If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday cheer in a glass, this Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant colors and layered with flavors from juicy cranberries, zesty oranges, warming cinnamon sticks, and a splash of blackberry brandy, this sangria transforms simple ingredients into a mesmerizing party favorite. Whether you’re gathering with friends or craving a cozy night in, each sip invites you to experience festive warmth paired with refreshing fizz from lemon-lime soda. It’s an absolute showstopper that’s as delightful for the eyes as it is for the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each plays an essential role in building the rich, balanced character of this sangria. The deep Merlot wine provides a smooth base, while fresh fruit and aromatic spices elevate every glass with seasonal charm.
- Merlot or red wine of choice: Provides a luscious, fruity foundation with deep berry notes perfect for mixing.
- Cranberry juice: Adds a bold tartness and beautiful ruby red color that screams festive celebration.
- Orange juice: Brings fresh citrus brightness that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Simple syrup: Sweetens the sangria subtly, ensuring all flavors meld harmoniously.
- Blackberry brandy: Infuses a luscious depth and rich black fruit flavor to amplify complexity.
- Chambord (raspberry liqueur): Adds a fragrant, fruity sweetness that’s both elegant and vibrant.
- Lemon-lime soda: Introduces a sparkling fizz that brings life and lightness to the drink.
- Oranges, sliced: Infuse fresh, tangy citrus notes and make the presentation irresistibly colorful.
- Cranberries: Provide bursts of tart flavor and festive texture throughout the sangria.
- Cinnamon sticks: Give warm, spicy undertones that evoke cozy holiday feelings.
- Rosemary sprigs, for garnish: Add an aromatic, pine-like fragrance that complements the cranberry and cinnamon beautifully.
How to Make Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Begin by pouring the Merlot or your red wine of choice into a large pitcher. Add the cranberry juice, orange juice, simple syrup, blackberry brandy, and Chambord. Next, toss in the sliced oranges, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. Gently stir the mixture to blend all the flavors without bruising the fruit, which helps maintain a beautiful texture and freshness in each sip.
Step 2: Chill to Perfection
Once your sangria is mixed, cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 6 hours, though overnight is truly best. This resting period allows the wine and fruit to mingle and develop those festive layers of flavor and aroma that make this drink so special.
Step 3: Add Fizz and Serve
Just before serving, add plenty of ice to keep the sangria cool and refreshing. Pour in the lemon-lime soda to add a sparkling finish that lifts the drink’s character. Stir gently to incorporate the bubbles without flattening the fizz. Your Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe is now ready to wow your guests!
How to Serve Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig to infuse a festive, piney aroma that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and berries. Consider also adding an orange slice or a few whole cranberries on top for extra visual appeal and a burst of natural flavor with every sip.
Side Dishes
This sangria shines alongside light appetizers and snacks. Think along the lines of a charcuterie board with salty cheeses, nuts, and cured meats, or perhaps spiced almonds and citrus-glazed nuts for an added holiday touch. These complementary flavors enhance the drink without overpowering its delicate balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your sangria in clear glass pitchers or punch bowls to display the dazzling reds, oranges, and greens from the fruit and rosemary. For parties, consider adding ice spheres infused with cranberries or rosemary sprigs to keep things cool without diluting flavor quickly. Personalized festive glass charms can also add a fun interactive element for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover sangria, no worries—it stores well in the refrigerator. Transfer it to an airtight container or keep it in the same pitcher, tightly sealed. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to savor its fresh fruit flavors and fizzy texture before the soda flattens.
Freezing
Because of the carbonation and fresh fruit, freezing is not recommended for this Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe. The soda will lose its fizz, and the fruit may become mushy upon thawing, diminishing the overall experience.
Reheating
This sangria recipe is designed to be served chilled and refreshing, so reheating is not advised. If you’re craving a warm spiced beverage, consider using warmed mulled wine recipes instead, keeping this sangria delightfully cold for its best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of red wine?
Absolutely! While Merlot works wonderfully for its smooth, fruity profile, you can experiment with Cabernet Sauvignon for a bolder taste or a Garnacha for a lighter feel. Just choose a wine you enjoy sipping on its own for the best result.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this festive sangria?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version by substituting the red wine with a high-quality grape juice and replacing the brandies with berry-flavored syrups or extracts. Keep the juices and soda the same for that vibrant, festive sparkle.
How far in advance can I prepare this sangria?
Preparing your sangria up to 24 hours in advance is ideal. This timing allows the flavors to develop fully without losing freshness or carbonation from the lemon-lime soda, which you should add just before serving.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
While fresh fruit is best for maintaining texture and brightness, frozen fruit can work in a pinch. Just be aware that frozen berries might release extra liquid and soften during chilling, which could slightly change the consistency.
What’s the best way to balance sweetness in this sangria?
The simple syrup is your go-to for adjusting sweetness. Start with the recommended amount, then taste after chilling. If you prefer it sweeter, stir in a little more syrup gradually until it suits your palate perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe and experience the perfect blend of vibrant fruit, warming spices, and sparkling fizz that truly captures the holiday spirit. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser that’s as joyful to make as it is to drink, so cheers to creating your own festive memories—one delicious sip at a time!
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Festive Red Wine Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Festive Red Wine Sangria is a refreshing and aromatic cocktail perfect for holiday celebrations or any festive gathering. Combining Merlot, cranberry and orange juices, and fruity liqueurs, it is infused with cinnamon and garnished with fresh rosemary for a vibrant, flavorful, and visually appealing drink.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 750 ml Merlot or red wine of choice
- 2 1/2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
- 1/2 cup blackberry brandy
- 1/2 cup Chambord
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda
Fruits & Garnishes
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 1 cup cranberries
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the Merlot or red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, simple syrup, blackberry brandy, Chambord, sliced oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher. Stir gently to mix all the flavors well.
- Chill: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully for a rich and balanced taste.
- Add Soda and Serve: Just before serving, add ice to the sangria and pour in the lemon-lime soda to introduce a light fizz. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Garnish: Pour the sangria into glasses and garnish each with a sprig of fresh rosemary to provide a festive aroma and presentation.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the sangria to chill overnight.
- You can substitute the Merlot with any medium-bodied red wine.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup depending on your preferred sweetness.
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen if unavailable.
- Serve immediately after adding the soda to maintain the fizz.
