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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.
We cannot tell you how many times we have made this already! This sangria is one for the books. The flavors are fantastic!
This Mija Sangria has been my favorite thus far! It has such a deep but smooth flavor compared to some of the others that I have tried. We will definitely be making this again for Christmas brunch!
I know this sangria will be hit. I can’t wait to serve this at a dinner party. I love that there’s peaches in it.
Yesssssss, this Holly Jolly Sangria is bringing tnr cheer back into the year. Hubby and I loved it. The peaches really turn this number up
I made a small batch of this sangria for just myself and wish I had made the full portion! It’s just perfect and I am completely in the Christmas spirit now.
Well, yes it will be a holly jolly Christmas when I make this here fancy sangria! I can tell how delicious it is by the photos themselves! I can’t wait to sip on this!
I’m so excited for you to give this recipe a try! Let me know how you like it!
I was discussing sangria with a friend and this recipe just popped up. So, of course, we made some. I let mine sit in the fridge for two days. It was excellent! It reminded me of the glühwein we became used to drinking during our time in Germany. Thanks for sharing!
Ugh, I love Germany! It’s one of my favorite countries that I’ve visited thus far! I could definitely see how this tastes similar to glühwein. I’m so glad that you enjoyed this!
As much as I love it, I have never made Sangria before until now. It was spectacular! I pray your new year wishes come true.
Thank you, Robin! I’m so glad that you gave this sangria a try! I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season and an amazing 2021!
This sangria is spectacular. The notes of cinnamon and orange really hit those Fall notes. Wishing you and hubby a happy holiday.
Thank you, I hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday season as well!
This is such a gorgeous and festive cocktail. The flavor combination is SO GOOD. I’ll be making these for Christmas Eve!
We love this cocktail too! It’s Such a fun and easy recipe for the holidays!