Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria: A Festive Delight for All Ages

Okay, so this Christmas sangria? It has no alcohol, but it still feels fancy. And it tastes super fruity and fun.
I made it for a holiday party last year. Even the kids loved it. It was gone in like… five minutes.
It’s cold, sweet, and full of pretty fruit. You just mix it all in one big pitcher. No stress, just joy.
Wanna try it too? I’ll show you how I make mine. It’s perfect for your next cozy get-together.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sangria
- Perfect for All Ages – A sophisticated, family-friendly alternative to traditional alcoholic sangria.
- Festively Beautiful – A deep red hue with floating fruits and herbs makes it visually stunning.
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just mix and let it chill.
- Healthy and Refreshing – Packed with vitamins from real fruit juices and fresh fruit slices.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The flavors get even better as it sits, making it great for prepping in advance.
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you start, make sure you have these essential kitchen tools:
- A Large Pitcher or Punch Bowl – To mix and infuse all the delicious flavors.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For slicing fruits neatly.
- A Wooden Spoon or Muddler – To gently stir and slightly muddle the fruits for better flavor infusion.
- Measuring Cups – For accurately measuring your juice ratios.
- Serving Glasses – Stemless wine glasses or festive cups work beautifully.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this festive holiday punch to life:
Base Ingredients:
- Cranberry Juice – Adds tartness and a vibrant red color.
- Pomegranate Juice – Provides a deep, rich flavor with natural sweetness.
- Apple Cider – Balances the tart juices with warm, cozy sweetness.
- Sparkling Water – Gives the sangria its bubbly, refreshing fizz.
Fruits for Infusion:
- Orange (Thinly Sliced) – A classic sangria addition with citrusy notes.
- Lemon (Thinly Sliced) – Adds a refreshing zing.
- Lime (Thinly Sliced) – Enhances the tart flavors.
- Apple (Thinly Sliced) – A subtle sweetness and crunch.
- Pear (Thinly Sliced) – Mildly sweet and adds elegance.
- Fresh Cranberries – Adds festive color and slight tartness.
- Pomegranate Seeds – Juicy bursts of flavor in every sip.
Spices and Garnish:
- Cinnamon Sticks – Infuses a warm, spiced flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (Optional) – For a beautiful, aromatic garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Christmas Sangria
1. Prep the Fruits
Wash all the fresh fruits thoroughly. Slice the orange, lemon, lime, apple, and pear into thin rounds or wedges. If desired, remove the seeds for a smoother drinking experience. Set them aside.
2. Assemble the Sangria Base
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in:
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 1 ½ cups apple cider
Stir gently to combine.
3. Add the Fruits and Spices
Drop in the sliced fruits, fresh cranberries, and pomegranate seeds. Add 2-3 cinnamon sticks to infuse warm holiday flavors.
Using a wooden spoon or muddler, gently press down on the fruits to release their natural juices. Be careful not to crush them too much—just enough to enhance the flavor.
4. Let it Chill
Cover the pitcher or bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This step allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making the sangria even more delicious.
5. Add the Sparkling Water
Right before serving, pour in 2 cups of sparkling water for a delightful fizz. Stir gently to mix without losing the bubbles.
6. Garnish and Serve
Pour the sangria into glasses, ensuring each serving has a mix of fruits. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a fresh rosemary sprig for a festive touch.
Serve chilled and enjoy your Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria!

Serving and Presentation Tips
- Glassware Matters – Serve in stemless wine glasses, mason jars, or festive tumblers for a sophisticated look.
- Rim the Glasses – Dip the rim in honey or juice, then coat with sugar and cinnamon for a frosted effect.
- Ice or No Ice? – While chilling is best, add a few ice cubes if you prefer a colder drink.
- Garnish Like a Pro – A thinly sliced orange wheel on the rim, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of rosemary make it look restaurant-worthy.
Variations and Customization Options
One of the best things about sangria is its versatility! You can customize it based on personal taste, dietary preferences, or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
1. Swap the Juices
- Prefer a sweeter sangria? Use grape juice instead of pomegranate juice.
- Like a tropical twist? Add pineapple juice for a refreshing flavor.
- Want a deeper red color? Try blackberry juice for an intense hue.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
- If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup to taste.
- For a less sweet version, opt for unsweetened cranberry juice or reduce apple cider.
3. Experiment with Fruits
- Berries: Strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries add a fresh burst of flavor.
- Stone Fruits: Sliced peaches, nectarines, or plums bring a hint of summer sweetness.
- Citrus Boost: Add grapefruit slices for a tangy, slightly bitter contrast.
4. Play with Spices
- Love warm spices? Add a pinch of nutmeg or star anise for a cozy holiday touch.
- Want more zest? A few slices of fresh ginger give it a spicy kick.
5. Make It Even More Festive
- Serve in holiday-themed glasses with a sugared rim.
- Add cranberry or rosemary ice cubes for an elegant presentation.
How to Store Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria
If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely because it’s so delicious!), follow these tips:
Refrigeration:
- Store the sangria in an airtight pitcher or container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If the sparkling water is already mixed in, it may lose some fizz, so add fresh sparkling water before serving again.
Freezing Option:
- For a fun twist, freeze the sangria in ice cube trays and use them in future drinks!
- You can also blend the frozen sangria cubes into a festive slushie.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values, may vary based on specific ingredients used)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 80-100 |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Sugars | 18g |
Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Fiber | 2g |
FAQs: Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria
1. Can I make this sangria ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavors improve as it sits. Prepare it at least 2 hours in advance or even overnight for the best infusion. Just add the sparkling water right before serving to keep it bubbly.
2. Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen fruits will keep the sangria cold and still add great flavor. Just be sure to let them thaw slightly before serving.
3. How do I make this sangria for a crowd?
Simply double or triple the recipe and serve it in a large punch bowl. Offer extra fruit and garnishes on the side for a festive DIY sangria bar.
4. Can I use a different type of sparkling water?
Yes! You can substitute plain sparkling water with flavored sparkling water, such as cranberry, orange, or lime for an extra flavor boost.
5. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover sangria can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have extra, freeze it into festive ice cubes or blend it into a fruit slushie.
Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria: A Festive Delight for All Ages
Course: Uncategorized6-8
servings10
minutes80-100
kcal2+
hoursIngredients
- For the Sangria Base:
2 cups cranberry juice
2 cups pomegranate juice
1 ½ cups apple cider
2 cups sparkling water (added before serving)
- Fruits & Garnishes:
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 lime, thinly sliced
1 apple, thinly sliced
1 pear, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh cranberries
½ cup pomegranate seeds
2-3 cinnamon sticks
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prep the Fruits:
Wash and slice the orange, lemon, lime, apple, and pear into thin rounds or wedges. - Mix the Base:
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and apple cider. Stir to mix. - Add Fruits & Spices:
Drop in the sliced fruits, fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon sticks. Lightly press down with a spoon to release flavors. - Chill the Sangria:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better). - Add Bubbles & Serve:
Right before serving, stir in the sparkling water for fizz. Pour into glasses, garnish with cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs, and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria is the perfect drink to bring holiday magic to any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a Christmas party, family dinner, or cozy night in, it’s a refreshing, flavorful, and festive alternative to traditional drinks.