Christmas Cookie Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I’m always on the hunt for some new way to make the holidays feel extra special for friends and family. That’s how I ended up with this Christmas Cookie Sangria—because who doesn’t want their favorite holiday cookies in a glass?

My Christmas Cookie Sangria is a sweet mix of vanilla, cream, and spices, all blended with white wine and a hint of that nostalgic cookie flavor.

This cocktail totally works for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just a cozy night in when you want something different. I really appreciate how you can make it ahead and just pour when everyone arrives.

If you’re after a new spin on the classic Christmas sangria, well, this one might just sneak into your regular holiday lineup.

Christmas Cookie Sangria Cocktail Recipe

I’ll be honest, making this sangria feels like a celebration in itself. It’s festive, colorful, and somehow manages to combine those cozy dessert vibes with the crispness of classic sangria.

This drink brings together fruits, spices, sweet liqueur, and wine, and it’s always a hit at gatherings—at least, that’s been my experience so far.

Equipment

• Large pitcher or jug (aim for at least 64 oz)
• Long spoon for stirring
• Sharp knife for slicing fruit
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Small saucepan (for simple syrup, if you’re making it fresh)
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for pulp)
• Ice bucket or tray
• Wine glasses or tumblers
• Jigger (if you like being precise)

Having the right gear makes prepping quick, and honestly, a big pitcher is a must so the flavors can really mingle. If I’m making my own simple syrup, the saucepan sees some action.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are my go-tos)
• ½ cup apple cider
• ½ cup cranberry juice
• ¼ cup Cointreau or orange liqueur
• ¼ cup vodka
• 2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup
• 1 apple, chopped
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• ½ cup ginger ale or club soda (for topping)
• Optional: merlot or another red wine if you want a deeper color
• Optional: extra citrus slices—lemon or lime are great too

I like to use crisp apples, juicy oranges, and cranberries to give the sangria that dessert, cookie-ish vibe. A little honey and cinnamon warms it all up, and rosemary? It just smells like the holidays.

Instructions

• Slice up the apple and orange.
• Toss the fruit, cranberries, and cinnamon stick into your pitcher.
• Pour in the white wine, apple cider, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and vodka.
• Stir in the honey or simple syrup until it’s dissolved.
• Drop in the rosemary sprigs for that extra festive flavor.
• Chill the whole thing in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
• Right before serving, top with ginger ale or club soda, and add more ice if you want.
• Pour into glasses, making sure everyone gets some fruit and a bit of cinnamon stick.

I usually prep this sangria ahead of time so the flavors can really hang out together. A splash of ginger ale at the end gives it that bubbly, crisp finish.

Notes

You can totally make this sangria with white or red wine. If I’m in the mood for something richer, I go with merlot or another fruity red.

For a lighter, fresher taste, white wine’s the way to go.

Sweetness? That’s easy to tweak—just add more honey or simple syrup if you want it more dessert-like. Cranberries give a nice tang, and a mix of citrus slices keeps every sip bright.

Fresh rosemary not only smells amazing, but it also looks pretty in the glass. And if you’ve got the time, letting it chill overnight really helps the flavors come together.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of this Christmas Cookie Sangria, the creamy vanilla hits me right away. Honestly, it’s a little like biting into a sugar cookie that’s just come out of the oven.

The sweetness is there, but it doesn’t smack you in the face—just enough to keep things interesting.

I pick up a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg in the background. Those spices bring a gentle warmth, making the whole thing feel even more festive.

The white wine sort of ties everything together, blending in without overpowering.

There’s a bit of butterscotch in every glass, too. That flavor gives it a smooth, slightly rich finish—almost like you’re sipping a holiday dessert.

Here are a few notes I jotted down:

• Color: Pale gold with a soft, creamy swirl
• Texture: Smooth and silky, definitely not heavy
• Aroma: Vanilla, sweet spices, and a touch of fresh fruitiness

Each sip keeps a little crispness from the white wine, which I appreciate. The drink isn’t thick or syrupy, so it actually feels refreshing.

The scent takes me back to baking cookies in my own kitchen. It’s cozy and just right for hanging out with friends or family during the holidays.