Bring Christmas cheer to your glass with this festive Sparkling Holiday Champagne Sangria—perfect for parties or cozy date nights by the fire!
I love everything about the holidays. From the litany of cheesy Christmas movies to the decorations, I’m pretty much Elf the entire month of December. My favorite seasonal tradition is all the Christmas recipes I get to pull out of my family cookbook. Between my wife and I, we’ve created and gathered our fair share of recipes—cookies, main meals, appetizers—this cookbook has it all. However, one section has always been on the scant side—the drinks! Yeah, we got all the classics, like mulled wine and eggnog. But it’s high time we expand our drinks menu, and I think this sparkling holiday Champagne sangria is a refreshing contender.
This holiday-themed drink mixes the sweet, fruity notes of Moscato and cranberry with a celebratory fizz of Champagne. I generally associate sangria with summer, but this recipe trades Spanish wine for cranberry juice, so it has a more wintery vibe to it.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors. The crispness of Champagne complements the sweetness of Moscato and cranberry juice, especially if you pick the more dry, brut variety. Meanwhile, the fresh cranberries and orange slices add a festive burst of color and tartness. And bonus—it’s just as beautiful to look at as it is to drink. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for a signature drink to toast the new year, this sangria is certainly clink-worthy!
Is This Sparkling Holiday Champagne Sangria Healthy?
Let’s not kid ourselves. Sangria isn’t exactly a healthy drink. That said, it offers some redeeming qualities. The recipe calls for 100% cranberry juice, which is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, along with fresh cranberries and oranges that add vitamins and minerals. And for a lower-calorie version, you can swap the Moscato for a dry white wine. It won’t be as sweet, but I imagine it’d still be pretty tasty.
If alcohol is an issue, sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine may also work. The fresh fruit remains the star, so you won’t lose the festive presentation or delicious flavor!
Why Brut Champagne?
Until very recently, I didn’t even know what “brut” meant, but using brut Champagne is key to this sangria’s balanced flavor. Brut Champagne contains less sugar than other varieties. This helps offset the sweetness from the Moscato and cranberry juice. A proper drink is all about balance, after all, and the brut Champagne helps tone down the sweetness and add some festive bubbly! I’d also recommend splurging on the Champagne. That doesn’t mean you need to dish out 100 bucks or anything. Read some reviews and maybe talk to the wine expert at your local liquor store. You’d be amazed by how the right champagne can make this drink sparkle!
How to Make Ahead and Store
Prepare the sangria (sans Champagne) up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor. Store it in the refrigerator, then add the Champagne just before serving to maintain its bubble. This drink is best enjoyed fresh!
Serving Suggestions
I love pairing this sangria with holiday appetizers like roasted nuts, Stuffed Mushrooms, or a seasonal cheese board. Another excellent choice is Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe, a party favorite that combines sweet and tangy flavors that complement the sangria. Looking to serve more than one drink? I think a Snickerdoodle Martini is equally festive with its cinnamon-infused whiskey and vanilla almond milk.
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml bottle white moscato
- 3 cups 100% cranberry juice
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 4 orange sliced
- 1 750 ml bottle brut Champagne
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients except the Champagne in a large pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but best overnight.
- Just before serving, stir in the champagne.
- SLURP UP!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
I made this recipe for a girls’ night and it was a huge hit! I subbed pomegranate seeds for cranberries, because I couldn’t find fresh cranberries in mid-January. This will be a staple for holidays/parties!
So glad to hear this was a big hit! Thanks, Katie!
Unsweetened 100% cranberry juice?
Yes, without added sugars or sweeteners.