There's something about clinking glasses filled with bright bursts of cranberry and citrus that instantly puts me in a festive mood. This Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe is one of those crowd-pleasers that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.

The image shows three glasses filled with a deep red drink. Each glass has a green sugar rim and is filled with ice cubes, floating cranberries, and slices of orange and red fruit. One glass, in focus, has a cinnamon stick and a rosemary sprig placed inside, standing upright. The glasses are clear and set on round white coasters with gold rims, placed on a light wooden board. The background has a white marbled texture with a blurred red and white cloth and extra cranberries scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every holiday season, I find myself reaching for this Christmas sangria because it combines fresh, vibrant flavors with a touch of warmth from the spices. It’s just the right balance of sweet, tart, and cozy—a festive drink that makes any celebration feel special.

Festive flavors: Cranberries and citrus create a bright, refreshing twist that screams holiday cheer.
Easy to prepare: It takes only minutes to toss everything together, then just chilling does the magic.
Perfect for gatherings: The vibrant colors and fresh herbs make it look stunning on any holiday table.
Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness and spices to suit your own taste or dietary needs.

The image shows three round glasses filled with a deep red drink layered with floating cranberries, orange slices, and a cinnamon stick each, topped with a sprig of rosemary. The glass rims are coated with green sugar crystals. The glasses are placed on round white coasters with golden edges, which rest on a wooden board. Around the board are some scattered fresh cranberries, a small bowl of cranberries, and festive decorations including a green glittery bauble, pine branches, and a checkered red cloth. The background features green fir branches and a red candle holder, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe plays a special role, marrying the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apple cider and honey, while the citrus adds brightness and the rosemary and cinnamon provide a festive, aromatic touch.

Flat lay of fresh red cranberries scattered next to a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, bright orange navel fruit whole and another orange sliced into thin rounds, crisp light green apple slices arranged neatly, a few fresh green rosemary sprigs, two cinnamon sticks placed parallel, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red cranberry juice, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale yellow lemon juice, and a small white ceramic bowl with amber unfiltered apple cider, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apple slices: I like using crisp apples for a fresh crunch that contrasts with the smooth wine.
Fresh or frozen cranberries: They add that signature Christmas tang and a beautiful pop of color.
Navel orange: The zest and juice brighten the sangria and balance the sweetness.
Orange slices: These add a pretty garnish and infuse subtle citrus notes.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: This herb adds a piney, woody aroma that instantly feels festive.
Honey: A natural sweetener that smooths out the tart fruits without being overpowering.
Lemon juice: Brings acidity that keeps the sangria crisp and refreshing.
Cinnamon sticks: Warm and spicy, they add depth and comfort to each sip.
Apple cider (unfiltered): Gives body and a touch of natural sweetness with a rustic feel.
Unsweetened 100% cranberry juice: Packs extra cranberry flavor without added sugar.
Sweet red wine: Choose one you enjoy drinking on its own, as it’s the base of this sangria.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe is—you can make it as sweet or as tart as you like, and play around with the herbs and spices to match your holiday mood. It’s a great opportunity to get creative and surprise your guests!

Variation: One year, I swapped out the sweet red wine for sparkling rosé to add bubbles and a festive fizz. It was a hit!
Make it non-alcoholic: Replace the wine with sparkling water or ginger ale for a family-friendly version that still packs plenty of flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or star anise if you want to dial up the warm holiday spices.
Fruit swaps: Try substituting the apple slices with pears or swapping out oranges for clementines to vary the taste and look.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe

Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients

I start by slicing up the apples and oranges, making sure the pieces are bite-sized but substantial enough to hold their shape. If you’re using fresh cranberries, give them a quick rinse. If frozen, no need to thaw—pop them in as is to add a cooling effect later.

Step 2: Combine everything in a big pitcher

In my favorite large glass pitcher, I add the sliced fruit and cranberries first. Then I pour in the sweet red wine, cranberry juice, apple cider, lemon juice, and drizzle the honey on top. I give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors without bruising the fruit.

Step 3: Add the festive aromatics

I tuck fresh rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks into the pitcher—not just for flavor but for that gorgeous holiday vibe. These little touches really make your sangria sing, both in aroma and presentation.

Step 4: Chill and let the flavors meld

This is the magic step. I pop the pitcher in the fridge and let it chill for at least an hour, though overnight is even better. This resting time lets all those vibrant fruit juices and spices infuse the wine, creating a harmonious, festive blend you'll love.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

Before serving, give the sangria a gentle stir and pour it into glasses, making sure to include some fruit pieces and a cinnamon stick or rosemary sprig in each glass for that extra charm. Cheers!

Top Tip

From making this Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe for years, I’ve realized a few tips that really take it to the next level—and I want you to have the same success!

Use quality red wine: Since it’s the base, picking a wine you enjoy on its own will make a big difference in the final drink’s flavor.
Don’t skip chilling time: Giving the sangria a good rest lets the fruits soften slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Add the honey gradually: Start with less, and taste as you go—sweetness can vary depending on the wine and cider used.
Cinnamon sticks over ground cinnamon: Using sticks adds subtle spice without overpowering and makes stirring the sangria a fun experience.

How to Serve Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe

Garnishes

Personally, I love to float a few fresh cranberries and a thin orange slice right in the glass, along with a small sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick. Besides looking festive, these garnishes infuse subtle aroma as you sip.

Side Dishes

This sangria pairs beautifully with light holiday appetizers like spiced nuts, cranberry brie bites, or a platter of cheeses and charcuterie. For the main event, I enjoy it alongside roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a well-rounded festive meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I love using a large glass punch bowl so guests can help themselves, plus it shows off the gorgeous colors of the fruit and herbs. Another fun idea: freeze some cranberries and orange slices in ice cubes to keep drinks cool without diluting the flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sangria keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days if covered tightly. I usually transfer it to a sealed pitcher or jar. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as some settling might occur.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this sangria, as the texture of the fresh fruit changes and the wine’s flavor can become muted once thawed. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This sangria is meant to be served chilled, so reheating isn't typical. But if you'd like a warm version, gently heat without boiling, then remove from heat and garnish as usual for a cozy winter twist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of wine for this sangria?

Absolutely! While I recommend a sweet red wine for this Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe, you can experiment with dry reds, rosé, or even sparkling wines to suit your taste.

How long should I chill the sangria before serving?

Ideally, chill the sangria for at least 1 hour, but letting it rest overnight will deepen the flavors significantly. Just be sure to add fresh fruit a little before serving if storing longer.

Can I prepare this sangria ahead of time?

Yes! This Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe is perfect for making the night before your holiday party. Just chill it thoroughly and garnish right before serving.

What is the best way to sweeten this sangria?

I recommend starting with honey because it adds natural sweetness and complexity. You can adjust the amount to suit your preferred taste or use maple syrup as a nice alternative. Avoid adding refined sugar directly, as it doesn’t dissolve as well in cold liquids.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Citrus Recipe is one of those special drinks I look forward to every holiday season. It brings people together, ignites the festive spirit, and is just plain fun to make and enjoy. I can’t wait for you to give this a try and experience that same warm, joyful feeling with your friends and family.