serving Size servings

Ingredients

1 bottle prosecco, chilled (750ml)
2 cups cranberry juice unsweetened or sweetened, depending on your preference
½ cup orange liqueur e.g., Grand Marnier or Triple Sec
½ cup brandy
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 orange thinly sliced into rounds
1 apple green or red, cored and thinly sliced
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons sugar or honey for added sweetness I only use this with a dry Prosecco

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Instructions

Prepare the fruit and spices. Combine the cranberries, orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon stick, and rosemary sprigs in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
Mix the base. Add the cranberry juice, orange liqueur, brandy, and sugar or honey (if using) to the fruit. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and combine the flavors.
Chill. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Add prosecco. Just before serving, pour the chilled prosecco into the pitcher. Gently stir to mix without losing too many bubbles.
Serve. Pour into glasses over ice if desired, ensuring each glass gets a mix of fruit. Garnish with an extra sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the prosecco with sparkling white grape juice or soda water, and omit the orange liqueur and brandy (in that case, definitely omit the sugar).
Pomegranate seeds make a beautiful addition for extra festive flair and flavor.
Serve in clear glasses to showcase the vibrant colors of the sangria and fruit.

I first created this recipe for a holiday house party, and now it’s one of my go-to festive drinks. My sister-in-law, who claims she’s “not a cocktail person,” asked for the recipe before she even finished her first glass. Victory.

top view of inside of pitcher showing all the fruit on top of sangria.

I also make up a mocktail version for the kids to enjoy with sparkling apple cider and extra pomegranate seeds. Fizzy drinks are fun for everyone.

Sangria Tips

Temperature is everything. Make sure your prosecco is thoroughly chilled before adding it to avoid losing those precious bubbles.
Don’t skip the fruit steeping time! Those 1-2 hours in the fridge are crucial for developing deep flavors. But don’t add the prosecco until serving time.
Pour slowly. When adding the prosecco, pour it slowly down the side of the pitcher and stir gently.
Thinly sliced fruit. Slice your fruit thin enough to be pretty but thick enough to hold its shape – aim for about ⅛ inch thick for oranges and apples.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Let’s talk about what goes into making this drink!

Prosecco: Go for a brut or extra dry prosecco – I love La Marca or Mionetto. Save the really expensive stuff for drinking straight! If you don’t have (or want to use) prosecco, you can make it’s dark evil twin, my other Christmas sangria recipe.
Cranberry Juice: Ocean Spray is reliable and widely available. Just check if it’s sweetened or unsweetened before adding extra sugar.
Orange Liqueur: Grand Marnier gives the best flavor, but Triple Sec works great, too, and is more budget-friendly.
Fresh Cranberries: Buy an extra bag during the season and freeze them – they work perfectly in this recipe and double as ice cubes.
Rosemary: Fresh only, please! The dried stuff won’t give you that same aromatic pine-like essence or pretty garnish.
Pitcher: A clear glass pitcher is crucial for showing off those gorgeous colors. I use a 2.5-quart one to give enough room for stirring.

Since this is a simple drink, you want to use fresh ingredients to give the best flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a cheese board, holiday appetizers like bacon-wrapped dates, Italian Christmas butter cookies, and any holiday meal – it’s perfect for tree-trimming parties or Christmas dinners.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I make this ahead of time?

Mix everything except the prosecco up to 24 hours in advance. Add the bubbly just before serving.

How sweet is this sangria?

It depends on your cranberry juice choice. Start without extra sugar – you can always add some later if needed.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Fresh is best for the apples and oranges, but frozen cranberries work perfectly!

Will this work with champagne?

Absolutely! But prosecco’s price point makes it perfect for mixing.

If you have any more questions, leave me a comment. I’m always happy to help.

Storing Leftovers

In the Fridge:

If you somehow have leftovers (ha!), store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but know that it will lose its fizz. The fruit-infused base (without prosecco) keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated.

This one really brings the Christmas magic, whether you’re making the classic version or the family-friendly mocktail. Just be sure to label which ones are which!

Christmas Prosecco Sangria