Three-quarter view of a glass pitcher and several glasses of holiday sangria with green apple pieces, cranberries, some lemon & orange slices, and sprigs of rosemary for garnish.

Holiday Sangria

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Prepare With:

Premium Shrimp Sliders

Product Info
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5 min Prep

4 hr 5 min total

serves 4

Bring a seasonal favorite to your beverage lineup with Holiday Sangria, a festive, high-impact recipe that blends efficiency with premium flavor. This batch-friendly drink is designed for operators who want a reliable crowd pleaser that delivers strong margins, fast execution and consistent results across service periods.

Why chefs and beverage teams love it: Holiday Sangria relies on accessible ingredients that are easy to source and simple to scale. Traditional red wine forms the base, supported by fresh citrus, crisp apples, warming spices and a touch of sweetness. The recipe holds well in refrigeration, allowing teams to prep several hours in advance without compromising taste or quality. This reduces hands-on labor and ensures smooth service during peak holiday traffic.

Flavor and appearance: the finished sangria offers a balanced blend of bright fruit notes, subtle spice and a smooth, full-bodied finish. Fresh citrus adds a clean acidity that complements the wine. Seasonal fruit infuses gentle sweetness, and warm spices add depth that makes the drink feel instantly festive. The presentation is naturally vibrant, with floating fruit that enhances visual appeal and encourages guests to order by the glass or pitcher.

Menu versatility:

  • Serve it as a signature holiday cocktail at brunch, happy hour or catered events.
  • Offer it as a seasonal upsell for large-format servings that boost check averages.
  • Use it as a base for winter punch variations that incorporate sparkling water, cider or spirit add-ons.

Holiday Sangria is a dependable, profitable addition to any holiday menu strategy. It brings together simple prep, consistent execution and standout flavor. Add it to your seasonal offerings and create a beverage your guests will remember all winter long.

Ingredients
  • 1 orange, sliced into half moons
  • 1 lemon, sliced into half moons
  • 1 granny smith apple, diced
  • ⅔ cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 12 ounces fresh orange juice
  • 1 bottle red wine (we used a red blend)
  • ¼ cup simple syrup – optional for sweetness
Instructions
  1. In a large pitcher combine all of the ingredients and stir.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight before serving.
  3. Serve alongside Social Kitchens Professional Premium Shrimp Sliders and enjoy!