Santa Hat Sangria Cocktail Recipe

I love making a holiday drink that feels festive, but not fussy or over-the-top. This Santa Hat Sangria Cocktail gives you a simple way to bring holiday colors and flavors to the table.

It looks cheerful, tastes refreshing, and just adds a fun twist to any gathering. When I serve this, I always notice how the bright red and white details instantly fit the season.

The mix of fruit, wine, and a touch of sparkle makes it so easy to sip and enjoy. It’s a recipe that feels special but doesn’t take much effort to put together.

You’ll see how to prepare it step by step, what ingredients you need, and even what to expect in every sip. That way, you can make it your own and serve a drink that fits right in with the holiday spirit.

Santa Hat Sangria Cocktail Recipe

I like this drink because it blends the bright look of a Santa’s hat with the refreshing taste of sangria. The mix of fruit, vodka, lime juice, and grenadine creates a colorful holiday cocktail that’s simple to prepare and honestly, pretty fun to serve.

Equipment

• Large pitcher or jug
• Wooden spoon or long stirrer
• Measuring jigger or small measuring cup
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Cocktail glasses or stemless wine glasses
• Small strainer (optional, for pulp)
• Ice cube tray

I keep the tools simple so I don’t spend much time setting up. A sturdy pitcher makes it easy to mix and pour.

A juicer helps me get the most out of fresh limes. I’ll use a strainer if I’m in the mood for a smoother drink, just to skip the pulp.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of dry red wine (750 ml)
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup grenadine
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 cup club soda or lemon-lime soda
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• Ice cubes

I prefer to use a dry wine so the cocktail doesn’t turn out too sweet. Fresh lime juice balances the grenadine, while vodka adds a clean kick.

The fruit gives the drink its festive look, and soda lightens the mix with a little fizz. It just feels right for the holidays.

Instructions

• Slice strawberries, pineapple, and lime into small pieces.
• Add wine to a large pitcher.
• Pour in vodka, grenadine, lime juice, and orange juice.
• Stir well with a wooden spoon.
• Add fruit slices and let the mix chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours.
• Just before serving, add soda for fizz.
• Fill glasses with ice and pour sangria over top.
• Garnish with an extra strawberry or lime slice.

I like to let the fruit sit in the mix so it can soak up all that flavor. Adding the soda at the last minute keeps those bubbles crisp and lively.

Notes

Using fresh fruit really makes the colors pop and the flavor just feels cleaner. If I want the drink sweeter, I’ll add a bit more grenadine or simple syrup—depends on my mood.

For a stronger cocktail, I bump up the vodka by a quarter cup. If I want something lighter, I just use more soda instead.

Sometimes I’ll rim the glasses with sugar to make them look a little more festive, almost like the trim on Santa’s hat. It’s a small step, but it makes the whole thing feel more special without much extra work.

Tasting Notes

I notice the first sip feels crisp and refreshing. The mix of fruit and wine—there’s a light sweetness, but it’s never too much.

The red wine adds a smooth base. Citrus slices brighten things up, almost like a little zing at the edges.

There’s a bit of tartness from the berries, which helps balance out the sweetness. I like how the fresh fruit pieces keep adding flavor as they soak.

Honestly, every glass is a bit of a surprise, depending on which fruit ends up in it. The drink looks festive, with that deep red color and the rim of coconut or sugar—pretty inviting, right?

It feels fun and seasonal, and not at all too strong. The texture’s light, easy to drink.

Bubbles from the soda or sparkling water give it a gentle fizz. Makes everything feel a little more lively, almost like it’s celebrating with you.