Winter Sangria

Christmas in a Glass: My Favorite Spiced Winter Sangria

Oh, how I adore this time of year! The lights, the music, the scent of cinnamon and cloves dancing through the kitchen-it all makes my heart absolutely burst with joy! 🎄✨ And since December 20th is National Sangria Day, we're celebrating in the most magical way possible with a Spiced Winter Sangria that tastes like Christmas in a glass.

This festive twist on the classic sangria combines rich red wine with cozy spices, a splash of Cointreau, and our homemade spiced apple cider for the ultimate winter warmer. It's fruity, fragrant, and so full of cheer that I swear it could make even the Grinch smile!

Ready to sip your way through a glass of Christmas magic?

Whether you're planning a cozy get-together with family, a holiday dinner with friends, or just want a festive drink while you wrap gifts and hum along to "Jingle Bells," this sangria will make your evening feel extra special.

And if you're skipping alcohol this year, no worries at all! I've included a non-alcoholic spiced winter sangria version below that's every bit as delightful.

You could serve this beautiful drink alongside a few of my favorite Christmas treats like buttery Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies, nutty Haselnussmakronen (Hazelnut Macaroons), or my festive Mini Christmas Trifles for a sparkling dessert table that'll make your guests swoon.

Or, if you're going for a cozier, rustic feel, pair it with a slice of Chestnut Bundt Cake and a good Christmas movie marathon (I'll never say no to The Holiday or Love Actually).

I can already picture it: snow softly falling outside, laughter echoing in the background, and that gorgeous pitcher of spiced sangria gleaming like a ruby centerpiece on your holiday table. Ahhh, pure Christmas bliss!

So go on, grab that bottle of wine and your favorite mug (or fancy glass, if you're feeling extra sparkly), and let's make something wonderful together. Because honestly, celebrating Advent with you here on the blog is one of my favorite parts of the season! 💫

🎥 Video

🥘 Ingredients

• Red Wine
  • Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot, Tempranillo, or Cabernet Sauvignon. These have lovely fruity notes that balance perfectly with the warm spices and citrus. Avoid anything too heavy or oaky, you want the wine to complement the cider, not overpower it.
• Homemade Spiced Apple Cider
  • This is where the real Christmas magic happens! If you've already made my Spiced Apple Cider, you're all set. The gentle blend of apple, cinnamon, and cloves adds incredible depth to your sangria. Store-bought cider works too, but I highly recommend homemade for that extra cozy touch.
• Brandy or Orange Liqueur (Cointreau)
  • Cointreau adds a citrusy note that brightens the drink beautifully. 
• Orange Slices
• Apple Slice
• Pomegranate Seeds or Cranberries
  • I went with cranberries for a classic Christmas feel (and that pop of ruby red color!). Pomegranate seeds work just as well. They add juicy bursts of flavor and look absolutely stunning floating in your glass.
• Cinnamon Sticks & Star Anise

See the recipe card for quantities.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Mix the ingredients

In a large pitcher or jug, combine the red wine, homemade spiced apple cider, and Cointreau (or brandy). Add the sliced orange and apple, then toss in the cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Gently stir everything together with a long spoon to help the flavors start mingling.

Step 2: Chill and infuse

Cover the pitcher and place it in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours (or overnight if you have the patience!). This resting time allows all those beautiful holiday flavors (spice, citrus, and fruit) to blend into the wine, creating a perfectly balanced festive drink.

Step 3: Serve and garnish

When you're ready to serve, give the sangria one last stir and pour it into glasses filled with ice (or skip the ice if you prefer it lightly warmed). Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a star anise pod for that irresistible Christmas touch.

Optional warm version

If you'd like a cozier take, gently heat the sangria in a small pot over low heat for a few minutes before serving. Don't let it boil, or you'll lose the alcohol and the delicate aroma!

Non-alcoholic version

Simply replace the red wine with grape juice and the Cointreau with orange juice. You'll still get that festive flavor and beautiful presentation-perfect for kids or anyone skipping alcohol this season.

🎉 Hosting a bigger Christmas party?

To serve 12-18 guests, simply double or triple the recipe:

• Use 2-3 bottles of wine
• 3-4½ cups spiced apple cider
• ½-¾ cup Cointreau or brandy
• And increase the fruit and spices proportionally

Mix everything in a large punch bowl or a big pot, chill well, and garnish beautifully before serving!

🌡️ Storage

If you somehow have any sangria left (which, honestly, doesn't happen often around here!), you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep it covered or transfer it to a sealed bottle or jar to preserve the flavors.

Before serving again, remove the old fruit slices and any spices like cinnamon sticks or star anise, and add a few fresh ones - they'll look prettier and taste much better. Give it a gentle stir, and your Christmas sangria will be as delightful as ever!

Tip: If you've made the non-alcoholic version, try to enjoy it within 24 hours, as the fruit juices lose their sparkle and freshness faster.

🎄 Substitutions

For citrus flavor

• Cointreau - Elegant and balanced.
• Grand Marnier - Rich and festive.
• Triple Sec - Light and sweet.
• Orange juice + vodka - Bright, simple alternative.

For warmth

• Dark rum - Cozy, spiced flavor.
• Apple brandy or Calvados - Perfect with cider.
• Whiskey or bourbon - Bold and warming.
• Amaretto - Nutty and festive.

Non-alcoholic

• Orange juice with cinnamon syrup
• Apple juice concentrate
• Spiced tea (chai or cinnamon apple)

🍎 Non-Alcoholic Spiced Winter Sangria

This festive mocktail has all the cozy, Christmassy flavor of traditional sangria. Just without the alcohol! It's perfect for kids, designated drivers, or anyone who wants to join in the holiday cheer. 🎄✨

Ingredients

• 3 cups (720 ml) grape juice (red or white, depending on your preference)
• 1½ cups (360 ml) homemade spiced apple cider (or store-bought)
• ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, sliced
• ½ cup cranberries or pomegranate seeds
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise pods

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the grape juice, spiced apple cider, and orange juice in a large pitcher or jug.

Step 2: Add the sliced orange, apple, and cranberries (or pomegranate seeds). Gently stir everything together.

Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to let the flavors blend.

Step 4: Serve chilled over ice, or warm gently on the stove for a cozy, mulled-style version.

Tip: Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick or star anise for that magical Christmas look!

💕 Serving Suggestions

Serve your Spiced Winter Sangria chilled in pretty wine glasses or festive mugs with a cinnamon stick and a star anise pod floating on top. It instantly adds that magical Christmas sparkle.

If you're hosting a Christmas party, pour the sangria into a glass punch bowl and decorate it with extra orange slices and cranberries. It'll look stunning as a centerpiece on your dessert table!

Pair it with a few of my favorite holiday sweets for the ultimate Christmas spread:

• Buttery
  • Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies
  • Shortbread Cookies
• Festive 
  • Mini Christmas Trifles
  • Eggnog Cheesecake (no bake)
• Light and nutty 
  • Haselnussmakronen (Hazelnut Macaroons)
  • Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne)

Or enjoy a glass while nibbling on roasted chestnuts and wrapping gifts. Because honestly, that's my idea of a perfect December evening! 🎄

🍽 Equipment

• Large pitcher or jug - For mixing and chilling the sangria. A glass one looks extra festive!
• Cutting board & knife - To slice the orange and apple neatly.
• Long spoon or stirrer - To gently mix everything together.
• Measuring cups & spoons - For accurate liquid measurements (especially the cider and liqueur).
• Fridge space - You'll need room to chill the pitcher for a few hours.
• Serving glasses - Wine glasses, tumblers, or even mason jars for a cozy rustic touch.
• Optional: Small saucepan - Only if you plan to make the warm version of the sangria.

If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.

📖 Recipe

⛑️ Food Safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.