Winter Sangria and Wishing You a Joyful Holiday Season
The holidays are here, and if you're looking for the perfect festive drink to serve at your gatherings, I've got you covered! This month I'm sharing my Winter Sangria recipe – a seasonal twist on the classic that features beautiful winter fruits and warming spices. It's delicious, it's impressive, and best of all, it's incredibly easy to make!
Why Winter Sangria is Perfect for Holiday Parties
Let's talk about holiday entertaining for a moment. We all want to impress our guests, but who has time to play bartender all night? That's the beauty of sangria! You make one big batch, let it chill in the fridge, and you're done. Your guests can help themselves, and you get to actually enjoy your own party!
This winter version takes all the best parts of traditional sangria and gives it a cozy, seasonal makeover. The combination of red wine, brandy, and orange liqueur creates a rich base, while cranberry juice and winter fruits add festive color and flavor. Those warm spices – cinnamon and star anise – make your whole kitchen smell like Christmas!
Make-Ahead Holiday Cocktail Recipe
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it actually gets better as it sits. Make it in the morning (or even the day before) and let those flavors meld together in the fridge. When your guests arrive, just pour, garnish with fresh cranberries, and watch everyone's faces light up!
Ingredients
Serves: 6-8
1 bottle red wine (750ml)
¼ cup brandy
¼ cup orange liqueur
1 cup cranberry juice
1 orange, sliced
1 apple, sliced
1 pear, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
Fresh cranberries for garnish
Here’s How To Do It:
In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice.
Add the orange slices, apple slices, pear slices, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours for even better flavor!).
Serve in glasses, garnished with fresh cranberries.
Watch this winter sangria recipe come together here!
Tips for the Best Winter Sangria
Choose a good quality red wine – you don't need anything fancy, but pick something you'd enjoy drinking on its own. A fruity Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works beautifully.
Slice fruits thinly – they'll release more flavor and look prettier in the glasses
Don't skip the chill time – at least 2 hours is essential for the flavors to come together
Make it ahead – this tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge
Adjust sweetness to taste – if you prefer it sweeter, add a tablespoon or two of simple syrup or honey
Get creative with garnishes – sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or cinnamon sticks make beautiful additions
What Wine Works Best for Winter Sangria?
Any medium-bodied red wine works great! I typically reach for a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or even a Rioja. The key is to choose something fruity but not too tannic. And here's a secret: you don't need to spend a fortune! Save your expensive bottles for sipping and use a good, affordable wine for sangria.
Wishing You a Joyful Holiday Season
As we close out this year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and wish you and your family the most joyful holiday season.
Gratitude for This Community
Whether you're celebrating in your forever home, recently moved into a new space, or dreaming of finding your perfect place in the new year, I'm so grateful to be part of this wonderful community. This year has been filled with incredible moments – helping families find their dream homes, guiding first-time buyers through their first purchase, supporting sellers as they move on to their next chapter.
Looking Ahead to a Bright New Year
As we head into 2026, I'm filled with excitement for what's to come. New opportunities, new clients, new adventures, and more chances to help families find where they belong. Real estate is so much more than transactions to me – it's about being part of your story, celebrating your milestones, and helping turn your dreams into reality.
From My Home to Yours
This holiday season, may your home be filled with warmth, laughter, love, and of course, delicious winter sangria! Whether you're hosting big gatherings or keeping it small and cozy, I hope you're surrounded by the people you love most.
Thank you for following along with my "From My Kitchen" series this year – from smashburger salads to spooky charcuterie boards to Thanksgiving cranberry sauce and now this festive sangria. Sharing these recipes and real estate tips with you has brought me so much joy!
Ready to Find Your Home in 2026?
If finding your dream home is on your list for the new year, I'd love to help make it happen! Let's start the conversation and get you ready for an exciting home buying journey in 2026.
Wishing you peace, joy, and all the best this holiday season and always!
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