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This festive Santa Hat Sangria Cocktail is the perfect drink for holiday gatherings. Its vibrant colors, fruity flavor, and slight fizz make it a crowd-pleaser everyone will love. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy night by the fireplace, this sangria will bring the holiday spirit straight to your glass.
I first served this at an annual holiday dinner, and it quickly became the favorite drink of the evening. Now, it’s a tradition I look forward to preparing every year.
- Dry red wine: 750 ml bottle a full-bodied wine like Merlot complements the fruit well
- Vodka: balances the drink with an extra kick
- Grenadine: adds a festive red hue and gentle sweetness
- Fresh lime juice: provides citrusy tang
- Orange juice: boosts the fruity flavor and pairs perfectly with the wine
- Simple syrup (optional): allows you to control the sweetness to your taste
- Club soda or lemon-lime soda: adds effervescence making the cocktail light and refreshing
- Sliced strawberries: for decoration and delightful freshness
- Fresh pineapple chunks: bring tropical sweetness
- Thinly sliced lime: offers citrus flavor and elegance
- Ice cubes: to keep the drink chilled throughout
How To Make Santa Hat Sangria Cocktail
- Slice Your Fruits:
- Carefully slice the strawberries, pineapple, and lime into small pieces to ensure they release their flavors effectively.
- Build the Base:
- Pour the dry red wine into a large pitcher followed by vodka, grenadine, lime juice, and orange juice. Use a wooden spoon and stir thoroughly until the liquids are well mixed.
- Add the Fruits:
- Gently add in your sliced fruits, making sure they are evenly distributed for a perfect infusion of flavor. Let the mixture chill in the fridge for one to two hours.
- Add the Fizz:
- Right before serving, pour in the club soda or lemon-lime soda to give the sangria its signature fizz. Stir lightly so the bubbles remain intact.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Fill serving glasses with ice cubes, then carefully pour the sangria mixture over the ice. Garnish each glass with a strawberry or lime slice for an extra touch of festive charm.
The fresh pineapple is my favorite ingredient; it adds such a unique sweetness. My family loves fishing out the pineapple pieces from the pitcher - a fun bonus treat.
Storage Tips
This sangria is best consumed the same day it is made. If you happen to have leftovers, the mixture can be stored in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator without the soda for up to one day. Add soda right before serving to retain the fizz.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have grenadine, you can replace it with pomegranate juice for a similar festive color and flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the red wine with grape juice and the vodka with additional soda or sparkling water.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with holiday hors d'oeuvres like a cheese platter, stuffed mushrooms, or bruschetta. It also complements desserts such as chocolate cake or holiday cookies.
Adding a Festive Touch to Your Table
Consider serving the sangria in a clear glass pitcher to showcase its vibrant colors and garnish it with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cranberries for a wintery vibe. It will double as a delicious drink and an attractive holiday table centerpiece.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of wine for this sangria?
Yes, you can use white or rosé wine for a lighter variation, but dry red wine gives the traditional flavor profile.
- → Can the vodka be substituted?
Absolutely! Try rum or brandy for a different base spirit, but be mindful of balancing flavors.
- → How long should the sangria chill before serving?
It’s best to chill for 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, but it can be left overnight for an even richer taste.
- → Can I omit the grenadine from the ingredients?
Yes, you can leave it out, but grenadine adds a touch of sweetness and a festive red hue. You can substitute with pomegranate juice or a sweet syrup of your choice.
- → What non-alcoholic options can I use for the soda?
Lemon-lime soda adds a sweet and fizzy touch, but you can use plain club soda for a less sweet version.