- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- BeverageLiquor
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every December 20
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍷
National Sangria Day arrives every December 20, inviting us to enjoy the refreshing Spanish wine punch. Whether you prefer red or white, this festive beverage instantly transports you to sun-drenched beaches. Mix up a pitcher with fresh fruit, share with friends, and toast to good times!
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Expected National Sangria Day Deals
As National Sangria Day approaches, expect many restaurants and bars to feature special promotions on this delightful drink. While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that local eateries and national chains often roll out discounts. Look for deals from popular spots like Applebee’s, Chili’s, and On The Border, which frequently offer drink specials. Specialty liquor stores such as Total Wine & More and BevMo! may also feature discounts on bottled sangria or wine perfect for mixing. Even grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market might highlight ingredients for homemade pitchers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 20 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Sangria Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalSangriaDay. Film a quick tutorial on your favorite sangria recipe or showcase a festive pitcher.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalSangriaDay. Share vibrant photos of your sangria creations, pairing them with delicious tapas.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalSangriaDay. Host a virtual sangria tasting event or share tips for making the perfect pitcher.
National Sangria Day Hero
José Andrés
History of National Sangria Day
Early Greeks and Romans used to mix their wine with sugar, spices, and whatever else was on hand. These drinks were called “hippocras” and were sometimes heated like mulled wine. Hippocras is the common precedent of both mulled wine and sangria. These were consumed regularly because water at the time was filled with bacteria and unsafe to drink. Adding a splash of alcohol made the water drinkable, and mixing it with watered down wine gave it flavor.
Sangria is specifically based on the traditional red wine punch popular across Europe for hundreds of years. The punch base would be claret — a British term for Bordeaux wine from Bordeaux, France. This red wine is traditionally made from a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot. Brandy and fruit would also be added for extra flavor. In the 1700s and 1800s, “Claret Cup Punch” would be present at parties of all sizes. It’s even the drink of choice for Jane Austen heroines.
The Phoenicians and Romans planted miles of vineyards in Spain in 1,100 BC and 200 BC respectively. This prompted a very active wine shipping trade, with the wines of Spain quenching most of Rome’s thirst. Red grapes and fruits grew very well in Spain’s climate, and the locals began calling their wine punches Sangria, which means bloodletting in Spanish. In south Spain, the punch is often called zurra, and is created with peach or nectarine. The Spanish mostly base their sangria with red wines, but it can also be made with white wine, known as “sangria blanco.”
National Sangria Day timeline
Ancient Romans planted multiple vineyards along the Iberian Peninsula.
Moors conquered the Spanish peninsula and prohibited alcohol, meaning the Spanish wine business, and sangria business, faltered.
England and France made their own style of sangria using French grapes.
Spain's sponsored pavilion at the World's Fair in New York City featured sangria, marking the first official time Americans fell in love with the beverage.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Sangria Day
Local restaurants and bars can embrace National Sangria Day by crafting unique sangria specials, perhaps offering a flight of different red, white, and rosé varieties. Wineries and liquor stores can host tasting events or promote ingredient kits for homemade sangria. Even fruit vendors and specialty food shops can highlight fresh produce and mixers, encouraging customers to create their own festive pitchers at home. Consider partnering with a local Spanish restaurant for a cross-promotional event.
National Sangria Day Statistics
National Sangria Day FAQs
When is National Sangria Day?
National Sangria Day 2026 falls on Sunday, December 20, offering a perfect weekend opportunity to mix up a festive pitcher.
How popular is sangria globally?
Sangria enjoys widespread popularity, particularly in Spain where it originated, but also across Europe, North America, and beyond. Its refreshing nature and versatility make it a favored drink for social gatherings and warm weather.
What are the common variations of sangria?
The most common variations include red sangria (Sangria Roja) made with red wine, brandy, and citrus fruits, and white sangria (Sangria Blanca) using white wine with lighter fruits like peaches or green apples. Rosé sangria is also gaining popularity, offering a lighter alternative.
What is the origin of sangria?
The term ‘sangria’ dates back to the 18th century, derived from the Spanish word ‘sangre’ (blood), referring to the deep red color of traditional red wine sangria. Its roots are in the ancient practice of mixing wine with fruit and spices to make it more palatable.
National Sangria Day Activities
Add a little spice to your Wednesday night
This year, National Sangria Day lands on Wine Wednesday, a weekly tradition that many people partake in. Turn that glass of wine you'd normally be drinking into a tasty sangria. Just add some apples, grapes, peaches, and fresh cinnamon.
Host a sangria tasting night
Invite your friends and family over for a night that is sure to end in red smiles. Have everyone bring their favorite homemade sangria and share their recipes!
Have a white sangria brunch
White sangria is best enjoyed during a nice brunch. Host a brunch, and instead of mimosas, make the signature drink be a white sangria.
Why We Love National Sangria Day
It's good for the heart
Traditional sangria contains red wine, which is full of antioxidants, and is great for maintaining a healthy heart. Although many people are still on the fence about this claim, everyone agrees that drinking sangria with family and friends makes the heart full of joy.
There is a sangria for everyone
Whether you prefer a white wine over the traditional red, or can't drink wine overall, there are different variations of this classic beverage. Choose a red or white wine, or grape juice and just add your favorite fresh fruits to your liking. It's that simple.
It makes regular wine festive
Tired of drinking the same bottle of wine? Sangria calls for fresh fruit and spices, which adds a kick of flavor to that bottle of merlot you have collecting dust. Plus, the pieces of floating fruit make for a fancy looking drink.
National Sangria Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 20 | Sunday |
| 2027 | December 20 | Monday |
| 2028 | December 20 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | December 20 | Thursday |
| 2030 | December 20 | Friday |
Social Media Tips for National Sangria Day
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