If there is a festive drink that truly captures the sparkle and cheer of the holiday season, it has to be this delightful White Christmas Sangria Recipe. Imagine a crisp, refreshing white wine base mingling with bursts of tart cranberries, juicy green grapes, and crisp apples, all kissed by aromatic rosemary and finished with effervescent bubbles. This sangria is a dazzling addition to any winter gathering, blending vibrant flavors and beautiful colors that look as good as they taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this White Christmas Sangria Recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that are both approachable and essential. Each item plays an important role: the white wine provides a smooth, fruity foundation, while sparkling grape juice or cider adds lively sweetness and bubbles. Fresh fruits contribute both texture and a pop of holiday color, and rosemary brings a fragrant, seasonal touch that ties everything together beautifully.
- White wine (25 oz, usually Pinot Grigio): Offers a crisp, light body that’s perfect for mixing and complements the fruit flavors.
- Sparkling white grape juice or sparkling apple cider (25 oz): Adds festive fizz and subtle sweetness without overpowering the wine.
- Cranberries (3/4 cup whole and 1/3 cup halved): Provide a tart, tangy burst and a gorgeous red contrast in the glass.
- Seedless green grapes (1/2 cup, halved): Bring a succulent juiciness and a lovely pale green color.
- Granny Smith apples (2, cored and chopped): Add crisp texture and a tart brightness to balance the sweetness.
- Rosemary sprigs (2–3): Infuse the drink with an aromatic piney note that screams holiday spirit.
- Club soda (to top off): Gives a refreshing fizz and lightens the sangria before serving.
- Light corn syrup (for rimming glasses): Helps the coconut flakes stick to the glass rim for a snowy effect.
- Coconut flakes (for rimming glasses): Add a festive, snowy appearance and a delicate coconut flavor.
How to Make White Christmas Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by adding the white wine, sparkling white grape juice or apple cider, whole and halved cranberries, halved grapes, chopped Granny Smith apples, and rosemary sprigs to a large pitcher. Stir everything gently to meld the flavors while keeping the fruit intact for a beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Chill to Marry Flavors
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if time allows. This resting period lets the wine absorb the bright fruit flavors and the rosemary’s herbal aroma, creating a harmonious and refreshing sangria that’s bursting with holiday cheer.
Step 3: Prepare Festive Glasses
To elevate your serving experience, drizzle light corn syrup into a shallow bowl and coconut flakes into another. Dip the rim of each stemless wine glass first into the corn syrup, then gently into the coconut flakes. This creates a snowy, frosted rim that adds texture, a subtle sweetness, and a delightful festive flair.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the chilled sangria into each prepared glass, making sure to scoop a good amount of the colorful fruit into every serving. For an extra festive touch, add a rosemary sprig to garnish and finish off with a splash of club soda for sparkling effervescence. Your White Christmas Sangria Recipe is now ready to impress and refresh your guests!
How to Serve White Christmas Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
Rosemary sprigs not only offer a fresh burst of holiday fragrance but they also look stunning against the vibrant fruit. For an extra touch, consider adding a few cranberries on a cocktail pick or slipping a thin apple slice into the glass. These thoughtful accents enhance both the aroma and the visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This sangria pairs beautifully with festive finger foods like baked brie with cranberry chutney, roasted nuts, or lightly spiced meatballs. The crisp, fruity qualities of the sangria balance savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavors, making it an ideal companion for a holiday appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this sangria in clear glasses so the brilliant colors of the fruit pop visually. For parties, consider using a decorative punch bowl filled with ice to keep it chilled. You can also prepare single-serving mason jars with pre-measured fruit and sangria ahead of time to make self-serve stations a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover sangria should be stored in an airtight container or covered pitcher in the refrigerator. The fruit will continue to infuse the wine, giving even deeper flavor over time, but be mindful that after a day or two the texture of the fruit may soften.
Freezing
Because sangria is wine-based, freezing is not recommended—wine can change in texture and flavor when frozen. Instead, focus on keeping it chilled in the fridge and enjoy fresh within a couple of days for the best taste.
Reheating
Since this sangria is designed to be served chilled, reheating is not advised. If you want a warm holiday beverage, consider a separate mulled cider or wine recipe instead. This White Christmas Sangria Recipe shines brightest served cold and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use a different white wine for this White Christmas Sangria Recipe?
Absolutely! While Pinot Grigio is a popular choice for its crispness and neutral flavor, you can also try Sauvignon Blanc or even a dry Riesling, depending on your personal taste preferences.
Is it necessary to add the sparkling grape juice or apple cider?
Yes, the sparkling element adds a sweet effervescence that balances the tart fruit and keeps the sangria lively and festive. If you prefer less sweetness, try a dry sparkling water, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I prepare the sangria the morning of the event?
Definitely! The flavors develop fully after at least 4 hours of chilling, so preparing it early in the day or the night before means your sangria will be perfectly infused and ready for guests.
What if I don’t have light corn syrup for rimming the glasses?
You can substitute with honey or simple syrup, though light corn syrup works best because it’s flavor-neutral and very sticky, holding the coconut flakes beautifully in place.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this White Christmas Sangria Recipe?
Yes! Replace the wine with additional sparkling white grape juice or a non-alcoholic white wine alternative, and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. It’s just as festive and flavorful without the alcohol.
Final Thoughts
This White Christmas Sangria Recipe is truly a standout during the holiday season, offering a perfect blend of festive colors, bright flavors, and refreshing bubbles. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or a lively holiday party, this sangria is guaranteed to bring joy and sparkle to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a cherished tradition in your celebrations!
Print
White Christmas Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This White Christmas Sangria is a festive and refreshing holiday drink perfect for serving at parties. It combines crisp white wine, sparkling grape juice, fresh cranberries, green grapes, and chopped Granny Smith apples, infused with aromatic rosemary sprigs. The rimmed glasses with light corn syrup and coconut flakes add a fun, snowy touch to this elegant and bubbly cocktail, making it a delightful centerpiece for any seasonal gathering.
Ingredients
Sangria Ingredients
- 1 bottle (25 oz) white wine (Pinot Grigio preferred)
- 1 bottle (25 oz) sparkling white grape juice or sparkling apple cider
- 3/4 cup whole cranberries
- 1/3 cup cranberries, halved
- 1/2 cup seedless green grapes, halved
- 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped
- 2 – 3 rosemary sprigs
For Glass Rimming
- Light corn syrup
- Coconut flakes
To Serve
- Club soda, to top off drinks
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the white wine, sparkling grape juice or apple cider, whole cranberries, halved cranberries, halved green grapes, chopped Granny Smith apples, and rosemary sprigs into a large pitcher. Stir everything gently to combine and evenly distribute the fruit and herbs.
- Refrigerate: Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or longer to allow the flavors to meld and the sangria to chill thoroughly.
- Prepare Glasses: In a shallow bowl, pour some light corn syrup. In another shallow bowl, spread out coconut flakes. Dip the rims of stemless wine glasses first into the corn syrup, then into the coconut flakes to create a frosted, snowy effect around the edges.
- Serve: Pour the chilled sangria into the prepared glasses, making sure to include some fruit pieces in each serving. Garnish each glass with an additional rosemary sprig if desired, and top off with a splash of club soda to add refreshing bubbles before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the sangria to chill and infuse overnight.
- Use good quality white wine like Pinot Grigio for a crisp, light profile.
- Sparking white grape juice is a great non-alcoholic alternative if desired.
- Adjust the amount of club soda based on your preference for fizziness.
- The coconut flake rim gives a festive, snowy look but can be omitted if preferred.
