White Holiday Sangria Recipe

I love a warm drink as much as the next girl, but sometimes you just want a fun, festive, refreshing cocktail for the holidays. Let me introduce you to the easy White Holiday Sangria, made with pears, pear juice (because apples and apple cider are for Fall), and brandy. It’s perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, or just any time the season hits. You can even enjoy for Thanksgiving (just don’t let the apples find out!)

Jump to my White Holiday Sangria Recipe

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

What alcohol is in Sangria?

Technically Sangria must originate from Spain or Portugal, so since I’m currently sitting in Chicago this is really a punch made with wine.

…sangria traditionally consists of red wine and chopped fruit, often with other ingredients or spirits.
Wikipedia

You’ll see I continue to buck tradition by making this “sangria” with white wine over red. I like to add brandy to the punch because just a little can add a ton of warmth and depth of flavor, in addition to throwing in a couple of cinnamon sticks.

White Holiday Sangria ingredient including wine, brandy, pear juice, sparkling water, orange, pears, cinnamon, sugar and pomegranate seeds on a marble table.

Ingredients Needed to Make White Holiday Sangria

White Wine – Since this will be mixed with lots of other things, no need to spend a ton of money here. You’ll be sweetening with simple syrup and fruit, so you’ll want something dry, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Brandy – I lived in Wisconsin for a stint where they consume the most brandy in all of the U.S., and their brandy of choice is Korbel. Need I say more?
Pear Juice – I joked above but I really have had my fair share of apple cider once December rolls around. Fun fact, December is national pear month. When in Rome…It’s kind of hard to find 100% pure pear juice but I was able to get this one on Amazon (and for such a good price!)
Sparkling Water – Not necessary but I like a little topper to give some bubbles to a festive evening, plus it helps dilute it if it’s going to be a long night.
Pears – See “Pear Juice” above.
Orange – There should be a little citrus in any well-constructed cocktail, plus it pairs perfectly with brandy. If you don’t love the look of the orange color in an otherwise white, red, and green drink, just remove it before serving.
Sugar – You’ll need ¼ cup simple syrup so if you already have some no need to make for this.
Pomegranate Seeds – Use to garnish.

What Tools Do You Need to Make Sangria?

Glass Bottle | – You’ll only use ¼ cup simple syrup so you’ll want to store the rest in the fridge. This can last a couple of weeks but use your judgment. If mine starts to get cloudy I toss it.
Glass Pitcher | I used a mixing pitcher but I love this handled pitcher to make it easier to pour.
Sharp Knife | You’ll be chopping a good amount of fruit. I have this knife set and am obsessed, goes through the fruit (and basically everything) like buttah.