Pomegranate apple sangria is a vibrant winter sangria that feels festive, elegant, and easy to serve. Made with red wine, pomegranate juice, fresh apples, and warming spices, this pomegranate cocktail is perfect for holiday entertaining without the heaviness of mulled wine.
This Christmas sangria is cold and refreshing, making it a great option when you want a seasonal drink that still feels light and balanced. The deep ruby color, fresh fruit, and subtle spice make it ideal for Christmas gatherings, New Year’s Eve parties, and any holiday celebration where you want a make ahead holiday cocktail that looks beautiful on the table.
Why Pomegranate Apple Sangria Works So Well in Winter
Pomegranate and apple are classic winter flavors that naturally complement each other. Pomegranate juice adds brightness and a slightly tart finish, while apples bring gentle sweetness and a familiar, crisp flavor.
Together, they create a holiday sangria that feels festive but approachable. It is rich enough for winter but not overly spiced or sugary, making it easy to pair with a wide variety of foods. This balance is what makes it such a reliable Christmas cocktail for entertaining.
The color alone makes this sangria stand out. The jewel toned red wine combined with pomegranate juice and fresh fruit gives it a visually striking look that feels special without extra effort.
A Make-Ahead Holiday Sangria for Entertaining
One of the biggest advantages of this pomegranate apple sangria is that it can be prepared in advance. Like most sangrias, the flavor improves as it rests, allowing the fruit and spices to infuse the wine naturally.
This makes it an excellent holiday cocktail for hosts. You can assemble it a few hours ahead or even the night before, refrigerate it, and focus on your guests instead of mixing drinks one by one.
Because it serves a crowd and requires very little hands on time, it is especially useful during busy holiday meals or parties.
Ingredients You Will Need for Pomegranate Apple Sangria
This Christmas sangria uses simple, seasonal ingredients that are easy to find during the holidays.
You will need a red wine as the base, along with pomegranate juice for brightness and color. Fresh apple slices add natural sweetness and texture, while cinnamon sticks bring a gentle warmth that keeps the drink feeling seasonal without overpowering it.
A small amount of sweetener can be added if needed, depending on how tart your pomegranate juice is. Fresh pomegranate seeds are optional but highly recommended for both flavor and presentation.
Best Wines to Use for Pomegranate Apple Sangria
Choosing the right wine is key to making a balanced pomegranate cocktail.
A dry or semi dry red wine works best. Look for wines with fruit forward notes and moderate tannins so they complement the pomegranate juice instead of competing with it. Good options include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon for a bold, classic winter sangria
- Merlot for a softer, rounder flavor
- Zinfandel for a slightly jammy, festive profile
Avoid very expensive wines. Sangria is meant to be approachable, and mid range wines work beautifully once combined with fruit and juice.
How to Make Pomegranate Apple Sangria
This pomegranate apple sangria comes together easily by letting red wine and pomegranate juice blend with fresh apples and a hint of cinnamon. As the fruit and spices rest in the wine, the flavors soften and deepen, creating a balanced winter sangria that feels both festive and refreshing.
Because pomegranate juice can range from tart to slightly sweet, this is a sangria that naturally invites tasting and adjusting to suit your preference. A touch of sweetness can be added if needed, but the goal is to let the fruit and wine shine.
Giving the sangria time to chill is what really makes it shine. A few hours in the refrigerator allows everything to come together, while an overnight rest creates an even smoother, more cohesive holiday cocktail.
When served cold over ice and finished with pomegranate seeds or extra apple slices, it feels polished and ready for any winter gathering without requiring last-minute effort.
Easy Variations for This Holiday Sangria
This Christmas sangria is easy to customize depending on your gathering and the mood you want to create.
-
Add a sparkling finish
A splash of sparkling water or club soda just before serving lightens the sangria and gives it a festive, bubbly feel without overpowering the fruit. -
Boost the citrus notes
Adding a strip of orange peel while the sangria rests brings a subtle warmth and aroma that pairs beautifully with pomegranate and apple. -
Make it a lighter winter sangria
This recipe can be adapted using a dry white wine for a brighter, more delicate version. The color will be lighter, but the apple and pomegranate flavors still shine. -
Adjust the sweetness
Depending on how tart your pomegranate juice is, a small touch of honey or simple syrup can soften the edges while keeping the sangria balanced.
These small variations make it easy to tailor the sangria to your taste while keeping its festive, holiday-ready character.
When to Serve Pomegranate Apple Sangria
This holiday sangria works especially well for:
- Christmas dinners and holiday potlucks
- New Year’s Eve celebrations
- Winter brunches and afternoon gatherings
- Make ahead cocktails for busy hosts
It pairs beautifully with cheese boards, appetizers, and main dishes, making it a versatile and reliable winter cocktail for entertaining throughout the season.
Pomegranate Apple Sangria
This pomegranate apple sangria is a festive winter cocktail made with red wine, pomegranate juice, fresh apples, and warm spices. It’s an easy make-ahead holiday sangria that works perfectly as a Christmas cocktail or winter party drink.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry or semi-dry red wine (750 ml)
- 1 ½ cups pomegranate juice (100% juice recommended)
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2–4 tablespoons simple syrup or honey (to taste)
- ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Ice, for serving
- Optional additions:
- Orange peel (for extra citrus warmth)
- Sparkling water or club soda (for a lighter finish)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine and pomegranate juice. Stir gently to mix.
- Add the sliced apples and cinnamon sticks.
- Taste and add simple syrup or honey if needed, stirring until dissolved.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best flavor, refrigerate overnight.
- Before serving, remove cinnamon sticks if a lighter spice flavor is desired.
- Serve chilled over ice and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds or additional apple slices.
Optional: Add a splash of sparkling water just before serving for a lighter, bubbly sangria.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 78Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 1g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using available ingredients and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes used.
More Festive Winter Cocktails You May Enjoy
If you enjoyed this pomegranate and apple sangria, there are plenty of other winter cocktails with seasonal fruit, cozy spices, and holiday flair that are worth trying next. These drinks offer a mix of make ahead options, warm winter favorites, and festive cocktails perfect for entertaining.
-
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
A lighter, bubbly sangria made with apple cider and sparkling wine. It’s a great option for daytime gatherings and holiday brunches.
-
Cranberry Sangria
Another make ahead winter sangria that uses cranberry juice for a tart, festive flavor. Ideal for Christmas dinners and holiday parties. -
Cranberry Champagne Punch
A crowd friendly holiday cocktail that combines cranberry juice and bubbly for an easy, celebratory drink. -
Easy Pumpkin Sangria
A seasonal sangria with warm spice notes that works especially well for fall into winter entertaining.
-
Pear Mulled Wine with White Wine
A gently spiced warm cocktail that’s cozy and aromatic, perfect for colder evenings and relaxed holiday gatherings. -
Eggnog Martini
A creamy, indulgent holiday cocktail that transforms classic eggnog into an elegant dessert style drink. - Cranberry Moscow Mule
A bright and refreshing winter cocktail made with ginger beer and cranberry, offering a crisp contrast to wine based drinks.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, be sure to explore my Winter Cocktail Roundup, where you’ll find a complete collection of festive drinks, from make ahead sangrias and sparkling punches to cozy warm cocktails perfect for the holiday season.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
- How to Choose the Best Vacation Rental for Your Family Trip (Expert Tips for Stress-Free Planning) - January 6, 2026
- Cranberry Brie Cake Grazing Board (An Elegant Holiday Cheese Centerpiece) - December 19, 2025
- Easy Cranberry Cocktails You Can Make All Year - December 18, 2025
