This Winter White Sangria recipe is a festive, sparkly drink that shows off the fruits and spices we love during the holiday season. Packed full of delicious, comforting flavors including apples, pears, cranberries, and cinnamon, this quick and easy winter cocktail is the perfect holiday drink. I like to make a batch of this white sangria recipe ahead of time and serve in my favorite wine glasses. Best of all, it takes just 15 minutes to put together!
The Perfect Holiday White Wine Sangria
We usually think of sangria as a summer drink, but this winter white sangria is a perfect cold-weather wine cocktail for entertaining during the holidays. Packed full of delicious winter fruits -- oranges, cranberries, apples, and pears -- this holiday white wine sangria also showcases the warm, comforting winter spices of ginger, cinnamon, and star anise. Whether you enjoy simple, intimate gatherings or larger holiday events, this white wine sangria recipe will become your new favorite festive cocktail.
What is Sangria, Anyway?
The name sangria actually has Latino roots. "Sangria" is the Spanish word for "blood" because red wine was originally used to make this classic cocktail. The drink probably dates back to the middle ages, but it became popular in North America when it was served in New York at the 1964 World's Fair. I found this Sangria info, and more, here.
Sangria is a wine-based drink that can be used with either red or white wine (rosé, too). With wine as a base, you can use any kind of fruit, a liqueur, if desired, or juice and other flavourings. Sometimes, a sweetener is added, too, depending on how dry the wine used for a base is. Red or white, winter or summer, you can never go wrong with whipping up a batch of this wine-based classic.
Here's What You Need to Make This Sangria Recipe
- Apples
- Red Anjou pears
- Mandarin oranges
- Fresh cranberries
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
- Candied ginger
- Orange liqueur
- Dry sparkling white wine
- Salt
The Right Ingredients Matter
The Wine
Because of the mix in's, sangria is not the occasion to use a complex, expensive wine. Save that for sipping on its own or with a meal! But, do still use a wine that you would drink on its own. That being said, sangria is also not a reason to use bad wine. A dry, fruity wine works best as your base, and it can be red, white, rosé, or even, as in this recipe, sparkling.
The Fruit
I used winter fruits, which can be eaten, and the fruit will taste amazing after soaking in wine, liqueur, and spices. I wouldn't recommend eating the cranberries, though, because they are very tart. They are mainly there for garnish, just because they add a festive touch!
How to Make This Holiday Sangria Recipe, Step By Step
Before you start to make this recipe, it's important to note that my version doesn't contain any added sweeteners, as it's meant to be a dry beverage. If you prefer it sweeter, stir in some honey or maple syrup before adding the wine.
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Stir together all ingredients EXCEPT the wine in a covered jar, then allow to sit overnight or a least 2 hours in the fridge. Remember, this is the perfect holiday cocktail to make ahead of time! You can save precious minutes on the day of by simply having this pre-prepared and pulling it out of the refrigerator. I would definitely caution AGAINST skipping the "let it sit" step -- this really allows for the ingredients to fully fuse together.
Step 2: Add the Wine
When it's time to serve, find your favourite carafe, pitcher, or punch bowl and add about a third's portion of ice. Then, pour in the fruit mixture that has (hopefully) spent the night in the fridge, and finally top with sparkling wine. Don't forget to garnish with a few fresh cinnamon sticks and cranberries -- presentation is key!
Step 3: Don't Forget the Forks!
Because this holiday drink can actually double as a tasty snack, it's a nice idea to serve with small cocktail forks so you and yours can enjoy the deliciously juicy sangria fruit. Pro Tip: A punch bowl it a great way to serve your fruity concoction, but a large, clear pitcher works, too.
Looking for more quick and easy cocktail recipes? Why not try a Ginger Snap Cocktail, (or another amazing holiday cocktail, (seriously festive Mistletoe Margarita ), a creamy RumChata Hot Chocolate or try a Greyhound, a delicious grapefruit drink, or a Caesar, Canada's cocktail. Cheers!
Recipe
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Winter White Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 apple cored, and sliced
- 1 red Anjou pear cored and sliced
- 4 Mandarin oranges peeled segmented
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 6 star anise
- 2 tablespoon candied ginger chopped
- 1 cup orange liqueur
- 26 oz dry sparkling white wine 1 bottle
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Stir together all ingredients EXCEPT wine in a covered jar, and allow to sit overnight or a least 2 hours in the fridge.
- Just before serving, add ice to a pitcher or punch bowl, pour in fruit mixture, and top off with sparkling wine.
Sharon
What a fun idea! I have never thought to use winter fruits in sangria and it is SO good. A crowd-pleaser for sure and super unique. Thanks!
Colleen
Hi Sharon, I'm so happy that you liked this delicious Sangria. Cheers!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
What a beautiful sangria with the winter fruit and those spices! I always think of sangria with red wine but love the look of this! I'm sure it tastes incredible!
Colleen
Thank you, Nicoletta! You really should give this white sangria a try!
Julia
What a beautiful winter drink, or for summer even. I never think about white sangria and I love it!
Colleen
Thanks, Julia! This is always a hit when we have gatherings around the holidays, although this year it was just a small pitcher for two.
Vijitha
Wow! Love your idea of a winter sangria! This looks so festive and perfect for the season, Pinning this for the next holiday season when I can share it with friends and family!
Colleen
Hi Vijitha! I can't wait for those times!
NANCY
So making your version of white sangria for my NY Eve party!
Colleen
You will love it, Nancy!
Vanessa
I love sangria and this one is so beautiful and festive. Pinning this for the days (hopefully soon) when I can share a pitcher of sangria with friends!
Colleen
Hi Vanessa, I'm sure missing those days, too. In the meantime, a small pitcher of this sangria will brighten up our New Year's Eve at my house.
Amy Gatto
I love this sangria recipe. So fruity and sweet. Can't wait to share it once things get back to normal. Party time!
Colleen
Hi Amy. I'm super happy that you love this sangria! It's amazing and I look forward to sharing it again, too. Happy New Year!
Candiss
I love Sangria and this variation on making it perfect for winter! I had never though about adjusting sangria for other seasons before!
Colleen
Hi Candiss! Sangria is so perfect for gatherings, so a winter version went over well!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food
I haven't had sangria in ages, but I'm a big fan—so, I'll definitely have to give your version a go. I've never tried sparkling white wine as a base, but it sounds absolutely delicious, especially with the addition of the orange liqueur and those wonderful spices! I love your idea of serving this sangria with cocktail forks so that everyone can enjoy the fruit. This may just be my new New Year's Eve cocktail!
Colleen
Hi Michelle, I hate to see all of that fruit go to waste, so the cocktail forks make sense. Enjoy, and Happy New Year!
Danielle Wolter
I am just loving all the festive flavors in this sangria. Back in my drinking days, I used to love sangria! This would be perfect for a holiday party!
Colleen
Hi Danielle! You could make a non alcoholic version, too! Just use non alcoholic sparkling wine, and orange juice instead of liqueur. Happy New Year!
Cathy
Definitely making your version of white sangria! Perfect for my NY Eve party! The colors are perfect and I'm sure it tastes amazing!
Colleen
Hi Cathy! I know you're going to love this festive, bubbly drink for your party. Enjoy, and Happy New Year!
Abigail Sotto Raines
Wow! Can any holiday drink look more festive and delicious? Such a huge hit for any party for sure!
Colleen
Hi Abigail, the holidays do call for festive and delicious. This one really fits the bill, and it is always a hit. Thanks for stopping by, and Happy New Year!
Shashi at SavorySpin
I am loving the idea of a wintery sangria - this is so pretty and so colorful! Fantastic job!
Colleen
Thanks Shashi, it's also really delicious, just right for winter!
Sandra Shaffer
This sangria looks so festive! Perfect for our open house on new year's day! Would it be ok to make the night before?
Colleen
Hi Sandra, yes it's even better made the night before. Just don't add the bubbly wine and ice until right before serving, of course. Enjoy, and Happy New Year!
Tracy
Oh this is so great! I always equate sangria with summer but these flavors definitely are all winter. I think I'll make some for our NYE party!
Colleen
Hi Tracy, Winter Sangria is perfect for parties. Enjoy!