3 Sangria Recipes Perfect for the Winter Months

From Friendsgiving to Secret Santa to Christmas dinner, the holidays bring a variety of gatherings. Family, friends, co-workers that are less-than-friends, and strays that will become friends all come together over delicious food and drinks. It’s a joyous time where you’re expected (rightfully so) to bring something to share, but it can be hard to know exactly how to please a crowd!

Personally, we love a shareable drink that travels easily in a pitcher or bowl. Something versatile, simple, and refreshing that can be assembled then forgotten. Sangria fits this bill perfectly! You can even make a white and red version to easily please anyone in search of a festive beverage. 

Let’s take a look at three of our favorites, sure to spice up any holiday gathering!

Red As Rudolph’s Nose Sangria

This blend of deep red wine with bright citrus and warm pomegranate can warm up even the chilliest nights. It’s the perfect match for hors d’oeuvres and light-hearted conversation.

Ingredients

1 bottle of red wine

1/2 C. of fresh-squeezed orange juice

1/2 C. 100% pomegranate juice

1/4 C. orange liquor

1 C. fresh cranberries

1 red apple, cored and chopped

4 tangerines or 2 oranges, sliced

2 cinnamon sticks 

2 12-ounce bottles of ginger beer or ginger-flavored kombucha 

Additional cinnamon sticks for garnish 

Directions

1. Put all fruit and 2 cinnamon sticks at the bottom of a pitcher.
2. Add the wine, juices, and orange liquor. Stir to combine well.
3. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
4. To serve, pour in a splash of ginger beer or ginger kombucha + cinnamon stick. 

Not So Silent White Sangria

The depth of cloves combined with crisp white wine and granny smith apples is a refreshing way to enjoy a Christmas brunch with family.

Ingredients

1 (1.5 liters) bottle pinot grigio

1 C. fresh or frozen cranberries

1 cinnamon stick

1 orange, sliced

~ 15 Whole cloves for sodding an orange slice

1 granny smith apple, cored and chopped

1 C. white grape juice

1 large sprig of fresh rosemary

Directions

1. Put all ingredients in a pitcher, stirring to combine. 
2. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.

Rosy the Elf’s Rosè Sangria

A little sassier than the usual holiday sangria, the brandy tones down the traditionally brighter flavor of rosè. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser for any gathering!

Ingredients

1 bottle (750 ml) dry rose wine

1/4 C. brandy

2 tbsp. raspberry liqueur

2 tbsp. sugar

1 1/2 C. raspberries

1 1/2 C. quartered strawberries

1 sliced lemon

1 1/2 C. seltzer

Directions

1. Combine wine, liqueur, and sugar in a pitcher. Make sure all sugar is dissolved. 
2. Add fruit and stir to mix. 
3. Cover with lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Add the seltzer just before serving.

Pay Us a Visit

If you’re looking for more great recipes or tips to make your holiday drink game top-notch, come visit us at 3rd Street Beverage in Bend Oregon! We’ve got all your Holiday beverage needs covered.