Tito’s Holiday Sangria Cocktail Recipe

When the holidays show up, I’m all about keeping things simple but still a little special. Sangria just always seems right—easy to throw together, looks gorgeous in a pitcher, and somehow just fits the season.

Tito’s Holiday Sangria mixes up smooth vodka, fresh fruit, and a splash of wine for a cocktail that’s both refreshing and, honestly, just feels like the holidays.

What I really like here is the way the bright citrus plays off the cozy, seasonal fruit. It’s the kind of drink you can make ahead, which is a lifesaver if you’d rather be laughing with friends than stuck in the kitchen.

As you check out the recipe, you’ll see it comes together fast. The ingredients are flexible, so don’t stress if you need to swap something.

I’ll toss in a few tasting notes too, just so you know what you’re getting with each glass.

Tito’s Holiday Sangria Cocktail Recipe

This sangria is my go-to when I want something festive but don’t want to fuss. It’s all about fresh fruit, wine, Tito’s vodka, and a couple of extras to balance the sweet and the spicy.

Equipment

• Large pitcher or glass jug (at least 2 quarts)
• Long wooden spoon for stirring
• Sharp knife for cutting fruit
• Cutting board
• Citrus juicer (optional, but it does help)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wine glasses or stemless tumblers
• Small ladle for serving

I usually go with a clear pitcher so the fruit colors pop out. A sturdy spoon really helps mix everything without making a mess.

The right tools make prep way less of a headache.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle dry red wine (Pinot Noir or Tempranillo are both solid picks)
• 1/2 cup Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup simple syrup (sweeten to your liking)
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• 1 apple, diced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup ginger ale or sparkling water (for topping)

I lean toward a dry red wine so it doesn’t get too sweet once the fruit and juice go in. Cinnamon sticks add that cozy holiday vibe, but they don’t take over the drink.

Fresh citrus keeps things bright and balances out the vodka and brandy.

Instructions

• Slice up the orange, lemon, and apple into thin pieces.
• Drop all the fruit into the bottom of a big pitcher.
• Pour in the wine, Tito’s vodka, and brandy.
• Stir in the orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Toss in the cinnamon sticks and give it all a gentle mix.
• Cover and stick it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
• Right before serving, add the ginger ale or sparkling water for some fizz.
• Stir once more and ladle into glasses, making sure everyone gets some fruit.

I usually let mine chill overnight so the flavors really come together. Don’t add the bubbles too soon or they’ll just go flat—nobody wants that.

Notes

Personally, I like Pinot Noir because it’s light and smooth, but Tempranillo adds a bit more depth. If you want to cut the booze, just skip the brandy and pour in a little extra juice.

Simple syrup blends in easier than sugar, so you can tweak the sweetness as you go. Ginger ale gives you a sweeter drink; sparkling water keeps it crisp and a bit drier.

I always sneak a taste before serving and adjust with more juice or syrup if it needs it. It’s all about finding that sweet spot, so each sip feels light and refreshing.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip? Honestly, it’s light and really refreshing. There’s this mix of fruit and Tito’s vodka that gives it a crisp balance—not too sweet, which I appreciate.

The citrus pops right away. I can definitely taste the brightness from oranges and lemons, and it just makes the drink feel so lively.

Berries come through with a gentle sweetness. I like how they mellow out those sharper citrus notes, but the drink never gets heavy or syrupy.

The wine and vodka blend together pretty smoothly. It gives the sangria a rounder body, but somehow it still goes down easy.

I notice the flavors shift a bit as the drink sits. The fruit seems to infuse more, so each glass ends up tasting a little richer, maybe even deeper.

The finish is clean, with just a hint of warmth from the vodka. There’s this light fruity note that lingers, and honestly, it makes me want to take another sip.