Holiday Sangria

By Melissa Search Jump to Recipe

Enjoy the festive flavors of cranberry and cinnamon with this refreshing Holiday Sangria, perfect for any merry gathering.

When I think of sangria, my mind goes on a trip to the Algarve, Portugal’s stunning southern coast, where I enjoyed a healthy amount of the fruity beverage. While it may not have been a festive version I was sipping, Portugal is renowned for this boozy, fruity, wine mixture and you can find it everywhere. Sangria originated in Portugal and Spain back in the Middle Ages, with the modern version taking shape in the 18th century. In fact, it is so deeply rooted in their cultures that in the EU the only REAL sangria sold and labeled as such must be from either Portugal or Spain.

Sangria can be made with red or white wine and various fruits, but it was originally made with red, such as Rioja or Tempranillo. Sangria comes from the word sangre, which means “blood,” to reflect the drink’s deep red color. However, today, we’ll be a little more spritely and think of red holly berries, poinsettias, and Santa’s suit concerning our Holiday Sangria. It really is like a cup full of Christmas cheer.

What is Brandy?

Though you likely have heard of brandy, you may have never tasted it. It is not a very common alcohol to order. In my decade of bartending in Manhattan, I can count on one hand the amount of times a guest ordered brandy. However, it is one of the main ingredients in our Holiday Sangria, so let’s get to it.

Brandy is made from fermented fruit, usually grapes, but it is considered a liquor, not a wine. What sets the two apart is the process of distillation. Wine is halfway to becoming brandy. The wine is then boiled to separate the water and leave us with a concentrated alcohol, which becomes brandy.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use to Make a Holiday Sangria?

Feel free to use any brandy you have in your home bar for Holiday Sangria. However, if you are running to the store to buy it, look for a Spanish Brandy de Jerez, to keep the sangria authentic. There are many brands, which range in price from $15 to $400 and up. Clearly, you should not use an expensive bottle since it will be combined and masked by the other ingredients. Go for Lustau Brandy de Jerez Solera Gran Reserva which is about $40.

If brandy is not your thing, you can substitute it with another kind of liquor. Grand Marnier and Hennessy work perfectly in our Holiday Sangria. I have also made sangria plenty of times with vodka and triple sec. For this Holiday Sangria, I would use 1/4 a cup of Tito’s vodka and 1/4 triple sec.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH TO USE?

Serve your Holiday Sangria in a pretty rocks glass, a wine glass, or a goblet. Garnish your festive beverage with cranberries, an orange slice, and a cinnamon stick.

CAN I EAT THE FRUIT IN A HOLIDAY SANGRIA?

Yes! Feel free to scoop some fruit out of your drink to eat. It will taste different after soaking in the alcohol for a while, so be prepared for a kick.

Similar Drinks to Holiday Sangria

Holiday Sangria is perfect for Thanksgiving, a holiday party, and Christmas Dinner, especially because you can make a large batch. While the taste of cranberry and cinnamon are reminiscent of these fall/winter holidays, you can modify the fruit and flavors for any occasion. To enjoy sangria year round check out some of these tasty options.

• Peach Sangria – Nothing screams summer like juicy, sweet peaches. This refreshing beverage, made with crisp white wine, is perfect to sip poolside.
• Sangria Margarita – This cocktail is an elevated version of our fruity sangria and will turn the party up with the addition of tequila.
• Jingle Juice Holiday Punch – Another fruity, boozy, fun drink that is perfect in a large batch for friends or family.
• Easy Virgin Mojito – If you are into the freshness of the fruit and flavors in the Holiday Sangria but not into the alcohol, try this brisk virgin mojito. It has all the fun of a cocktail, sans buzz.