Winter Sangria Punch Cocktail Recipe

When it’s cold outside, I just crave drinks that feel cozy and festive. Winter sangria punch is honestly my favorite way to add some color and fruit flavor to the table this time of year.

Winter sangria punch is an easy, super tasty cocktail that mixes wine, fruit, spices, and a splash of juice for a drink that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Sangria comes from Spain and Portugal, where it’s usually made with red wine and tons of fresh fruit. For winter, I like to put a twist on the classic—think oranges, apples, pomegranate, and a hint of cinnamon.

This punch works for parties or even just a quiet night at home.

Winter Sangria Punch Cocktail Recipe

I find making winter sangria punch is pretty simple, as long as you’ve got the right ingredients and a bit of prep time. Using both fresh fruit and warming spices really brings out those seasonal flavors.

Sweeteners, fruit juices, and red wine all come together for a festive drink that’s perfect for sharing.

Equipment

• Large punch bowl: I use this for mixing and serving.
• Wine glasses or cups: Stemmed or sturdy, honestly either works for sangria.
• Long spoon or ladle: Handy for stirring and serving the punch.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For getting the wine, juices, and sweeteners just right.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: Needed to chop up oranges, apples, pears, and whatever else is going in.
• Citrus juicer (optional): Makes squeezing lemons, limes, or oranges way easier.
• Strainer (optional): Good for catching extra fruit seeds or pulp if you’re blending juices.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle red wine (750ml, something Spanish like Rioja or Garnacha is nice)
• 1 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 pear, sliced
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds or cranberries
• 1/2 cup berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3–4 cloves
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey if you like it a bit different)
• 1 cup club soda (add this right before serving)
• Optional: Swap in white wine for a white sangria, or throw in sliced peaches for extra flavor

Instructions

• Cut up the apples, pears, oranges, and any other fruit into thin slices.
• Toss the fruit slices, berries, and pomegranate seeds or cranberries into a big punch bowl.
• Pour in the red wine and brandy.
• Add the orange juice and lime juice.
• Drop in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and rosemary sprigs.
• Sprinkle in the brown sugar or honey, and stir gently until it dissolves.
• Chill the punch bowl in the fridge for 2–4 hours so the flavors can really mix together.
• Right before serving, pour in the club soda for a little fizz.
• Serve the sangria cold in wine glasses, making sure each glass gets some fruit.

Notes

This recipe is best with a fruity, medium-bodied red wine, though sometimes I’ll swap in white wine and different fruit for a white sangria.

If I want it sweeter, I just add more brown sugar or use orange liqueur instead of brandy.

Fresh fruit adds flavor and honestly just looks so nice in the glass.

Chilling the punch is key so it’s cold and the flavors blend well.

I always wait to add the club soda until the end to keep the fizz. For a stronger kick, I’ll up the brandy a bit.

Pears and apples soak up the flavors and taste amazing after sitting in the sangria.

Extra rosemary gives it this earthy, wintery aroma that I really enjoy—highly recommend.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of this winter sangria punch, the first thing that hits me is how the red wine brings this deep, almost velvety flavor. It’s bold, sure, but not in a way that weighs you down.

Oranges and apples show up with just enough sweetness and a little tartness. Somehow, even in the middle of winter, it still tastes fresh—how is that possible?

The cinnamon and cloves? They’re what make it feel extra festive, honestly. Those spices blend in with the fruit, and suddenly the whole thing feels cozy, almost like a holiday in a glass.

Add in the bubbles from sparkling water or soda, and you get this gentle fizz. It really brightens things up and makes the flavors pop a bit more.

Texture highlights:

• Smooth sip from well-mixed wine and juices
• Gentle spice at the finish
• Tiny bubbles for a refreshing touch

With every glass, there’s a little bit of everything—some fruit sweetness, that warm hit from the spices, and the boldness of the wine. It never comes across as too strong or cloying.

Honestly, it’s balanced and refreshing—kind of perfect for sharing at winter or holiday parties, if you ask me.