Spiked Pomegranate Sangria: A Festive, Tart Holiday Drink

Introduction

The holiday season is the perfect time for celebrating with friends, indulging in delicious food, and sipping on festive drinks that bring warmth and cheer. While mulled wine and eggnog are classic favorites, sometimes you want something bold, refreshing, and packed with fruit-forward flavors. That’s where Spiked Pomegranate Sangria comes in—a vibrant, tart, and slightly boozy punch that perfectly balances the deep richness of red wine, the tangy burst of pomegranate, and the warmth of seasonal spices and spirits.

I first made this sangria for a holiday dinner party, looking for a drink that felt festive, elegant, and easy to serve in large batches. I wanted something that was lighter than heavy winter drinks but still packed with cozy flavors, so I combined red wine, pomegranate juice, brandy, and seasonal fruits. The result? A stunning deep-red sangria that was fruity, tart, and just the right amount of sweet. It became the star of the party, with guests refilling their glasses all night long. Now, it’s a must-have at my Christmas and New Year’s Eve gatherings, and I love how customizable it is—you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste while keeping that signature wintertime flair.

Whether you’re looking for a festive cocktail for holiday parties, a make-ahead drink that keeps guests happy, or a unique alternative to traditional holiday punches, this Spiked Pomegranate Sangria is the perfect choice. It’s refreshing yet cozy, tart yet sweet, and packed with the rich flavors of wine, pomegranate, and warming spirits. Plus, its deep crimson color and floating fruit garnishes make it a showstopper on any holiday table.

---

The Perfect Drink for Holiday Celebrations

Holiday cocktails should be delicious, easy to serve in large batches, and full of seasonal flavors. This Spiked Pomegranate Sangria checks all the boxes, making it the ultimate holiday drink.

Here’s why this sangria is perfect for the season:

• It’s a crowd-pleaser – The combination of wine, pomegranate, and citrus makes it appealing to a wide range of tastes.
• It’s incredibly easy to make – Just mix the ingredients and let the flavors meld in the fridge.
• It can be made ahead of time – Which means less stress when entertaining.
• It’s naturally festive – The deep red color, fresh fruit, and hint of spice make it perfectly suited for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• It’s highly customizable – Adjust the sweetness, fruit, and alcohol content to your liking.

Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner, a casual holiday party, or a cozy night in, this Spiked Pomegranate Sangria is guaranteed to be a hit.

---

Picture Gallery

---

Why Pomegranate, Wine, and Brandy Work So Well Together

This sangria stands out because of its perfectly balanced flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a drink that’s tart, fruity, rich, and warming.

Red Wine: The Bold, Fruity Base

A good sangria starts with quality red wine, which provides deep fruit flavors and a velvety richness. The best options include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon – Full-bodied with dark fruit and spice notes.
• Merlot – Smooth and slightly sweet, making it a great base.
• Tempranillo – A Spanish wine with bright acidity, perfect for sangria.
• Zinfandel – Juicy and bold, complementing the tart pomegranate.

Pomegranate Juice: The Tart, Fruity Kick

Pomegranate juice adds a bright, tart contrast to the richness of the wine. It also enhances the sangria’s deep red color and refreshing taste. Plus, pomegranates are full of antioxidants, making this drink feel slightly healthy (even when spiked).

Brandy: The Warming Spirit

A splash of brandy gives this sangria a boozy, warming depth, making it feel extra festive and bold. You can also use:

• Orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Cointreau) for a citrusy touch.
• Cognac for a smoother, richer finish.
• Bourbon for a slightly smoky undertone.

Seasonal Fruits: The Natural Sweetness

Fresh fruit soaks up the flavors of the sangria and makes each sip juicy and delicious. The best fruits to use are:

• Oranges – Adds natural sweetness and a citrusy aroma.
• Apples – Provides crunch and soaks up the sangria flavors.
• Pomegranate Seeds – Adds bursts of tartness and a gorgeous garnish.
• Cranberries – Enhances the holiday vibe with a slightly bitter contrast.

Cinnamon and Star Anise: The Cozy Spices

Unlike summer sangrias, this version includes warming spices like cinnamon and star anise, which add a subtle holiday touch and extra depth of flavor.

Sparkling Water or Ginger Ale: The Refreshing Finish

Just before serving, a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale gives the sangria a light, fizzy finish, making it feel even more festive and refreshing.

Together, these ingredients create a beautifully layered sangria that is fruity, tart, spiced, and delightfully boozy—the perfect drink for holiday entertaining.

---

How to Make Spiked Pomegranate Sangria: The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750ml) red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Tempranillo)
• 1 cup pomegranate juice (100% pure)
• ½ cup brandy or orange liqueur
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, sliced
• ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base – In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the red wine, pomegranate juice, brandy (or orange liqueur), and maple syrup. Stir well.
2. Add the Fruit & Spices – Toss in the orange slices, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Stir gently.
3. Let It Infuse – Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Serve Chilled & Fizzy – Just before serving, add the sparkling water or ginger ale for a refreshing finish.
5. Garnish & Enjoy – Serve over ice with extra fruit slices for a beautiful holiday presentation.

---

FAQ Section

Can I make this sangria ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Just add the sparkling water right before serving.

What’s the best wine for this recipe?

A dry, fruity red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Tempranillo works best. Avoid overly tannic or oaky wines.

Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Substitute the red wine with grape juice, and replace the brandy with extra pomegranate juice or apple cider.

How can I make it sweeter?

Add more maple syrup, honey, or a splash of orange juice for a naturally sweetened version.

---

Variations

• Winter White Sangria – Swap red wine for white wine and use pear, apple, and pomegranate.
• Spiced Rum Sangria – Replace brandy with spiced rum for extra warmth.
• Frozen Sangria Slush – Blend with ice for a frozen holiday cocktail.
• Mulled Sangria – Heat on the stove for a warm version with extra spices.

---

Conclusion

This Spiked Pomegranate Sangria is the perfect festive, tart, and boozy holiday drink. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and packed with bold flavors, making it a must-have for holiday parties and winter gatherings.