The Best Christmas Sangria Recipe with Apple, Cranberry, and Spices

If you want an easy and fun holiday drink with warm winter flavors, this Christmas Sangria is just the thing for you. It’s made with fresh cranberries, crisp apples, cinnamon, red wine, apple brandy, and raspberry liqueur.

The best part? It’s super easy to prepare in advance. Mix everything in a large pitcher, put it in the fridge, and let the flavors blend while you handle other holiday tasks. When you’re ready to serve, pour it over ice and add some extra cranberries and rosemary for decoration.

glass pitcher with wine, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries.

Christmas Sangria Recipe

All the best flavors of winter: cranberry, apple, and cinnamon combine with wine and flavored liquors for an easy holiday drink your guests will love

Prep Time 5

Chilling time 2

Total Time 2 5

Serving Size people

Equipment

1 gallon or larger pitcher
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons or long stirring spoon

Ingredients

½ cup fresh cranberries
1 large apple (peeled, cored, and diced)
1 cinnamon sticks
1 bottle red wine (750 ml)
½ cup apple brandy
½ cup black raspberry liquor
1½ cups apple cider
1 cup cranberry juice
fresh rosemary (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the fruit. Add the diced apple, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon stick to a large pitcher (at least 1 gallon).
Add the liquids. Pour in the red wine, apple brandy, black raspberry liqueur, apple cider, and cranberry juice. Stir until well combined.
Chill and serve. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. If you want, serve the sangria over ice or plain, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and extra cranberries.

Notes

Don’t spend a lot on an expensive bottle of wine—any dry red wine, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, works fine. The natural flavors in the sangria come from the fruit and liqueurs, so a high-end wine isn’t necessary.

For apples, choose a crisp, slightly tart variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to balance out the sweetness. They keep their crunch even after soaking, adding a nice texture to each glass.

If you’re low on ice or want to keep the sangria cold without diluting it, throw in some frozen cranberries. They look festive and work like little ice cubes without changing the taste.

If you like a bit of fizz, add a splash of club soda, ginger ale, or sparkling apple cider to each glass before serving. It gives a refreshing touch and a bit of fun bubbles!

Add fresh rosemary sprigs or extra cranberries just before serving for a lovely holiday look. Don’t let the rosemary sit in the pitcher too long, or it can become too strong. Adding it at the last minute keeps the flavor just right.

For an extra holiday taste, include a few slices of orange or a splash of orange liqueur. The citrus taste of the sangria pairs well with the apple and cranberry.

If you’re serving this at a party where it will sit out, consider putting the pitcher in an ice bucket or keeping some ice packs in a cooler nearby to keep refills cold. Cold sangria is the best choice and is refreshing!

This recipe is my go-to holiday drink—tasty cranberries, crunchy apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a mix of red wine, apple brandy, and raspberry liqueur that makes each sip feel like a celebration. The best part? I can make it ahead of time. I combine everything in a big pitcher, pop it in the fridge, and let the flavors blend while I handle other holiday tasks. I serve it over ice, toss in some fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary, and love seeing my guests’ faces light up with each festive glass.

If you’re a fan of seasonal sangrias, you might also enjoy this refreshing Triple Berry Sangria, packed with vibrant berry flavors for a lighter twist perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

2 glasses of red sangria with rosemary and cinnamon stick.

I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.

Tips for the Best Christmas Sangria

Before adding the liquids, gently mash the fruit with a wooden spoon or muddler in the pitcher. This helps release more juice and flavor from the apples and cranberries, giving the sangria a richer taste.
Mixing isn’t just for blending—it also brings out the aromas of the wine and brandy. Give your sangria a good stir before serving to refresh the flavors and spread the fruit evenly.
Some people like a smoother sangria without fruit bits. You can pour it through a small mesh strainer while serving to remove any pulp or seeds for a smoother drink.
If you plan to chill the sangria overnight or longer, add an extra cinnamon stick to enhance the warm spice flavor. Remember to taste it before serving, as the cinnamon can get too strong if left too long.
Sangria looks best in clear pitchers or glasses so that the bright colors of the fruit and wine stand out. This makes it feel more festive and lets the pretty garnishes shine.
Be sure to taste your sangria before serving since cranberry juice and cider can vary in sweetness. If it’s too sweet, add a little more wine or a splash of club soda; if it needs sweetness, mix in a spoonful of honey or sugar and stir until it dissolves.
If you can, prepare the sangria the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to blend and makes the sangria taste even better, giving you more time on the day of your event.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Special ingredients and tools are important to make this drink festive and tasty. Here’s a quick list of what you need and why they matter:

Apple Brandy: This adds a warm, fruity flavor to the sangria that regular brandy doesn’t quite get. If you don’t have apple brandy, a splash of regular brandy with a bit of apple juice can work just as well.
Black Raspberry Liqueur: This liqueur brings a rich berry taste that pairs great with cranberries. You can find it in the liqueur section at most liquor stores. Try cranberry or blackberry liqueur, or add extra juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Red Wine: A dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon gives the sangria a solid base. Avoid sweet wines, as they can make the drink too sweet, and look for inexpensive options since it’s mixed with other flavors. If you want a lighter sangria, you can swap it for white wine—make sure it’s dry to keep the sweetness balanced.
Cinnamon Sticks: Whole cinnamon sticks add a warm spice that is perfect for the holidays. Ground cinnamon isn’t suitable here, so stick with whole sticks to avoid a gritty texture.
Fresh Cranberries: These add a tart flavor and a beautiful holiday appearance. Fresh cranberries can usually be found in the produce section during the holidays; frozen ones also work well if you can’t find them.
Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary sprigs give off a festive, pine-like scent that completes the holiday vibe. You can usually find fresh rosemary near other herbs in the produce section, and it’s better to use fresh instead of dried for garnishing. Though rosemary has a stronger holiday scent, you can use thyme sprigs for a similar herbal taste.
Large Pitcher: A pitcher that holds at least 1 gallon is essential for mixing all the ingredients and letting the flavors blend. It’s best if it’s clear so everyone can see the beautiful colors of the sangria.

These items are key to enhancing the flavor and look of your sangria, bringing out the best in each ingredient. You’ll create a delicious festive drink with just a few special touches!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this drink alongside a charcuterie board with cheeses, cured meats, and crackers, spiced nuts or roasted almonds, mini quiches or savory tartlets, Brie with cranberry sauce or fig jam, and prosciutto-wrapped melon.

For a perfectly festive pairing, serve this sangria with these Cranberry Christmas Cookies.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use white wine instead of red?

You can! A dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, will give a lighter flavor. Just note that it will look less traditional but still taste delicious. Curious about the potential health benefits of red wine? This Harvard Health article explores whether red wine is good for your heart, providing interesting insights.

What’s the purpose of the cinnamon stick? Can I skip it?

The cinnamon stick gives a subtle warmth and spice that feels very “holiday.” You can skip it if you’re not a fan, but it adds that festive touch.

Can I add sparkling water or soda to the sangria?

Definitely! If you like a little fizz, add a splash of club soda or ginger ale just before serving. It makes the drink lighter and adds a refreshing sparkle.

Can I add other fruits to this sangria?

Of course! Orange slices, pomegranate seeds, or even a few berries would fit right in and add extra color and flavor. Just be careful not to overload the pitcher so the flavors stay balanced. If you want to explore unique sangria flavors beyond the holiday season, try this refreshing Pineapple Jalapeño Sangria.

What if it tastes too sweet or too strong?

No worries! If it’s too sweet, add more wine or a splash of club soda to tone it down. If it’s too strong, mix in more cranberry juice or apple cider until it’s right for you.

Can I make this without alcohol?

If you’re hosting a family gathering, make a non-alcoholic version in a separate pitcher with cranberry juice, apple juice, and a bit of sparkling water. It’s fun for kids to have their special drink, and they’ll love the festive look with fruit and rosemary, just like the adults!

Can I make this sangria ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better if you make it a few hours ahead so the flavors have time to blend. You can even prepare it the night before—keep it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready when you are.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover drinks, pour them into an airtight container or keep them in a pitcher covered with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just stir it before serving again, as some flavors may settle.

Freezing sangria isn’t recommended, as the texture and flavor of the fruit and wine can change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge!

This sangria is the perfect holiday drink: it’s fun, tasty, and easy to prepare in advance. With a warm mix of cranberry, apple, cinnamon, and a bit of rosemary, it adds a cozy feel to any gathering. Whether hosting a large holiday party or enjoying a quiet night with family, this sangria will impress without hassle. Just mix it up, chill it, and serve it for an easy way to enjoy the season together.

The Best Christmas Sangria Recipe with Apple, Cranberry, and Spices