If you’re looking for a festive, flavorful drink that brings cheer to any holiday gathering, you’ve got to try this Easy Holiday Sangria (Gluten-Free) Recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of rich red wine, crisp sparkling apple cider, and cozy spiced apple cider, all brightened up with fresh citrus and rosemary. This sangria is refreshingly light, naturally gluten-free, and effortlessly elegant—perfect for sipping by the fire or toasting with friends and family during the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Holiday Sangria (Gluten-Free) Recipe plays an essential role, combining to create a perfectly balanced and inviting drink. The wine brings body and depth, while the sparkling cider adds festive bubbles, and the fresh fruit lends bursts of color and bright flavor.
- 750 ml Red Wine: I recommend Cabernet for its rich, bold flavor that holds up beautifully against the sweet mixers.
- 750 ml Sparkling Apple Cider: Adds effervescence and a crisp, fruity note without any alcohol, keeping things balanced.
- 1 cup Good Quality Vodka: Elevates the warmth and smoothness, blending seamlessly with the fruit juices.
- 1 cup Cranberry Juice: Provides a delightful tartness and deep holiday color that’s naturally gluten-free.
- 1 cup Spiced Apple Cider: Brings cozy spice flavors like cinnamon and clove that evoke the holiday spirit perfectly.
- Sliced Oranges: For fresh citrus brightness that awakens the palate and decorates the pitcher.
- Apples: Thin slices add a mild sweetness and keep the drink feeling fresh and festive.
- Fresh Cranberries: These little pops of tartness also make the drink look truly special.
- Sprigs of Rosemary: A fragrant herbal touch that adds a wintery aroma and elegant garnish.
How to Make Easy Holiday Sangria (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Liquid Ingredients
Start by pouring your red wine, sparkling apple cider, vodka, cranberry juice, and spiced apple cider into a large pitcher. Stir gently to mix all those wonderful flavors together. This simple step creates the base of your sangria, melding the robust wine with the sweet and spicy notes perfectly.
Step 2: Add the Fruit Slices
Next, float the slices of oranges and apples into the pitcher. These slices not only add inviting pops of color but also infuse the sangria with subtle fruity undertones as it rests. The fresh cranberries can be tossed in now or used as garnish later, depending on your style.
Step 3: Chill and Serve Over Ice
Refrigerate your sangria for at least an hour if time allows; this lets all the flavors marry beautifully. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour the sangria on top, and add a fresh sprig of rosemary to each glass for that perfect festive touch.
Step 4: Enjoy the Festive Sip!
Now comes the best part—relaxing with your glass and soaking up the holiday spirit through every vibrant sip of your Easy Holiday Sangria (Gluten-Free) Recipe. Cheers to a delicious and delightful celebration!
How to Serve Easy Holiday Sangria (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary sprigs combined with floating slices of orange, apple, and scattered cranberries instantly elevate the look and aroma of your sangria. These garnishes create a sensory delight from the moment your guests receive their glass, making every sip feel seasonal and special.
Side Dishes
This sangria pairs wonderfully with a variety of holiday appetizers like warm spiced nuts, soft cheeses with crackers, or even roasted vegetable platters. The fruity and spiced elements of the drink complement savory bites perfectly, creating a balanced festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Easy Holiday Sangria (Gluten-Free) Recipe in clear glass pitchers or large mason jars to show off its gorgeous colors and garnishes. You can also add festive touches like cinnamon sticks or sugar-rimmed glasses for an extra sparkle. Personalizing the presentation adds fun and cheer to your celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover sangria, store it in a sealed pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier, but the fresh fruit is best removed after the first day to prevent it from getting mushy.
Freezing
Freezing sangria is generally not recommended because the effervescence from the sparkling cider and vodka content can change texture and taste after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or chilled.
Reheating
This sangria is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. If you want a warm drink option, consider making a separate batch of mulled wine with similar spices for a cozy alternative.
FAQs
Can I make this sangria without vodka?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter or alcohol-free version, simply omit the vodka. The sparkling apple cider and wine create plenty of festive flavor on their own.
Is this recipe truly gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used here—including wine, sparkling apple cider, vodka, and juices—are naturally gluten-free, making this Easy Holiday Sangria (Gluten-Free) Recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use other types of wine?
Feel free to experiment! While a bold red like Cabernet works wonderfully, fruity reds such as Merlot or even a dry rosé can add a nice twist to the sangria.
How far ahead can I prepare the sangria?
For best flavor, prepare it at least 1 hour before serving to allow the fruit and spices to infuse. It can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated, but add fresh garnishes just before serving.
What if I don’t have spiced apple cider?
No worries! You can make your own by gently heating plain apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise, then cooling it before adding to the sangria. Or substitute with just plain apple cider for a simpler flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully joyful about serving up this Easy Holiday Sangria (Gluten-Free) Recipe during your holiday festivities. It’s not only gorgeous and delicious but also incredibly easy to make, ensuring you spend less time fussing and more time celebrating. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch your guests’ faces light up with every sip—cheers to making your holidays even merrier!
Print
Easy Holiday Sangria (Gluten-Free) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Drink
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Holiday Sangria is a festive and refreshing gluten-free cocktail perfect for holiday gatherings. It combines rich red wine, sparkling apple cider, vodka, cranberry juice, and spiced apple cider for a deliciously balanced drink, garnished with fresh fruit and rosemary for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 750 ml Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, 1 bottle)
- 750 ml Sparkling Apple Cider (1 bottle)
- 1 cup Good Quality Vodka
- 1 cup Cranberry Juice
- 1 cup Spiced Apple Cider
Garnish
- Sliced Oranges
- Sliced Apples
- Fresh Cranberries
- Sprigs of Rosemary
Instructions
- Combine Liquids: Stir together the red wine, sparkling apple cider, vodka, cranberry juice, and spiced apple cider in a large pitcher to blend all the flavors uniformly.
- Add Garnish: Decorate the pitcher by adding slices of orange, apple, fresh cranberries, and sprigs of rosemary to infuse subtle aromas and enhance presentation.
- Serve: Pour the sangria over glasses filled with ice cubes, adding a fresh sprig of rosemary to each glass as a fragrant garnish.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, festive flavors perfect for holiday celebrations.
Notes
- This sangria is best served chilled and is perfect for parties and gatherings.
- For a sweeter sangria, you can add a bit of honey or simple syrup if desired.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor experience.
- Alcohol content can be adjusted by varying the amount of vodka or omitting it entirely for a lighter version.
