If you are looking for a festive, vibrant drink that perfectly captures the cozy, joyful spirit of the colder months, this Winter Sangria Recipe is an absolute must-try. Overflowing with winter citrus, crisp apples, tart cranberries, and warm spices like cinnamon, it’s a beautiful balance of bright, fruity flavors and comforting warmth. Whether you’re hosting holiday gatherings, winter parties, or just cozying up with friends, this sangria is guaranteed to impress while keeping things refreshingly simple and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear round glasses sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with a dark red liquid and ice cubes. In both glasses, a large cinnamon stick rests on the top, along with thin orange slices partially submerged in the drink. Around the glasses, there are scattered red cranberries and a dried orange slice with dark brown edges. The colors contrast nicely against the light background, giving a warm and cozy feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Winter Sangria Recipe lies in its straightforward and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part in building layers of flavor, color, and aroma that bring this drink to life. From the rich red wine base to the tartness of fresh cranberries, these essentials make the process both easy and rewarding.

Dry red wine (1 bottle, 750 ml): Acts as the robust and fruity foundation for the sangria’s rich flavor.
Cranberry juice (1 cup): Adds tartness and deep color, perfectly complementing the wine’s character.
Brandy or spiced rum (½ cup): Brings beautiful warmth and complexity to the mix.
Oranges (2, sliced): Provide zesty citrus notes and bright visual appeal.
Apple (1, sliced): Adds crispness and subtle sweetness to balance the tart fruits.
Fresh cranberries (1 cup): Infuse the sangria with a pop of color and a fresh, tangy bite.
Cinnamon sticks (2): Introduce traditional winter spices that enliven the flavors.
Rosemary sprigs (optional): Offer an aromatic herbal touch perfect for garnish.
Pomegranate seeds (optional): Sprinkle a jewel-like burst of sweetness and color.
Sparkling water or ginger ale (optional topper): Gives a light, bubbly finish for added refreshment and sweetness.

How to Make Winter Sangria Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Liquid Ingredients

Start off by pouring the dry red wine, cranberry juice, and brandy or spiced rum into a large pitcher. These form the core liquid components, laying the perfect base with a balance of richness, tartness, and warmth that’s essential for the Winter Sangria Recipe.

Step 2: Add the Fruits and Spices

Next, add the sliced oranges, apple slices, fresh cranberries, and the cinnamon sticks to the pitcher. These ingredients don’t just look stunning but also infuse the sangria with fresh, fruity flavors and warming aromatic depth as they steep together.

Step 3: Stir and Chill for Flavors to Marry

Give everything a good stir to combine all the elements evenly. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, although overnight chilling is even better. This resting time is crucial for developing the full, layered taste that makes this Winter Sangria Recipe so rewarding.

Step 4: Serve with Optional Bubbly Topper

When it’s time to enjoy, pour the chilled sangria over ice. You can also add a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale on top to add some effervescence and a touch of sweetness that livens up the drink.

How to Serve Winter Sangria Recipe

A clear glass pitcher filled with bright red liquid containing visible slices of orange and lemon, as well as ice cubes floating inside. The pitcher is tilted slightly with orange juice being poured into it, creating a splash effect at the top. The pitcher sits on a white marbled surface with a silver textured round tray underneath. Around the pitcher, there are whole oranges, a bunch of green herbs, and some grapes scattered on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing adds that final touch and enhances your guests’ experience—try fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic, wintry twist or scatter pomegranate seeds on top for a festive burst of color and flavor. These small details elevate your Winter Sangria Recipe presentation and make it feel special.

Side Dishes

This sangria pairs wonderfully with hearty winter fare. Think roasted nuts, charcuterie boards featuring cheeses and cured meats, or even spiced cookies and desserts. Offering complementary sides brings out the sangria’s fruit and spice notes and makes a celebratory gathering effortlessly elegant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the sangria in clear glass pitchers or large wine glasses to showcase the colorful fruit and cinnamon sticks. You might freeze some cranberries in ice cubes for a decorative and festive touch that keeps the drink cool without diluting it quickly. Presentation is part of the experience, so have fun with it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover sangria (though that’s rare), simply cover the pitcher tightly and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days, with the flavors continuing to mingle and deepen. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing sangria is not recommended because the fruit and spices can lose their texture and flavor integrity. For best results, keep it chilled and fresh.

Reheating

This sangria is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Heating it would diminish its bright flavors and effervescence, so avoid reheating and instead prepare fresh if you want a warm spiced alternative.

FAQs

Can I use white wine instead of red?

Absolutely! Substituting a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio and swapping apples for pears offers a lighter, refreshing variation while still complementing the winter fruits and spices beautifully.

Is it possible to make this sangria sugar-free?

Yes, for a low-sugar version, swap out the cranberry juice for cranberry-flavored sparkling water to maintain that tartness without added sugar, keeping it diet-friendly and just as tasty.

How long does the sangria need to chill?

A minimum of 2 hours is needed for the flavors to meld. However, chilling it overnight is ideal to get the richest, most harmonious taste from the fruits and spices.

Can I prepare Winter Sangria Recipe for a large party?

Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just multiply the ingredient quantities to suit your crowd and keep a big punch bowl or large pitchers ready to serve.

What are some good non-alcoholic alternatives?

You can create a delightful alcohol-free version by using grape juice or a cranberry juice blend combined with sparkling water and the fresh fruit and spices. It keeps the spirit of the Winter Sangria Recipe intact for all to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Winter Sangria Recipe that fills the room with warmth and joy, making any chilly day feel festive and vibrant. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and wonderfully delicious, so don’t hesitate to whip up a batch for your next gathering. Trust me, it’s bound to become an instant favorite!

Chef MARTHA

Winter Sangria Recipe