Festive White Christmas Sangria is a bright and cheerful drink that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. It features crisp white wine mixed with fresh fruits like oranges, apples, and cranberries, along with a splash of sparkling water for a little fizz. The combination makes a light, refreshing sip that feels just right for celebrating with friends and family.
I love making this sangria because it’s so easy to put together, and it always adds a splash of color to the party table. One of my favorite things is to prepare it a few hours ahead so all the flavors can mingle really well—plus, it just smells amazing with all the fresh fruit soaking in the wine. It’s a simple way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
To serve, I like to use a big glass pitcher so everyone can help themselves, and I always add plenty of ice to keep it cool. It’s great for relaxing by the fireplace or bringing along to a holiday brunch. This sangria always gets lots of smiles and requests for the recipe, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dry White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for a crisp base. If you prefer a sweeter touch, try a Riesling or Moscato.
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau or Triple Sec add citrus depth. If you want to keep it alcohol-light, swap for orange juice with a splash of orange extract.
Fruits: Green apple, pear, orange, and cranberries bring festive color and fresh flavors. You can switch pears for peaches or grapes if unavailable.
Sparkling Water or Club Soda: Adds bubbles and lightness. For extra flavor, use lemon-lime soda or ginger ale instead.
Honey or Simple Syrup: Optional but balances tartness. Maple syrup is a nice alternative for a warmer sweetness.
How Do I Make the Fruit Flavors Infuse Well Into the Sangria?
Letting sangria rest is key! Here’s how I do it:
- Mix wine, liqueur, and chopped fruits in a big pitcher.
- Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours; longer (4-6 hours) is even better.
- The fruit releases juices that blend with the wine, creating deeper flavors.
- Add sparkling water only right before serving to keep it bubbly.
- Don’t forget to stir gently before pouring so you get a burst of fruity goodness in every glass!
This waiting time really turns simple ingredients into a party-worthy drink.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – I use a big one to fit all the fruit and liquids, making it easy to stir and serve.
- Sharp knife – helps you chop fruits neatly and quickly.
- Cutting board – keeps things tidy while slicing the apples, pears, and oranges.
- Measuring cups – for accurate amounts of liqueur, syrup, and sparkling water.
- Spoon or stirrer – to gently mix everything and help flavors meld.
- Serving glasses – clear glasses show off the pretty fruit inside!
- Optional: a muddler – if you want to mash some fruit for extra flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different fruits like strawberries, kiwis, or pomegranate seeds for a colorful twist. They add extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Try replacing the white wine with rosé or sparkling wine for a different taste and sparkle.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or cinnamon for warm, cozy notes—perfect for holiday vibes.
- Drop in some fresh mint or basil leaves for a fresh, herbal touch that complements the fruit.
Festive White Christmas Sangria
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
- 1 green apple, cored and diced
- 1 pear, cored and diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Ice cubes
Time Needed
This sangria takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus at least 2 hours chilling time to let the flavors mix and deepen. For best taste, chill for 4 to 6 hours before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Wine and Liqueur:
Pour the bottle of dry white wine and orange liqueur into a large pitcher. This forms the tasty base of your sangria.
2. Add the Fresh Fruit:
Add diced green apple, diced pear, fresh cranberries, and orange slices into the pitcher. Stir gently so the fruits are spread out evenly.
3. Sweeten (Optional) and Chill:
If you like your sangria sweeter, add honey or simple syrup now and stir until it’s all dissolved. Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, 4 to 6 hours works even better.
4. Add Sparkle and Serve:
Right before serving, add the chilled sparkling water or club soda into the pitcher for a fizzy touch. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the sangria over the ice, making sure each glass has some fruit pieces. Garnish each with a sprig of fresh rosemary for that festive holiday feel.
5. Enjoy!
Serve your bright, refreshing Festive White Christmas Sangria right away and enjoy the delicious holiday cheer!
Can I Use Frozen Fruit for This Sangria?
Yes, you can! Just thaw the frozen fruit completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the sangria. Keep in mind that fresh fruit usually gives the best texture and flavor.
Can I Make the Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sangria up to 6 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the sparkling water and ice right before serving to keep it bubbly and fresh.
How Should I Store Leftover Sangria?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the fizz, add extra sparkling water just before serving again.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sangria?
Definitely! Start with the tablespoon of honey or simple syrup and add more if you’d like it sweeter. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener completely before chilling.