Spiced Winter Sangria: The Ultimate Festive Cocktail for Your Holiday Celebrations

Oh, the enchantment of this special time of year! As the days grow shorter and the air fills with a crisp chill, my heart absolutely brims with joy at the sight of twinkling lights, the comforting melodies of holiday music, and the irresistible scent of cinnamon and cloves wafting through the kitchen. It’s a season of warmth, togetherness, and, of course, delicious drinks! To perfectly capture this festive spirit, and especially since December 20th marks National Sangria Day, we’re embarking on a delightful culinary journey. We’re crafting a magnificent Spiced Winter Sangria that truly tastes like Christmas bottled in a glass.

This isn’t just any sangria; it’s a thoughtfully curated holiday twist on the beloved classic. It harmoniously blends the deep, rich notes of red wine with an aromatic symphony of cozy spices, a delicate splash of Cointreau (or your preferred orange liqueur), and the wholesome goodness of our homemade spiced apple cider. The result? The ultimate winter warmer – a drink that’s vibrantly fruity, incredibly fragrant, and so overflowing with cheer that I’m convinced it could bring a smile to even the most notorious Grinch! It’s the perfect companion for any holiday moment, transforming ordinary evenings into extraordinary memories.

Are you ready to awaken your senses and sip your way through a glass of pure Christmas magic? Let’s dive in!

Whether you’re meticulously planning a cozy family gathering, hosting an elegant holiday dinner with cherished friends, or simply seeking a festive drink to elevate your gift-wrapping session while humming along to “Jingle Bells,” this Spiced Winter Sangria is guaranteed to make your evening feel exceptionally special. Its vibrant colors and inviting aromas create an ambiance of celebration and joy. Furthermore, if you’re choosing to skip alcohol this year – perhaps for family-friendly events or personal preference – there’s absolutely no need to worry! I’ve thoughtfully included a detailed recipe for a **non-alcoholic spiced winter sangria** version below that is every bit as delightful and visually stunning as its boozy counterpart. Everyone can partake in the holiday cheer!

Imagine serving this beautiful, ruby-red concoction alongside a selection of my all-time favorite Christmas treats. Picture buttery Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies, rich and nutty Haselnussmakronen (Hazelnut Macaroons), or my irresistibly festive Mini Christmas Trifles. These pairings would create a truly sparkling dessert table that will leave your guests utterly swooning. Alternatively, for a more intimate, rustic, and cozy feel, complement this festive sangria with a generous slice of Chestnut Bundt Cake and settle in for a beloved Christmas movie marathon. Personally, I can never resist classics like The Holiday or Love Actually during this magical season.

I can already perfectly envision the scene: soft snow gently falling outside, the comforting sounds of laughter echoing warmly in the background, and that stunning pitcher of spiced sangria gleaming like a precious ruby centerpiece on your beautifully adorned holiday table. Ahhh, pure Christmas bliss indeed! So, go ahead, grab that bottle of your favorite red wine and your most cherished mug (or a fancy glass, if you’re feeling extra sparkly and festive), and let’s create something truly wonderful together. Because, honestly, sharing these Advent celebrations and delicious recipes with you here on the blog is genuinely one of my most favorite parts of the entire holiday season! 💫

🥘 Key Ingredients for Your Festive Spiced Winter Sangria

Crafting the perfect Spiced Winter Sangria relies on a thoughtful selection of quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of festive flavor and aroma. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Red Wine: The Heart of the Sangria
  • For this winter sangria, the choice of red wine is crucial. We recommend selecting a medium-bodied red with prominent fruity notes that can stand up to the warm spices and citrus without being overpowering. Excellent choices include a Merlot, Tempranillo, or a lighter Cabernet Sauvignon. These varietals offer a beautiful balance of fruit and subtle tannins, ensuring they complement our homemade spiced apple cider rather than competing with it. Avoid anything too heavy, very oaky, or overly dry, as these characteristics might mask the delicate holiday flavors we’re aiming for.
• Homemade Spiced Apple Cider: The Christmas Magic
  • This is truly where the heart of the Christmas magic unfolds! If you’ve already had the pleasure of preparing my Homemade Spiced Apple Cider, then you are perfectly set for success. The gentle, warming blend of fresh apple, comforting cinnamon, and fragrant cloves within the cider adds an incredible depth and a truly authentic holiday essence to your sangria. While store-bought apple cider can certainly work in a pinch, I cannot recommend the homemade version enough for that unparalleled cozy, aromatic, and deeply flavorful touch that elevates this drink from good to absolutely extraordinary.
• Brandy or Orange Liqueur (Cointreau): The Brightener
  • Cointreau, a premium orange liqueur, is our top recommendation here. It introduces a vibrant, zesty citrus note that beautifully brightens the entire drink, adding a sophisticated depth. If Cointreau isn’t available, a good quality brandy can be used to add a warming, slightly fruity undertone. Other orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec are also excellent substitutes, each bringing its own subtle nuance to the flavor profile.
• Fresh Orange Slices: Citrusy Sweetness and Visual Appeal
  • Thinly sliced oranges contribute both a lovely citrusy sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color, making the sangria visually irresistible. Their zest also infuses into the drink as it chills.
• Fresh Apple Slices: Crisp Texture and Fruitiness
  • Crisp apple slices not only add another layer of fresh fruitiness but also provide a delightful texture that complements the liquid components. Use a firm apple like Gala or Honeycrisp for best results.
• Pomegranate Seeds or Cranberries: Ruby Gems for Flavor and Color
  • For that classic Christmas feel and an undeniably gorgeous pop of ruby red color, I often opt for fresh cranberries. Their tartness offers a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the cider and wine. Alternatively, plump pomegranate seeds work just as beautifully, adding juicy bursts of flavor and looking absolutely stunning as they float elegantly in your glass. Either choice ensures a festive and flavorful addition.
• Cinnamon Sticks & Star Anise: Aromatic Enchantment
  • These whole spices are not merely garnishes; they are essential for infusing the sangria with those unmistakable, warm, and comforting holiday aromas. Cinnamon sticks impart a sweet, woody spice, while star anise offers a delicate, liquorice-like fragrance, creating an inviting and complex bouquet that defines our Spiced Winter Sangria. Don’t be shy with these aromatic treasures!

For exact quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card provided below.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Winter Sangria

Creating this festive Spiced Winter Sangria is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and flavorful holiday drink:

Step 1: Elegantly Mix Your Festive Foundation

Begin by taking a generously sized pitcher or jug – a clear glass one works wonderfully for showcasing the beautiful colors of the fruit. Into this, carefully pour the bottle of red wine, followed by the fragrant homemade spiced apple cider, and finally, the Cointreau or brandy. Next, introduce the fresh elements: add the thinly sliced orange and apple, ensuring they are distributed evenly. Then, gently toss in the vibrant cranberries or glistening pomegranate seeds. With a long-handled spoon, give everything a gentle, unhurried stir. This initial mix is crucial for allowing the liquids to combine and for the fruits and spices to begin their enchanting mingling process.

Step 2: Chill for Optimal Flavor Infusion

Once all your ingredients are combined in the pitcher, cover it tightly – cling film or a lid will do the trick. This is a critical step: place the covered pitcher into your refrigerator for a minimum of 2-4 hours. For the absolute best and most profound flavor development, I highly recommend letting it chill overnight if your patience allows! This extended resting time is where the true magic happens. It allows all those beautiful holiday flavors – the vibrant citrus, the delicate fruit essences, and the warm, inviting spices – to thoroughly blend and infuse into the wine and cider. This process transforms individual components into a perfectly harmonious, complex, and incredibly balanced festive drink, making every sip a delight.

Step 3: Serve with Panache and Festive Garnishes

When you’re ready to serve your magnificent Spiced Winter Sangria, retrieve the pitcher from the refrigerator and give it one last gentle stir to redistribute the fruit and spices. Then, pour it generously into your chosen serving glasses – beautiful wine glasses or festive mugs work wonderfully. You can serve it over ice for a refreshingly cool drink, or opt to skip the ice if you prefer it slightly less diluted or plan to warm it. To complete that irresistible Christmas touch and enhance the aroma, garnish each glass with a fresh cinnamon stick and an elegant star anise pod. These not only look stunning but also release more of their inviting fragrance with every sip.

Optional Warm Version: A Cozy Twist

For those chilly evenings or simply for a more comforting and cozy experience, you can easily transform this into a warm holiday beverage. Gently heat the sangria in a small pot over low heat for a few minutes before serving. It’s important not to let it boil, as boiling will cause the alcohol to evaporate and can diminish the delicate aromas and flavors of the spices and fruit. Just warm it until it’s pleasantly hot to the touch, and then ladle it into mugs for a delightful mulled wine alternative.

Non-Alcoholic Version: Festive Cheer for Everyone

Ensuring everyone can partake in the holiday cheer is simple! To create a delicious non-alcoholic Spiced Winter Sangria, easily replace the red wine with a high-quality grape juice (red or white, depending on your preference for color and sweetness) and substitute the Cointreau with an equal amount of fresh orange juice. You’ll still achieve that fantastic festive flavor profile and beautiful presentation, making it absolutely perfect for kids, designated drivers, or anyone choosing to skip alcohol this season. See the full recipe further down for precise measurements.

🎉 Hosting a Bigger Christmas Party? Scale Up with Ease!

If you’re planning a grand holiday celebration and anticipate serving 12-18 guests, effortlessly scale up this Spiced Winter Sangria recipe to accommodate your crowd. Simply double or triple the ingredients:

• Use 2-3 bottles of your chosen medium-bodied red wine.
• Increase the homemade spiced apple cider to 3-4½ cups.
• Adjust the Cointreau or brandy to ½-¾ cup.
• And naturally, increase the fresh fruit (orange and apple slices, cranberries/pomegranate seeds) and whole spices (cinnamon sticks, star anise) proportionally to ensure every glass is bursting with flavor and looks festive.

For large batches, mix everything in an elegant glass punch bowl or a sizable pot. Ensure it’s thoroughly chilled – the longer it infuses, the better! Before serving, lavishly garnish the punch bowl itself with extra orange and apple slices, a generous scattering of cranberries, and plenty of cinnamon sticks and star anise. This creates a stunning, inviting centerpiece that will truly impress your guests and keep the festive spirit flowing!

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🌡️ Storage Tips for Your Spiced Winter Sangria

If, by some minor miracle, you find yourself with any leftover sangria – which, let’s be honest, rarely happens around here during the festive season! – proper storage ensures it remains delicious for longer. You can easily store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To best preserve its vibrant flavors and aromatic qualities, keep it tightly covered in its pitcher or transfer it to a sealed bottle or jar.

A crucial tip for serving leftovers: before enjoying it again, always remove the old fruit slices and any spices like cinnamon sticks or star anise that have been steeping in the sangria. Over time, fruit can become mushy or impart a slightly bitter taste, and spices can become overly dominant. Replace them with a few fresh slices of fruit and new cinnamon sticks or star anise – they’ll look much prettier and taste significantly better. Give the sangria a gentle stir, and your Christmas sangria will be as delightfully flavorful as when it was first made!

Tip: If you’ve prepared the non-alcoholic version of this sangria, it’s best to enjoy it within 24 hours. Without the preserving properties of alcohol, fruit juices tend to lose their sparkle and freshness more quickly.

🎄 Delicious Substitutions & Flavor Variations

While our core Spiced Winter Sangria recipe is perfected, there’s always room for personalization! Feel free to experiment with these substitutions to tailor the drink to your taste or available ingredients:

For Enhancing Citrus Flavor (Beyond Cointreau)

• Cointreau: Provides an elegant and perfectly balanced sweet-orange note.
• Grand Marnier: Offers a richer, more complex orange flavor with hints of cognac, making it wonderfully festive and luxurious.
• Triple Sec: A lighter and generally sweeter orange liqueur, which can brighten the drink without adding too much complexity.
• Orange Juice + Vodka: For a simple, brighter alternative without the specific liqueur flavor, a splash of good quality vodka combined with extra fresh orange juice works beautifully.

For Adding Warmth and Depth (Beyond Brandy)

• Dark Rum: Imparts a cozy, spiced, and slightly molasses-like flavor that pairs exceptionally well with winter fruits and spices.
• Apple Brandy or Calvados: A fantastic choice that naturally complements the apple cider, adding a sophisticated, apple-focused warmth.
• Whiskey or Bourbon: For a bolder, more robust warming sensation, these spirits introduce smoky or vanilla undertones that can be surprisingly delightful.
• Amaretto: Brings a sweet, nutty, and distinctly festive almond flavor, perfect for adding an unexpected layer of holiday cheer.

Non-Alcoholic Enhancements (For the Mocktail Version)

• Orange Juice with Cinnamon Syrup: Create a simple syrup infused with cinnamon sticks for a spiced orange base.
• Apple Juice Concentrate: A richer, more intense apple flavor that can stand in for some of the sweetness and body usually provided by wine.
• Spiced Tea (Chai or Cinnamon Apple): Brew a strong batch of chai or cinnamon apple tea, let it cool, and use it as a base. It infuses deep, complex spice notes.

🍎 Non-Alcoholic Spiced Winter Sangria: A Delight for All Ages

This festive mocktail perfectly captures all the cozy, Christmassy flavors of traditional sangria, just without the alcohol! It’s an ideal choice for children, designated drivers, or anyone who wishes to partake in the holiday cheer while keeping it alcohol-free. 🎄✨

Ingredients

• 3 cups (720 ml) grape juice (choose red for a traditional look, or white for a lighter hue)
• 1½ cups (360 ml) homemade spiced apple cider (or a good quality store-bought version)
• ½ cup (120 ml) fresh orange juice
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds (for color and tartness)
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole star anise pods

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the Liquid Foundation

In a large pitcher or jug, pour in the grape juice, spiced apple cider, and fresh orange juice. Stir them together gently to combine.

Step 2: Add Festive Fruits and Spices

Carefully add the thinly sliced orange and apple, along with the cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Place the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods into the pitcher. Give everything another gentle stir to ensure all components are submerged and mingling.

Step 3: Chill and Infuse for Flavor

Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for **2-3 hours**. This chilling period is essential for allowing the fruits and spices to infuse their wonderful holiday flavors into the juices, creating a rich and aromatic mocktail.

Step 4: Serve Chilled or Warm

Serve your non-alcoholic sangria chilled over ice for a refreshing drink. Alternatively, for a truly cozy treat, gently warm it on the stove in a saucepan (do not boil!) for a delicious mulled-style version. Ladle into mugs for a comforting winter warmer.

Tip: Always garnish each glass with a fresh cinnamon stick or a beautiful star anise pod for that magical, picture-perfect Christmas look and an extra burst of aroma!

💕 Serving Suggestions for Your Spiced Winter Sangria

The presentation of your Spiced Winter Sangria can elevate the entire holiday experience. Serve it beautifully chilled in elegant wine glasses or charming festive mugs. Enhance each serving with a fresh cinnamon stick and a star anise pod gently floating on top – this simple touch instantly adds that magical Christmas sparkle and releases even more delightful aromas as it’s sipped.

If you’re taking on the role of host for a lively Christmas party, make your sangria the star of the show by pouring it into a stunning glass punch bowl. Decorate the bowl lavishly with extra vibrant orange slices and a generous scattering of ruby-red cranberries. This creates an absolutely breathtaking centerpiece on your dessert table or bar, inviting guests to serve themselves and marvel at its festive beauty.

To craft the ultimate Christmas spread, pair this exceptional sangria with a selection of my favorite holiday sweets. The harmonious flavors will create an unforgettable culinary experience:

• Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies like:
  • Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies (Vanillekipferl)
  • Brown Butter Shortbread Cookies
• Festive, creamy delights such as:
  • Mini Christmas Trifles
  • No-Bake Eggnog Cheesecake
• Light and delicately nutty treats like:
  • Haselnussmakronen (Hazelnut Macaroons)
  • Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne)

Alternatively, embrace a simpler, more relaxed holiday moment. Enjoy a comforting glass of this Spiced Winter Sangria while nibbling on warm, roasted chestnuts and wrapping gifts. Because honestly, that tranquil and delightful scenario truly embodies my idea of a perfectly blissful December evening! 🎄

🍽 Essential Equipment for Your Spiced Winter Sangria

Gathering the right tools before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable sangria-making process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large pitcher or jug: This is essential for mixing all your ingredients and, more importantly, for allowing the sangria to chill and infuse properly. A clear glass pitcher is a fantastic choice as it beautifully showcases the vibrant colors of the fruit and spices, adding to the festive aesthetic.
• Cutting board & knife: Necessary for safely and neatly slicing your oranges and apples into uniform pieces.
• Long spoon or stirrer: A long spoon is ideal for gently combining all the ingredients in the pitcher, ensuring everything is well mixed without bruising the fruit.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Crucial for accurate liquid measurements of your spiced apple cider and Cointreau/brandy, guaranteeing a balanced flavor profile.
• Fridge space: You’ll need ample room in your refrigerator to chill the pitcher for at least a few hours, allowing those critical flavor infusions to take place.
• Serving glasses: Prepare your favorite wine glasses, elegant tumblers, or even quaint mason jars for a cozy, rustic touch. The right glassware enhances the drinking experience.
• Optional: Small saucepan: Only required if you decide to prepare the warm version of the sangria. A small saucepan allows you to gently heat the mixture without reaching a boil, preserving the alcohol and delicate aromas.

If you make this irresistible Spiced Winter Sangria, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please let me know how much you enjoyed it by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating and a comment below. Your feedback is truly awesome and helps inspire others! You can also effortlessly sign up for our Newsletter to receive weekly delicious homemade recipes, or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram to share your festive creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and use the hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss it. Happy holidays and happy sipping!

📖 Recipe: Spiced Winter Sangria

Spiced Winter Sangria

By Nora

Celebrate the holidays or National Sangria Day with this irresistible Spiced Winter Sangria! A delightful and cozy Christmas version crafted with rich red wine, aromatic homemade spiced apple cider, and warm holiday spices. It’s fruity, fragrant, and truly perfect for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations – with an easy non-alcoholic option that everyone will absolutely love.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks, Holiday Beverages

Cuisine Christmas, European, Festive

Servings 6

Calories 88 kcal

Equipment

• Large pitcher or jug
• Cutting board & knife
• Long spoon or stirrer
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Fridge space for chilling
• Serving Glasses
• Saucepan optional, for warm version

Servings 6

Calories 88 kcal

⛑️ Food Safety & Important Notes

Ensuring food safety is paramount when preparing any recipe, especially those involving fresh ingredients and alcohol. Please adhere to these guidelines:

• Temperature Control: If you are making the warm version, ensure it reaches a minimum safe temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) but remember not to boil it if you wish to retain the alcohol content.
• Cross-Contamination: Always use separate utensils, cutting boards, and dishes for raw ingredients (if applicable, e.g., raw meat for a paired appetizer) and ready-to-eat foods like fruit for your sangria.
• Hand Washing: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling any food, especially raw ingredients.
• Avoid Extended Room Temperature Exposure: Do not leave the sangria sitting out at room temperature for extended periods. Bacteria can multiply rapidly between 40 °F (4 °C) and 140 °F (60 °C). Always chill promptly.
• Never Leave Cooking Unattended: If warming the sangria, stay with it to ensure it doesn’t boil or burn.
• Ventilation: Always ensure good ventilation in your kitchen when using a gas stove for warming, if applicable.

For further comprehensive food safety information and best practices, please consult trusted sources such as the Safe Food Handling – FDA guidelines.