The holiday season is a time of joy, laughter, and gathering around tables filled with delicious food and drinks. While mulled wine and eggnog have long been winter staples, there’s a sparkling, fruity cocktail that deserves a starring role at your celebrations — Christmas Sangria with Prosecco.
This holiday drink is the perfect marriage of tradition and festivity: the rich, full-bodied flavors of red wine meet the crisp effervescence of Prosecco, all mingled with jewel-toned fruits, fragrant spices, and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a lively Christmas party, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or looking for the perfect drink to ring in the New Year, this recipe will deliver flavor, style, and a touch of magic.
Why Christmas Sangria with Prosecco Deserves a Spot at Your Holiday Table
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this drink stand out from the usual holiday cocktails.
1. It’s Visually Stunning
Vibrant slices of oranges, rosy pomegranate seeds, and green sprigs of rosemary create a color palette that looks like it came straight out of a Christmas card.
2. Crowd-Friendly
Unlike cocktails that require shaking each glass individually, sangria is made in a large pitcher or bowl, meaning you can serve multiple guests effortlessly.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly
The base can be prepared hours in advance, freeing you up to enjoy your guests instead of mixing drinks all night.
4. Customizable
Prefer white wine over red? Want to add cranberries for more tartness? Like your drinks sweeter? This sangria adapts beautifully to your taste.
5. Seasonal Flavors
The combination of citrus, warm spices, and sparkling wine makes each sip taste like Christmas in a glass.
The Origins of Sangria and Its Festive Evolution
Sangria originated in Spain and Portugal, traditionally made by mixing red wine with fruits, brandy, and sweeteners. It was served chilled, making it perfect for hot climates. Over time, this drink traveled across the world, adapting to local tastes and seasonal ingredients.
The holiday version swaps out summer fruits like peaches and berries for winter stars like citrus, pears, and pomegranate. Adding Prosecco — an Italian sparkling wine — transforms the drink into something celebratory and perfect for toasts.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
When making sangria, ingredient quality is everything. Let’s break down each component and its role in the drink.
1. Red Wine
- Best Choices: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rioja, or Shiraz.
- Why It Matters: A dry red wine offers depth and balance to counter the sweetness of the fruits and syrup. Avoid overly sweet or heavily oaked wines.
2. Prosecco
- Why Prosecco Over Champagne?
Prosecco tends to be fruitier and slightly sweeter than Champagne, which pairs well with the sangria’s flavors. It’s also more budget-friendly for serving a crowd.
3. Brandy
- Adds warmth and richness, enhancing the wine’s body.
4. Grand Marnier (or Other Orange Liqueur)
- Brings a deep citrus note that ties together the fruits.
5. Fresh Fruits
- Oranges: Sweet and tangy, providing juice and fragrance.
- Pears: Soft texture and delicate sweetness.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Crunchy bursts of tart flavor and festive red color.
6. Spices
- Cinnamon Sticks: Infuse gentle warmth without overpowering the drink.
- Optional: Star anise for a subtle licorice hint.
7. Sweetener
- Simple Syrup: Ensures even sweetness without graininess.
- Adjust based on your fruit’s natural sweetness.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Christmas Sangria with Prosecco
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling)
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
- ¾ cup chilled Prosecco
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup Grand Marnier (or triple sec)
- 2 tbsp simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 1 ripe pear, sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Ice for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Wash and thinly slice the orange and pear. Remove seeds if needed. Place them in a large pitcher along with pomegranate seeds and cinnamon sticks.
Step 2: Build the Sangria Base
Add the simple syrup, Grand Marnier, and brandy to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Add the Wine
Pour in the red wine. Give it another stir to ensure the flavors start mingling.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. This step is crucial — it allows the fruits and spices to infuse the wine.
Step 5: Add the Sparkle
Just before serving, pour in the chilled Prosecco for that delightful fizz.
Step 6: Serve
Fill glasses with ice, ladle in the sangria, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Optional: add an extra orange slice to each glass for flair.
Pro Tips for the Best Holiday Sangria
- Don’t Rush the Chill Time — The flavors deepen with rest.
- Balance Sweetness — Taste before serving and adjust with simple syrup.
- Use Chilled Ingredients — Helps keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
- Garnish Generously — Rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, or sugared cranberries make each glass special.
- Serve in a Clear Pitcher — Show off those beautiful holiday colors.
Festive Variations
1. White Christmas Sangria
Swap red wine for a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc and add green grapes and kiwi for a fresh, wintry twist.
2. Rosé Holiday Sangria
Rosé paired with strawberries, raspberries, and sparkling rosé for a pink-hued festive drink.
3. Cranberry Prosecco Sangria
Replace pears with fresh cranberries and add a splash of cranberry juice for a tangy kick.
4. Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria (Mocktail)
Swap red wine for pomegranate juice and Prosecco for sparkling water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Food Pairings for Christmas Sangria
Appetizers
- Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates
- Cheese Boards with Sharp Cheddar, Brie, and Gouda
Main Courses
- Herb-Roasted Turkey
- Honey-Glazed Ham
- Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction
Desserts
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Chocolate Yule Log
- Pecan Pie
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the base (without Prosecco) up to 24 hours in advance.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The Prosecco will lose its fizz, but you can revive it by topping each glass with fresh bubbles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but thaw slightly before adding so they release their flavors.
Q: What’s the best budget-friendly red wine for sangria?
A Spanish Garnacha or Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon are both affordable and flavorful.
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
Skip the simple syrup and use extra tart fruits like cranberries.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~120
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 12g
- Alcohol: ~10%
Final Festive Thoughts
Christmas Sangria with Prosecco isn’t just a drink — it’s a celebration in a glass. The rich wine, bubbly sparkle, fragrant spices, and colorful fruits make it a showstopper for any holiday occasion. Plus, its make-ahead nature means you get to spend more time enjoying the moment and less time behind the bar.
So, raise your glass, toast to the season, and let this sparkling sangria bring warmth, joy, and a little extra magic to your holidays.
