Christmas Sangria is a festive and flavorful holiday cocktail that’s perfect for sharing!

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This easy sangria is made in a pitcher for easy serving. It combines the rich warmth of red wine with the nutty sweetness of amaretto and the deep fruitiness of blackberry brandy.

Orange juice and cranberry juice add a bright, tangy twist, creating a balanced and refreshing drink that’s as vibrant as the season itself. Garnished with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and sprigs of rosemary, this sangria looks as beautiful as it tastes. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for Christmas parties and cozy holiday gatherings!

Also try Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria or Warm Mulled Wine made in the slow cooker.

What you’ll need

Find the full, printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post. Read on for more details and tips!

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A pitcher
1 bottle red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or Merlot
Blackberry brandy– I actually wanted cherry brandy but it was impossible to find in my area! I went to so many stores and we live close to Florida so I even made a trip over the state line with no luck! I finally found blackberry. Anyway, any berry flavored brandy will work!
Amaretto- this pairs so well with cherry, which is why I really wanted the cherry brandy!
Cranberry juice
Orange juice
Garnish: sliced oranges, rosemary and frozen cranberries. I like to freeze the cranberries to keep the sangria cold when serving.

More Christmas recipes here

How to make it

In a large pitcher combine the wine, blackberry brandy, Amaretto, cranberry juice and orange juice.
Add in the orange slices and rosemary sprigs. Refrigerate at least 2 hours for the flavors to meld.
Add frozen cranberries to keep the sangria cold.
Pour into glasses. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and sliced oranges.

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Tips

Can I make Christmas Sangria ahead of time? Yes! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Prepare the sangria up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to add garnishes until just before serving to keep them fresh.
What type of red wine is best for sangria? Choose a medium-bodied red wine with fruity notes, like Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Avoid expensive wines; an affordable but good-quality wine works perfectly.
Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic? Yes! Substitute the red wine with grape juice, the amaretto with almond extract (a small splash), and the brandy with cherry juice or omit it.
Can I make it sparkling? Absolutely! Add a splash of sparkling water, club soda, or ginger ale just before serving for a bubbly twist.
How long does Christmas Sangria last in the fridge? Sangria will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. However, the fruit may soften and the flavors may become more intense over time, so it’s best consumed within 1–2 days for optimal freshness.
Can I use white wine instead of red wine? Yes! For a lighter version, swap the red wine for a dry white wine or even prosecco for a sparkling variation. Adjust the fruit and juices to complement the white wine, such as using pears and green apples.
What can I use instead of amaretto or blackberry brandy? If you don’t have amaretto, you can substitute it with hazelnut liqueur or a few drops of almond extract. For blackberry brandy, use regular brandy, spiced rum, or a berry liqueur.
How can I make it sweeter? If you prefer a sweeter sangria, stir in a bit of simple syrup, honey, or agave syrup to taste.
Can I serve Christmas Sangria warm? While sangria is traditionally served chilled, you could gently warm this version for a mulled wine-like drink. Serve in mugs with a cinnamon stick garnish for a cozy twist.

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