There's nothing like a holiday sangria to warm everyone up! Sangria is delicious, inviting, and agreeable to almost everyone. Make a pitcher and watch it disappear!
The History Behind Sangria
Like most things, the history behind sangria is an age-old debate.
Some say it dates back to when the early Romans and Greeks influenced it. They would often mix wine with fruits and spices. They would sweeten things with honey as well. However, this wouldn't technically be called sangria because sangria also includes brandy.
Others say it's very likely that the Spanish and Portuguese influenced the idea of sangria. They would mix wine with spices, fruit, and brandy. People believe this is the most likely of the two theories. Many claim that Spanish sangria is the original sangria!
Regardless of who is responsible for the delicious drink, sangria dates back to the 1800s and remains relevant hundreds of years later.
Christmas Sangria Recipes
Sangria is quite popular during the winter months! It's perfect for any holiday gathering. It's easy to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time so it's ready for your guests as soon as they arrive.
Whether you're just having a few friends over or hosting your extended family and more, it's easy to make and something everyone will enjoy!
Now, who's ready for some delicious sangria?
Choosing The Wine For Your Sangria
Choosing the wine for your sangria might seem stressful, but we're here to help.
Red Wines
When choosing the right wine for your red wine sangria, you'll want something fruity without really high tannins. You don't want your sangria to have that bitterness associated with wines with high tannins. The following red wines are excellent options for red wine sangria:
White Wines
When choosing a white wine for your white wine sangria, you want to lean towards something crisp and refreshing. You want something dry, not really sweet. Choose between the following wines for your white wine sangria base:
Sparkling
If you're making a sparkling sangria, you're in luck. Almost anything that sparkles will work. Of course, you'll want to consider the sweetness the same way you would with any sangria. Consider these sparkling options:
- Champagne
- Prosecco
- Cava
Fresh Fruit For Your Sangria
Sangria is all about the fresh and seasonal fruit you add to it!
But why do we add fresh fruit to our sangria? There are a few reasons. First, the fruit flavor is infused into the wine, making it extra flavorful. Next, it adds color! Visually, the fruit makes the sangria whole, complete, and eye-catching.
Here's a list of popular fruits that are popular additions to sangria recipes:
- Orange slices
- Lemon slices
- Lime slices
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cranberries
- Pomegranate arils
- Peach slices
- Pear slices
Make Your Sangria Sparkle
Do you prefer bubbles in your drink? Don't worry! You can make any sangria recipe into a sparkling sangria easily.
Here are some common ingredients that will add some fizz to your sangria recipe:
- Club soda
- Sparkling Water
- Champagne
- Prosecco
- Ginger ale
Red Wine Sangria
First up, our red sangria recipe!
Starting with the most popular sangria, red wine sangria! It's a classic and the most traditional of all. It's delicious, decadent, and on theme with the Christmas festivities.
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1/4 cup of brandy (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/2 cup of cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Orange slices
- Apple slices
- Fresh cranberries
- A few cinnamon sticks
- A few star anise
Instructions
Add your wine, brandy, orange juice, and cranberry juice in a pitcher or bowl.
If you choose to sweeten your sangria, you'll also want to add your organic cane sugar, honey, or maple syrup. This step is totally up to you.
It's time for your fruits and spices! Add orange, apple, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Stir it!
(If you have pomegranate seeds, toss some into your pitcher.)
Cover your sangria and pop it in the fridge for at least a few hours until it's nice and chilled.
When you're ready to serve, ladle your sangria into wine glasses. Garnish with an orange slice and a few fresh cranberries. Serve and enjoy!
White Wine Sangria
Red sangria is excellent, but if you prefer white wine, white wine sangria is also a great idea! It's delicious, crisp, and refreshing! Here's what you'll need:
- 1 bottle of white wine
- 1/2 cup of Grand Marnier or triple sec (start with a 1/2 cup and add more if you want it boozier)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup of white cranberry juice (if you can't find this, use something else)
- Orange slices
- Fresh cranberries
- Apple slices
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
Add your white wine, Grand Marnier, pineapple juice, and white cranberry juice to your pitcher.
Now, on to the fruit and spices. Add orange slices, fresh cranberries, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks into your pitcher. Give it a quick stir.
Allow your sangria to marinate and chill in the fridge for at least a few hours. You can even leave it overnight.
Once you're ready to serve, ladle your sangria into a wine glass and garnish with a few cranberries and an orange slice. Serve and enjoy!
Sparkling Sangria
For those who want something bursting with bubbles, here's a sparkling sangria recipe with all the bubbles you can dream of. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 bottle of sparkling wine
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or any orange liqueur
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- Orange slices
- Lemon slices
- Lime slices
- A handful of berries
Instructions
Add your sparkling wine, orange liqueur, brandy, orange juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a pitcher or punch bowl. Give it a quick stir.
Now add all your fruits, including orange, lemon, lime, and a handful of assorted berries of your choosing.
Put your sparkling sangria in the fridge to chill. Chill for at least a couple of hours, but ideally overnight.
When you're ready to serve, ladle your sangria into a wine glass and garnish with a few fruit slices,
Enjoy!
Grab A Bottle Of Sangria
If you don't feel like making sangria but don't want to feel left out of the sangria game, I've got you covered. There are plenty of sangria options to choose from. It's as easy as chilling your bottle before your guests arrive.
Add your bottled sangria to a punch bowl or pitcher, and toss in some fresh fruit to get extra festive.
Here are some bottled sangria options to choose from:
Cruz Garcia Real Red Sangria
Starting with a delicious Spanish sangria, we have Cruz Garcia's Red Sangria.
It's a fresh, fruity, and sweet option. It's refreshing and delicious!
The best part about it is the convenience. It's easy, affordable, and perfect for a last-minute sangria craving without all the fuss. Give your guests a taste of Spain!
Wilson Creek Sparkling Sangria
Get your hands on a bottle of Wilson Creek's Sparkling Sangria for something bubbly and flavorful! With hints of fresh citrus and ripe red berries, this sparkling sangria will be a mouthwatering addition to your holiday gathering.
Just pop it in the fridge and serve it in a pitcher with some fresh fruit! It's easy and convenient!
La Catrina Day of the Dead Sangria
Here's another sangria option, La Catrina Day of the Dead Sangria. It's fruity, flowery, and lighter than you may expect.
It's a smooth sangria that will entice your taste buds!
Make Your Sangria Today!
Get started on your sangria at Liquorama.
Whether you're going with the red, white, or sparkling sangria, it's easy to get started on your recipe at Liquorama. Get your wine and get to it!
Grab any other holiday essentials while you're at it, too! At Liquorama, we have a wide selection of wine, beer, and spirits. We have everything from your favorite tequila to a decadent spiced rum!
Get your favorite shipped right to your door with the convenience of shipping with Liquorama.
Contact us if you have any questions before getting started!