Sangria is a summer-only drink, right? Wrong! Why should we limit ourselves to this flavorful, wonderful beverage just one season a year, especially when the combination of wine and fruit is actually perfect for the holiday season? All we have to do is give it a dash of Christmas spirit – and spirits! – and we’ve got a perfect drink even your pickiest guests will love. You just need to follow these four simple steps from Food and Wine, so grab your favorite wine and let’s get started!

4 Steps

1. Pick your perfect wine and pour it into a pitcher or bowl.


Love white or rosé wine? You’re in luck! Pretty much any one works wonderfully for sangria, including sparkling wines and Prosecco. If you’re more of a red wine person, opt for low-tannin ones like Beaujolais or Zinfandel rather than a high-tannin like Cabernet Sauvignon.


2. Add seasonal fruits.


Here’s your opportunity to really make this drink a CHRISTMAS sangria! Add cranberries, apples, pears, or any other wintery fruits. Feeling more traditional? Add some citrus for the typical sangria taste.


3. Add some Christmas spirits.


You’ll need about 1/2 cup of your preferred spirit. Usually, sangria uses brandy, but you can also use bourbon, fortified wines, or even sake.


4. Make and add some spiced syrup for the ultimate Christmas flavor.


In a saucepan, mix a cup of water with a cup of sugar. Then add holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice— or just add your favorites. Allow the mix to simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain it. Use the resulting spiced syrup to flavor your sangria to taste.

Once your sangria has that perfect Christmas flavor, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so and serve poured over ice. Delicious! Give this drink a try and tell us what flavors YOUR perfect Christmas sangria would have.