Remember when holiday parties meant someone showing up with a giant punch bowl, questionable sweater choices, and a cassette tape full of Christmas hits? This Festive Fizzy Sangria brings back that same fun energy—but with better wine and fewer awkward family photos.

This easy batch cocktail combines red wine, fresh fruit, citrus, and a fizzy finish for a crowd-pleasing drink that’s perfect for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, cookie exchanges, or any gathering where you don’t want to spend the entire night playing bartender. The best part? You can make most of it ahead of time and actually enjoy your guests. That’s a Gen X win. Sangria is traditionally made with wine, fruit, and a splash of something bubbly, making it one of the easiest party drinks around.

What Makes This Sangria Different?

Unlike heavy holiday cocktails that can feel like dessert in a glass, this sangria stays bright and refreshing thanks to the sparkling finish. The fruit soaks in the wine, creating layers of flavor while the bubbles keep everything light and festive.

Think of it as the holiday punch bowl’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin.

Festive Fizzy Sangria on a black cutting on the counter.

Prep Time: 24 mins
Total Time: 24 hrs
Servings: 8 (½ cup each)

Ingredients:

½ cup of dried cranberries
½ cup of raisins
6 dried apricots (cut into silvers)
¼ cup of dried apples
¼ cup of brandy
2 Tbsp of honey
½ tsp of vanilla extract
1-2 cinnamon sticks
750 ml or 1 bottle of red wine (Rioja, Chianti or Cabernet)
2 cups of club soda
orange slices (garnish optional)

Bottle of red wine, glass of brandy, half an orange, jar of honey, apple chips, sliced apricots, raisons, vanilla extract, and cinnamon sticks on a black cutting board on the counter.

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Fizzy Sangria

Easy to make ahead
Perfect batch cocktail for a crowd
Fresh fruit makes it look fancy with almost no effort
Fizzy finish keeps it light and refreshing
Great for holiday parties, New Year’s Eve, and Christmas gatherings
No complicated cocktail shaker required

Step 1: Cut dried apricots into slivers.

Step 2: Place the dried fruits, brandy, honey, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract into a large pot. Heat and stir until the blend comes to a simmer.

Honey being poured into a pot filled with dried fruit on a black cutting board on the counter.

Dried fruit in a pot on a black cutting board on the counter.

Fruit, honey, brandy and cinnamon sticks in a pot on the stove.

Step 3: Remove from heat and cool slightly before adding the red wine.

Red wine being poured over top of the fruit and brandy mixture in a pot on the stove.

Step 4: Pour the wine and fruit blend into a pitcher. Chill in the fridge for 2-24 hours so the flavors can blend.

Red wine and brandy and dried fruit mixture in a pitcher on a black cutting board on the counter.

Step 5: When ready to serve, pour sangria into glasses with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with orange slices.

Pouring club soda into a glass with ice and sangria on a black cutting board on the counter.

Festive Fizzy Sangria on a black cutting board on the counter.

*Makes 8 servings (½ cup each)

🍋 Simply Made Tips

Make It Ahead

Mix everything except the sparkling ingredient several hours before serving. The fruit has time to infuse the wine and the flavors become even better. Many sangria recipes benefit from a few hours of chilling before serving.

Add the Fizz Last

Wait until just before serving to add sparkling wine, club soda, or sparkling water so you keep those bubbles nice and lively.

Use Affordable Wine

Save the expensive bottle for sipping. Sangria is all about combining flavors, so a good mid-priced red wine works perfectly.

Keep It Cold

Serve over ice and store leftovers in the refrigerator.

🍷 Sangria Questions, Answered

What is the best wine for sangria?

A fruity, medium-bodied red wine works best. There’s no need to splurge since the wine will be mixed with fruit and other ingredients.

Can I make sangria the day before?

Yes. In fact, many people prefer it because the fruit has more time to infuse the wine with flavor. Just wait to add the bubbles until serving time.

How long does sangria last?

It is best within 1-2 days when refrigerated.

Can I make this for a crowd?

Absolutely. This recipe is perfect for doubling or tripling for holiday parties and backyard gatherings.

🎄 Before You Go…

If you’re building a holiday drink menu, don’t stop here. Check out our collection of make-ahead party cocktails featuring sangrias, punches, and festive favorites that make entertaining a whole lot easier.