When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing quite like a sparkling, fruity cocktail to bring a little extra cheer to your celebrations. Christmas Sangria with Prosecco combines the rich flavors of red wine with a splash of bubbly Prosecco, festive fruits, and warm spices. It’s a show-stopping addition to any holiday table and an absolute must for your next gathering.
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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sangria
This sangria is the epitome of holiday cheer. Here’s why it’s bound to be a hit:
- Easy to Make: You can prepare the base ahead of time and add the Prosecco just before serving.
- Beautifully Festive: Vibrant orange slices, pomegranate seeds, and rosemary sprigs make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—more fruit, less brandy, or even a splash of cranberry juice for a tart twist.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, this recipe serves a group and keeps everyone coming back for refills.
Ingredients for Christmas Sangria
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful drink:
- 2 tbsp simple syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- ¼ cup Grand Marnier – Infuses a rich orange essence.
- ¼ cup brandy – Adds depth and warmth.
- 1 orange, sliced – Bright and zesty.
- 1 pear, sliced – Sweet and juicy.
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds – Adds a pop of color and a tangy bite.
- 2 cinnamon sticks – For that signature holiday spice.
- 1 bottle dry red wine – Choose a robust wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
- ¾ cup Prosecco – For a bubbly, celebratory finish.
- Fresh rosemary, for garnish – Makes each glass look extra festive.
Tools You’ll Need
- A large pitcher for mixing.
- A sharp knife and cutting board for slicing fruits.
- A stirrer or long spoon.
- Glasses for serving (stemless wine glasses work wonderfully!).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large pitcher, mix the simple syrup, Grand Marnier, brandy, orange slices, pear slices, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon sticks. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors begin to meld.
2. Add the Red Wine
Pour in the red wine and give it another stir. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. This resting time is crucial—it allows the fruits and spices to infuse the wine with their flavors.
3. Add the Prosecco
Just before serving, stir in the Prosecco for that delightful bubbly finish.
4. Garnish and Serve
Serve the sangria over ice in individual glasses. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch that’s Instagram-worthy.
What to Serve with Christmas Sangria
This drink pairs beautifully with holiday appetizers like:
- Cheese boards featuring Brie, Gouda, and sharp Cheddar.
- Prosciutto-wrapped dates for a sweet-savory bite.
- Cranberry-studded baked brie for something ooey and gooey.
For more holiday recipe inspiration, check out these festive ideas:
- Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
- Christmas Puff Pastry Charcuterie Squares
- Rosemary Feta Christmas Tree Crackers
Tips for Perfect Sangria
- Use Fresh Fruits: Fresh, ripe fruits infuse the drink with the best flavor.
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step—it’s essential for the flavors to develop.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sangria and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more simple syrup.
- Serve Cold: This sangria is best served icy cold, so don’t forget the ice.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover sangria (unlikely, but possible!), store it in the refrigerator in the pitcher, covered with plastic wrap. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days. Just keep in mind that the Prosecco will lose its fizz over time, so it won’t be quite as bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the base up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add the Prosecco just before serving for maximum fizz.
What’s the Best Type of Red Wine for Sangria?
A dry red wine like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Rioja works best. Avoid overly sweet wines since the fruits and simple syrup will add enough sweetness.
Can I Use Other Fruits?
Yes! Apples, cranberries, or even frozen berries are great additions to this sangria.
A Festive Conclusion
Christmas Sangria with Prosecco is the drink your holiday table has been waiting for. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether you’re toasting to Christmas morning or ringing in the New Year, this sangria promises to be the life of the party.
Looking for more festive recipes? Try Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels, Christmas Puff Pastry Charcuterie Squares, or Rosemary Feta Christmas Tree Crackers—they’re sure to become holiday favorites too.
If you make this sangria, I’d love to see your creations! Leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest. You can find me at Pinterest. Cheers to a sparkling season!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 12g
- Alcohol Content: Approximately 10%
Enjoy responsibly!
Christmas Sangria with Prosecco: A Festive Holiday Delight
Equipment
- Large pitcher
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp simple syrup
- ¼ cup Grand Marnier
- ¼ cup brandy
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 pear sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 bottle dry red wine
- ¾ cup Prosecco
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the simple syrup, Grand Marnier, brandy, orange slices, pear slices, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon sticks. Stir to mix.Add the red wine to the pitcher, stir, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.Just before serving, stir in the Prosecco for a bubbly touch.Serve the sangria over ice, garnishing each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Notes
- Use a dry red wine for the best flavor balance. Avoid overly sweet wines, as the fruits and simple syrup will add sweetness.
- For an extra festive twist, add a splash of cranberry juice or frozen cranberries.
- This sangria is best served cold. Be sure to chill it and serve over ice.