If you’re searching for a festive, fruity, and refreshingly vibrant drink to brighten up your holiday gatherings, look no further than this Christmas Sangria (Orange Cranberry Sangria) Recipe. This delightful concoction brings together the lively tartness of cranberries and citrus with warm cinnamon notes, all perfectly balanced in a luscious red wine base. Every sip is a celebration of flavors that evoke the cozy spirit of the season, making it an absolute must-have for your holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, fresh, and thoughtfully chosen ingredients is all it takes to create this enchanting Christmas Sangria (Orange Cranberry Sangria) Recipe. Each element plays a key role, from the bright zest of orange adding that sunny pop to the deep, warming aroma of cinnamon sticks that bring about the holiday magic.
- 1 cup water: The base for making the cranberry-orange simple syrup, essential for infusing sweetness and flavor.
- ½ cup sugar: Sweetens the syrup just enough to balance the tartness of cranberries.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: Adds fresh tartness and a festive touch to the syrup.
- Zest from 1 medium orange: Provides citrusy aroma and brightness to the syrup and final sangria.
- 2 cinnamon sticks (halved): Infuses warm, spicy notes into the syrup for that holiday feel.
- About 1 cup reserved Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup: Sweet, tangy, and fragrant liquid that elevates every sip.
- 1 750ml bottle red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir or a Red Blend): The rich and robust backbone of the sangria.
- ¾ cup Cointreau: Adds a smooth, orange-flavored kick that complements the citrus elements perfectly.
- 32 ounces 100% cranberry juice: Intensifies the cranberry flavor and contributes to the refreshing character.
- Juice from ½ lemon: Boosts the acidity for balance and a tangy finish.
- 3 cinnamon sticks plus extra for serving: Deepens the spiced undertone throughout the sangria.
- 2 oranges (sliced plus extra for serving): Adds visual appeal and fresh citrus flavor to the drink.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries plus extra for serving: Garnishes that add an inviting burst of color.
How to Make Christmas Sangria (Orange Cranberry Sangria) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Orange Simple Syrup
Start by combining 1 cup of water, half a cup of sugar, 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, the zest of one medium orange, and 2 halved cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries begin to burst, releasing their beautiful, tangy flavor. Let the syrup simmer for about 10 minutes to fully meld the ingredients. Once ready, strain the syrup to remove solids and set aside to cool. This syrup is the heart of your Christmas Sangria (Orange Cranberry Sangria) Recipe, packing every glass with rich, layered flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Sangria Ingredients
In a large pitcher, pour the entire bottle of your chosen red wine and add ¾ cup of Cointreau, 32 ounces of 100% cranberry juice, and the juice from half a lemon. Stir in the reserved cranberry orange simple syrup until well combined. Toss in 3 cinnamon sticks, sliced orange rounds, and 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to steep and bring the sangria to life with both flavor and holiday cheer. Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the ingredients to fully marry.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give your sangria a gentle stir and add ice cubes to keep it perfectly chilled. Pour into glasses, making sure to include some of the oranges and cranberries for that festive look. Don’t forget to add a cinnamon stick as garnish for that extra touch of seasonal flair. This step turns your Christmas Sangria (Orange Cranberry Sangria) Recipe into a show-stopping centerpiece everyone will love.
How to Serve Christmas Sangria (Orange Cranberry Sangria) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh orange slices, a handful of bright cranberries, and a cinnamon stick are the perfect garnishes. Not only do they make the drink visually stunning, but they also add enticing scents and a little extra flavor as you sip, painting a full sensory picture of the holiday season.
Side Dishes
This sangria pairs beautifully with classic holiday snacks like spiced nuts, cheese boards featuring sharp cheddar and creamy brie, or even savory finger foods like bacon-wrapped dates. The juicy brightness of the sangria balances salty and sweet bites perfectly to keep your guests happy all evening.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Christmas Sangria (Orange Cranberry Sangria) Recipe in a festive glass pitcher surrounded by fresh cranberries and orange slices. For a classy touch, rim glasses with sugar and cinnamon blend or freeze cranberries in ice cubes to keep drinks cool without dilution. These simple ideas elevate presentation and add to the celebratory vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any sangria left over, no worries! Store it in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to continue mingling, sometimes making the sangria taste even better the next day.
Freezing
Freezing sangria is not recommended, as the texture and flavor of the wine and juice can degrade once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days when refrigerated.
Reheating
This Christmas Sangria (Orange Cranberry Sangria) Recipe is always served chilled, so reheating is not necessary or advised. If you prefer a warm drink, consider using mulled wine recipes instead to capture that warming holiday spirit.
FAQs
Can I make this sangria with white wine instead of red?
Absolutely! While the original recipe shines with red wine, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can create a lighter, crisper variation with equally festive flavors. Just be mindful of balancing the sweetness accordingly.
Is it possible to prepare this sangria a day in advance?
Yes, preparing the sangria a day ahead allows all the flavors to blend beautifully, making it even more delicious. Just keep it covered and refrigerated, then add fresh ice and garnish just before serving.
Can I use fresh cranberries if frozen are not available?
Definitely! Fresh cranberries can be used in the simple syrup and as garnish. They bring a wonderful tartness and vibrant look. Just rinse and pick out any stems before using.
What if I don’t have Cointreau? Can I substitute something else?
You can substitute Cointreau with triple sec or any orange-flavored liqueur you have on hand. If you prefer non-alcoholic, a splash of fresh orange juice and a little extra simple syrup can also work.
How can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?
To make a festive mocktail, replace the red wine and Cointreau with an equal amount of sparkling cranberry juice or black cherry soda. Keep the rest of the recipe the same for a delicious, kid-friendly holiday drink.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about sharing a vibrant and flavorful Christmas Sangria (Orange Cranberry Sangria) Recipe with those you love. Its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warm spice makes it a standout at any holiday gathering. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe yourself—it’s guaranteed to become one of your most treasured seasonal favorites!
