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Looking for a drink that sparkles just like the holidays but without the wine? This non-alcoholic Christmas Sangria is your new favorite holiday drink. It’s packed with festive flavors like cranberry, pomegranate, orange, and cinnamon. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch or a family dinner, this drink delivers beautiful color, bold flavor, and a cheerful vibe in every sip with zero alcohol.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sangria (No Wine Needed!)
A Family Tradition Born in My Tiny Apartment Kitchen
When I first moved abroad, I was a mom with two hungry kids and absolutely no clue how to cook or host. I used to panic before the holidays because I had no idea what festive drinks to serve that everyone could enjoy, especially the little ones. After many failed tries (and some surprisingly sticky kitchen messes), I finally created a non-alcoholic sangria that my whole family loved. It tasted like Christmas in a glass, and that recipe has been on our table ever since.
This sangria is special because it brings everyone together, no substitutions, no “kid drinks” vs. “adult drinks.” Just one vibrant, fruity punch bowl that makes everyone smile.
Check out this Grinch Hot Chocolate if you’re craving something warm and fun alongside your sangria.
Easy, Beautiful, and Perfect for Any Holiday
This drink is more than just a pretty pitcher. It’s super simple to make, totally make-ahead friendly, and the garnishes make it look like you worked way harder than you actually did. If you can slice fruit and stir, you can master this recipe. Plus, you can easily adjust the sweetness or add fizz right before serving.
Pair it with Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks for a festive appetizer spread.
Ingredients for Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria
Sangria Base:
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2 cups cranberry juice (100%, unsweetened)
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2 cups pomegranate juice
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2 cups sparkling apple cider (or ginger ale)
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1/2 cup fresh orange juice
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3/4 cup homemade cinnamon simple syrup (recipe below)
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1 Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
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1 Navel orange, thinly sliced
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1 cup fresh cranberries
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1/2 cup pomegranate arils
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Crushed ice for serving
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Cinnamon sticks & rosemary sprigs for garnish
Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
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1 cup water
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1 cup sugar
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2–3 cinnamon sticks
Optional Sugared Cranberries:
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1/2 cup water
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1.5 cups granulated sugar
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1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
You can also try Homemade Gingerbread Syrup for a cozy twist.
Notes & Substitutions
Use only 100% juices for the best flavor control. If you want more sparkle, add a splash of lemon-lime soda or club soda just before serving. No pomegranate? Add more cranberries or try grape juice. Fresh fruit gives the best texture, but frozen will work in a pinch, just expect a bit of dilution. This drink is best when chilled for at least 2 hours.
Looking for dessert? These Festive Meringue Trees are fun, light, and beautiful next to this sangria.
How to Make Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria
1. Make the Cinnamon Simple Syrup
In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and cinnamon sticks to a simmer. Stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer 2–3 minutes, remove from heat, and let cool. Discard cinnamon sticks before using.
2. Optional: Make Sugared Cranberries
Boil ½ cup water + ½ cup sugar. Stir in cranberries and coat them fully. Transfer to a wire rack. Let’s sit for 30 minutes. Then roll in the remaining 1 cup of sugar and dry for 1 hour.
3. Combine the Sangria
In a large pitcher, mix cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, orange juice, and cooled cinnamon syrup. Stir well. Add sliced apple, orange, cranberries, and pomegranate arils.
4. Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours. Before serving, add sparkling apple cider. Serve over crushed ice and garnish with sugared cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
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Chill for at least 2 hours. Flavor improves with time.
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Add sparkling elements just before serving for maximum fizz.
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If it’s too tart, add extra simple syrup (1 tablespoon at a time).
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Always use a clear pitcher for maximum visual impact.
This pairs wonderfully with Little Debbie Christmas Tree Brownies, sweet, festive, and crowd-pleasing.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Tips:
Use tall glasses to show off the fruit. Add a slotted spoon nearby so guests can scoop out the fruit. Keep ice separate if prepping ahead.
Storage:
Store leftovers in the fridge (without added soda) for up to 2 days. Fruit may soften, but the flavor deepens.
Fun Variations:
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Sparkling Twist: Add lemon-lime soda before serving
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White Sangria: Swap juices for white grape & green apple
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Extra Fruity: Add pear slices or raspberries
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Citrus Boost: Add lime and blood orange slices
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Kid-Party Favorite: Top each glass with a gummy bear!
FAQs
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to 12 hours in advance and chill. Add soda right before serving.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but it may water down the sangria slightly. Use fresh for the best presentation.
Is it safe for kids?
Completely. It’s 100% alcohol-free and perfect for all ages.
Can I make it sweeter or tangier?
Absolutely! Add more cinnamon syrup to sweeten or a splash of lemon juice for tartness.
Conclusion
This non-alcoholic Christmas Sangria is everything you need for a festive, joyful drink without the wine. It’s bright, fruity, gently spiced, and perfect for sharing with everyone at your holiday table. Whether you’re making memories with your kids or hosting friends for a holiday feast, this sangria delivers all the flavor and none of the fuss.
Looking for another crowd-pleasing drink? Try our Christmas Moscow Mule or browse the Drinks section for more.
Festive Christmas Sangria (Non-Alcoholic)
Equipment
- large pitcher
- Saucepan for making syrup
- knife and cutting board for slicing fruit
- strainer or slotted spoon for sugared cranberries
- mixing spoon
- serving glasses
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberry juice (100%, unsweetened)
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 2 cups sparkling apple cider (or ginger ale)
- 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
- 0.75 cup homemade cinnamon simple syrup (see below)
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1 navel orange, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 0.5 cup pomegranate arils
- crushed ice (for serving)
- cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
- rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- 1 cup water (for cinnamon syrup)
- 1 cup sugar (for cinnamon syrup)
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks (for cinnamon syrup)
- 0.5 cup water (for sugared cranberries, optional)
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar (for sugared cranberries)
- 1 12 oz bag fresh cranberries (for sugared cranberries)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Simmer until sugar dissolves, about 2–3 minutes. Let cool and discard sticks.
- Optional: For sugared cranberries, simmer ½ cup water + ½ cup sugar. Add cranberries, coat fully. Drain and roll in 1 cup sugar. Let dry for 1 hour.
- In a large pitcher, mix cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, orange juice, and cooled cinnamon syrup. Stir well.
- Add apple slices, orange slices, cranberries, and pomegranate arils. Stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate sangria for 2–4 hours to chill and let flavors meld.
- Before serving, stir in sparkling apple cider. Serve over crushed ice and garnish with sugared cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs.
