Mulled Wine Sangria: A Fruity, Warm Holiday Punch

Introduction

When the holiday season arrives, bringing chilly nights and festive gatherings, nothing warms the soul like a steaming mug of mulled wine. But what if you could combine the cozy spices of mulled wine with the fruity brightness of sangria? That’s exactly what this Mulled Wine Sangria does—it’s rich, spiced, slightly sweet, and packed with fresh fruit, making it the ultimate warm holiday punch for parties and cozy nights in.

I first made Mulled Wine Sangria for a Christmas dinner party, wanting something that had the warming spices of classic mulled wine but with the juicy, refreshing twist of sangria. The result? A drink that was both comforting and vibrant, full of cinnamon, citrus, berries, and just the right amount of boozy kick. It quickly became a holiday staple in my home, and now I’m excited to share it with you!

This Mulled Wine Sangria is easy to make, beautifully spiced, and perfect for serving a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, warming up after a day in the snow, or just looking for a fun twist on classic winter drinks, this recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth and cheer to your holiday season.

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The Perfect Warm & Spiced Holiday Punch

This Mulled Wine Sangria is rich, fruity, and full of seasonal flavors, making it a must-have holiday drink. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Red wine provides a bold, smooth base.
• Brandy or spiced rum adds warmth and depth.
• Cinnamon, cloves, and star anise bring cozy holiday spice.
• Oranges, apples, and cranberries add a fresh, fruity twist.
• Honey or maple syrup naturally sweetens the drink.
• It’s easy to make in big batches—perfect for entertaining!

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, hosting a winter gathering, or just enjoying a quiet, cozy evening, this Mulled Wine Sangria is the perfect balance of warm, spiced, and fruity flavors.

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Picture Gallery

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Why Mulled Wine and Sangria Work So Well Together

Red Wine: The Bold, Fruity Base

A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon provides rich berry flavors that blend perfectly with warm spices.

Brandy or Spiced Rum: The Boozy, Warming Kick

A splash of brandy or spiced rum deepens the flavor, adding a smooth and slightly smoky warmth that makes the drink extra cozy.

Cinnamon, Cloves & Star Anise: The Classic Holiday Spices

These aromatic spices infuse the sangria with a rich, warming depth, making every sip feel festive.

Fresh Fruit: The Bright, Juicy Twist

Sliced oranges, apples, and cranberries add a burst of natural sweetness, keeping the drink lively and refreshing.

Honey or Maple Syrup: The Natural Sweetener

Instead of refined sugar, honey or maple syrup enhances the warm, rich flavors while keeping the drink balanced.

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How to Make Mulled Wine Sangria

Ingredients

For the Sangria Base:

• 1 bottle (750ml) red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• ½ cup brandy or spiced rum
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 star anise (optional, for extra spice)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Warm Infusion:

• 2 cups apple cider (or cranberry juice for a tart twist)
• 1 cup orange juice

For Garnish:

• Orange slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Fresh cranberries

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Apple Cider & Spices

1. In a large pot, heat the apple cider, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise over medium-low heat.
2. Let it simmer (not boil) for 10-15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.

Step 2: Add the Wine & Brandy

1. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the red wine and brandy (or spiced rum).
2. Stir in the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract.
3. Add the sliced oranges, apples, and cranberries.

Step 3: Let It Warm

1. Allow the sangria to warm for another 10-15 minutes (do not boil, or the alcohol will cook off).
2. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup if needed.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish

1. Ladle the warm sangria into heatproof mugs or glasses.
2. Garnish with an orange slice, a cinnamon stick, and fresh cranberries.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy, spiced, and fruity holiday flavors!

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?

Yes! Simply replace the wine and brandy with extra apple cider and cranberry juice for a delicious non-alcoholic version.

2. What’s the best wine to use?

Use a medium-bodied red wine with rich berry flavors such as:

• Merlot (smooth and fruity)
• Zinfandel (slightly spicy and bold)
• Cabernet Sauvignon (full-bodied and deep)

3. Can I make this drink ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the spiced cider and fruit mixture in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just add the wine and brandy before reheating.

4. How can I make this sangria extra spiced?

• Add ½ tsp grated fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
• Let the cider simmer longer with extra cinnamon sticks and cloves.
• Use a spiced red wine or add a splash of spiced liqueur.

5. Can I serve this sangria cold instead of hot?

Yes! Simply chill the sangria for at least 2 hours and serve over ice for a refreshing winter sangria.

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Variations

• Cranberry Mulled Sangria: Replace apple cider with cranberry juice for a tart, festive twist.
• Maple Bourbon Sangria: Swap brandy for bourbon and extra maple syrup for a smoky, caramel-like flavor.
• Pomegranate Mulled Sangria: Add ½ cup pomegranate juice for extra richness.
• Caramel Apple Sangria: Stir in ¼ cup caramel syrup for a dessert-like version.
• Mulled White Wine Sangria: Use white wine, pears, and cinnamon for a lighter variation.

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When to Serve It

Christmas & Holiday Parties

A warm, spiced punch that’s perfect for festive gatherings.

Cozy Nights by the Fireplace

The ultimate drink to sip while wrapped in a blanket on a cold night.

Thanksgiving Dinner & Winter Feasts

Pairs beautifully with turkey, roasted vegetables, and holiday desserts.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

A fun alternative to champagne cocktails, with a spiced and fruity kick.

Pairing with Holiday Desserts

Pairs perfectly with apple pie, gingerbread, and dark chocolate truffles.

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Conclusion

This Mulled Wine Sangria is a deliciously warm, spiced, and fruity holiday punch, combining the best of mulled wine and sangria into one irresistible drink. Whether you enjoy it hot or chilled, with brandy or bourbon, extra sweet or extra spiced, this sangria is guaranteed to bring warmth and holiday cheer to any gathering.

Try it out, customize it to your liking, and let me know how you love it! Cheers to a warm, spiced, and wine-filled holiday season! 🍷🎄✨