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A delicious holiday drink that will put you in the Christmas spirit! This drink combines Mija Sangria with sparkling apple cider, orange juice, peaches, and warm spices!
Bookmark this recipe along with this Not Your Grandma’s Eggnog and Lavender and Gin Cocktail, and this Sparkling Bourbon Sangria to complete your holiday drink roundup!
Holly Jolly Christmas Sangria combines the delicious Mija Sangria with orange juice, sparkling apple cider, peaches, and cinnamon sticks and star anise for a nice spiced kick. When I first made this sangria, I had “Sants Claus is coming to Town” playing in the background. The Holly Jolly Christmas line came up and I thought, yep, that’s what I’m going to name this sangria! It’s sweet, spiced with delicious warm winter spices, and it’s super easy to make.
Holly Jolly Christmas Sangria
What I love about sangria is that it only gets better with time. You can make sangria a week before serving it and it’ll taste SO different as the flavors come together and mature.For this sangria, I did add a little something extra. (At this point, you probably already know because I use it so often in my cooking, baking, AND cocktails lol) Bourbon! I added a little bourbon to really warm up this sangria mix. Why you may ask? Because cinnamon and star anise pair SO well with bourbon. Also, bourbon is so mellow when paired with fruity flavors, it helps cut the sweetness and make it more palatable. This is my personal preference of course.
christmas is going to be a lot different this year…
Christmas is going to be a lot different this year. Just like thanksgiving. My husband and I haven’t decided as to whether or not we’re going to see family back home in Philadelphia this year. However, it’s looking more like staying home than going back to Philly. Which is a hurt piece for me honestly. I’ve NEVER not seen my family on a major holiday like this. Actually now that I think of it, I missed Thanksgiving with my family back in 2013 but that’s because I was doing study abroad. But that was it.
So, I made this sangria because this is something that I’d typically make for the holidays. It’s nostalgic and reminds me of hanging with my mom and dad and sister on the couch. Watching movies, laughing, talking, making fun of each other, and sipping on something delicious in front of the fireplace.
I’m learning that just because things are different, doesn’t mean that they’re bad. We’ve all had to pivot this year due to the pandemic and honestly, it’s beginning to feel more normal to adjust than it does to have a routine.
As of late, I’ve been finding ways to not only bide my time. I’m trying to use this time to learn something new and grow. Whether it’s honing on my photography, relaxing with my husband and enjoying quality time! … or even taking a moment to play piano and relax, it’s SO important to find the things that make you happy.
I’m learning that just because things are different, doesn’t mean that they’re bad.
Another thing that’s keeping me going is that I wrote a list of my goals. To hold myself accountable, I wanted to share it with you. Next year, around this time, I pray that I’ll be making this delicious sangria as a homeowner and full time blogger. I want to refer back to this recipe and re-read these words while sitting in my living room with my family, without masks, without the fear or spreading the virus, and living a healthy and happy life full of cheer. That is my prayer.
how is sangria different than wine?
Sangria is a drink that contains wine in addition to other ingredients such as sherry, brandy – or in this case – whiskey.
It can also contain fruits and tonic water which add a nice bubbly fizz! Sangria originated in Spain and Portugal
You’ll love this sangria
Ok, let’s get back to this sangria. You can make this sangria anytime. It’s a great recipe because the longer it sits, the better it gets! I recommend making this at least 2 days before serving. It gives the flavors a chance to get together and become friends.
Also, the give the chance for the fruit to soak in the juice and for the cinnamon sticks and star anise to fully release their flavors into the drink. Is this mandatory? Absolutely not! You CAN make this and serve it immediately, however, for added flavor, I do recommend at least a few hours before. serving.
More Drinks to Enjoy!
Also, this recipe was featured in The Pioneer Woman’s “35 Apple Cider Cocktails to make A Festive Toast to Fall”! Go check out the rest of the amazing recipes!
Holly Jolly Christmas Sangria
Equipment
- Large Pitcher
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Mija Sangria
- 2 cans Canned Peaches (15 oz each)
- 1 bottle Sparkling Apple Cider (25.4 oz)
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- 1/2 cup Whiskey Bourbon
- 1 cup Cranberries
- 3 cinnamon sticks, optional
- 4 star anise, optional
Instructions
- Combine sangria, canned peaches with the juice, sparkling apple cider, orange juice, whiskey bourbon, and cranberries in a large pitcher. Mix together with a large spoon and add cinnamon sticks and star anise. Refrigerator 1 hour prior to serving. (This can be made up to 3 days prior to serving).
- Serve chilled or with ice!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love sangria and this one is so perfect for the season! And you’re right — it tastes even better the next day!!
I love how the Bourbon warms up the Sangria! I prepared the Sangria and let it sit for a couple days! It tastes great!