Non-Alcoholic Sangria for Christmas

If you want a festive drink without alcohol, this Non-Alcoholic Sangria is an easy solution for your winter celebrations. The color is stunning and the combination of fruit and spice makes it something guests are always curious about. Serve it with fresh fruit tucked inside and you have a drink that looks beautiful and tastes delicious.

Over the years I’ve shared many Christmas cocktail recipes. The other day someone asked for a few non-alcoholic mocktail recipes. I thought that was a wonderful idea, and I’m happy to deliver. That’s why I decided to create and share this beautiful and delicious Non-Alcoholic Sangria.

Most of you probably know that I love a good sangria recipe. So that’s where I got the inspiration for this holiday mocktail.

Of course, you’re probably wondering how can you make sangria without the alcohol since the base of sangria is wine? Well, I have a few tricks to share that make this mocktail super delicious and doable!

There are two key ingredients. First, you’ll need sparkling grape juice. I opted for red grape juice because I’m serving this mocktail for the holiday and wanted a rich red color. This will cover the grape-aspect of the wine and add a little fizziness.

The second main ingredient is brewed tea. One of the key elements in red wine is the tannin. In short, it’s responsible for the woodsy, sometimes bitter flavor and dryness of red wine. Brewed tea can create a similar effect, which is why we’re adding it to this non-alcoholic sangria.

Pretty interesting, right?

Oh, and if you like these Christmas tree stirrers, I have a full DIY tutorial here on IBC so you can make some for you own holiday entertaining endeavors.

Not only are they adorable in a cocktail, but you can tuck them into a hot chocolate or add some good cheer to your morning coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This is one of those drinks that makes everyone feel included and festive no matter their beverage preference. You get the fun and feel of sangria without the alcohol so it is great for family gatherings or mixed age groups.
• The flavors feel familiar and cozy with cinnamon, oranges, and cranberries but the brewed tea and sparkling grape juice make it feel special. It is layered and interesting without being complicated.
• It is a beautiful drink to serve because the color is so vibrant and all of those cranberries and orange slices float through like little jewels. Pour it into your favorite glasses with ice and it instantly looks like the holidays.

Need more Christmas cocktail recipes? You’re in luck because they are my speciality. Check out this collection of my best Christmas cocktails.

Ingredients

The ingredient list for this festive sangria is simple. Here are all of the things you will need:

• Cranberry juice – This builds the base of the mocktail with bright color and that classic tart berry flavor.
• Brewed black tea – This adds gentle tannins and a subtle woodsy note which mimics the structure and dryness of red wine. I used Bigelow Constant Comment.
• Sparkling red grape juice – This is what brings the grape character of sangria along with a little natural fizz that makes the drink extra fun.
• Orange slices – Fresh orange adds sweetness and citrus oil which brightens the entire pitcher.
• Fresh cranberries – These add a pop of color and a gentle berry tang as they float through the sangria.
• Cinnamon sticks – They lend warmth and gentle spice which pairs perfectly with the cranberry and citrus.

How to Make

1. Start with a pitcher of ice. Pour in the cranberry juice, brewed black tea, and sparkling red grape juice and mix to combine.

2. Add orange slices, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon sticks for a little holiday spice.
3. Stir again for a final mix.

4. Serve this Holiday Sangria Mocktail in glasses filled with ice. Garnish each with a slice of orange, more cranberries, a cinnamon stick, and an adorable DIY tree drink stirrer.

And with that, this Non-Alcoholic Sangria is ready for serving!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tea works best, and can I use decaf?

A full-bodied black tea gives the nicest tannin note. Brew it a little stronger than you would for sipping, then cool it completely. Decaf black tea or rooibos works well if you want to skip caffeine.

How do I adjust the sweetness or intensity?

For a sweeter sangria, add a splash of apple juice or a bit of simple syrup. For something lighter, top glasses with plain seltzer. A squeeze of lemon can brighten things if it tastes too rich.

Can I serve this in a drink dispenser?

Yes, just slice citrus thinly and avoid oversized fruit pieces that can block the spout. If your dispenser is small, add the cinnamon sticks to the base mixture early, then remove them before service.

More Sangria Recipes You’ll Love

• Traditional Red Sangria
• Thanksgiving Sangria
• Apple Pie Sangria
• Autum Harvest Sangria
• White Wine Sangria

Tasty, gorgeous, and festive. What more could you ask? Cheers, my friends! If you try this Non-Alcoholic Sangria I’d love to hear what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I’d appreciate it! 

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Non-Alcoholic Sangria Recipe

This Non-Alcoholic Sangria, flavored with cinnamon, oranges, and cranberries, is a delicious mocktail recipe that everyone can enjoy during holiday parties.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: christmas, cocktail, holiday, mocktail, sangria

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups brewed black tea, cooled (I used Bigelow Constant Comment.)
• 1 bottle (750mL) sparkling red grape juice
• 1 orange sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• Ice

Instructions

• Start with a pitcher of ice. Pour in the cranberry juice, brewed black tea, and sparkling red grape juice and mix to combine.
• Add orange slices, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon sticks for a little holiday spice. Stir again for a final mix.
• Serve this Holiday Sangria Mocktail in glasses filled with ice. Garnish each with a slice of orange, more cranberries, and a cinnamon stick.