Winter sangria is here for every holiday celebration! Sangria is a year-round favorite because it’s so quick to make and always looks beautiful with fresh fruit. We’re trading summer peaches & melons for winter apples & oranges, each glass decked out with cinnamon sticks and star anise for a holiday spiced flavor.

Red wine and apple cider are a delicious pairing with fruits and spices, whether it’s served as warm glühwein or iced sangria. My version adds a healthy glug of triple sec for a deep orange note. Garnish every cup with pomegranate arils and whole spices for a drink that’s both delicious and decorative!

I can’t stop myself from adding star anise and cinnamon sticks to everything lately – nothing says holidays like whole spices that deliver a big hit of flavor. Despite the common comparison with black licorice, aniseed is one of my favorite flavors; give it a chance even if you’re a licorice-hater too.

I hope this 12 Drinks of Christmas series sparks all sorts of new ideas for celebrating the holidays! I’m sharing a new drink recipe every Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday from Thanksgiving ’til Christmas. Thursday drinks are family-friendly favorites; the rest of the week is cocktails, mulled wines, sangrias, and all sorts of boozy party goodies to celebrate the season. Cheers!

Boxed wine is a great option for sangria because each box is the equivalent of 4 bottles, usually at less than $5 per bottle. Boxes are easier to measure and better for the environment too, so win-win all around! Any fruity red blend you like will be delicious in this recipe.

This cider sangria was a major hit at my coworking holiday party – I made a double batch and we still ran out! Whether you’re mixing up drinks for a crowd or making a small pitcher for date night, everyone’s sure to love this fruity spiced blend.

12 Drinks of Christmas


Mistletoe Kiss Cocktail	Peppermint Hot Cocoa	German Mulled Glühwein	Flying Fig Cocktail

Sous Vide Spiced Eggnog	Marzipan Dream Cocktail	Merry & Bright Cocktail	Gingerbread Spice Steamer

Christmas Cider Sangria	Frosty Flurry Cocktail	Cardamom Honey Chai	Pomegranate Champagne Mule

Winter sangria with red wine, apple cider, & triple sec creates a delicious, beautiful drink garnished with cinnamon sticks & star anise!

Print Recipe

Christmas Cider Sangria

Winter sangria with red wine, apple cider, & triple sec creates a delicious, beautiful drink garnished with cinnamon sticks & star anise!

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 drinks

Calories: 225kcal

Author: Mountain Cravings

Ingredients

4 cups red wine
2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup triple sec
1 orange juiced
2 apples sliced & seeds removed
1 orange sliced & seeds removed
1/2 cup pomegranate arils
2 cinnamon sticks
2 T. star anise

Instructions

Combine wine, cider, triple sec, and orange juice in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
Add apple slices, orange slices, pomegranate, cinnamon, and star anise.
Let rest for at least 1 hour or up to overnight before serving. Stir and serve chilled.