National Sangria Day 2026
food drinkSunday, December 20, 2026
96 days from today · next occurrence
About National Sangria Day
National Sangria Day pours every year on December 20, celebrating the wine punch that turned simple ingredients into Spain's most famous export to the party table. Classic sangria mixes red wine with chopped fruit, a splash of orange juice or brandy, a little sweetener, and time in the refrigerator for the flavors to mingle. The name comes from sangre, the Spanish word for blood, a nod to the deep red color of the traditional version.
There is no single official recipe, which is part of the drink's charm. White wine sangria, or sangria blanca, swaps in peaches and apples, while tropical versions reach for mango and pineapple. Bartenders treat the glass as a canvas, and home hosts love that a big pitcher can be made ahead for a crowd. On a cold December evening, a warm spice version with citrus and cinnamon brings summer back to the table.
When is National Sangria Day?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 20, 2026 | Sunday |
| 2027 | December 20, 2027 | Monday |
| 2028 | December 20, 2028 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | December 20, 2029 | Thursday |
| 2030 | December 20, 2030 | Friday |
History of National Sangria Day
Wine mixed with fruit, spices, and spirits has been part of Iberian life for centuries, and versions of sangria were common in Spain and Portugal long before the drink had a name. Sangria entered the international spotlight after it was served at the 1964 World's Fair in New York, where visitors lined up to taste the Spanish pavilion's fruity red punch. In Europe, protected labeling rules now reserve the name sangria for drinks made in Spain and Portugal, while American bars freely riff on the formula.
How to Celebrate National Sangria Day
- Mix a pitcher of red sangria with orange, apple, and berries a few hours before guests arrive.
- Try a white wine version with peach and mint for a lighter take.
- Pair a glass with tapas like olives, manchego, and toasted bread with tomato.
- Host a sangria taste-off where friends each bring their own pitcher to compare.
- Learn the difference between sangria, tinto de verano, and other Spanish wine drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is National Sangria Day?
- National Sangria Day falls every year on December 20, a welcome burst of Spanish flavor in the middle of the December holiday season.
- Is National Sangria Day a public holiday?
- No. It is a lighthearted food-and-drink observance, not a public holiday. Bars and restaurants stay open, and in fact many of them pour specials for the occasion.
- How do people celebrate National Sangria Day?
- People celebrate by mixing pitchers at home, ordering sangria at their favorite bar, sharing recipes online, and pairing the drink with tapas. Some hosts throw themed parties with Spanish music and fruit-garnished glasses.
- What kind of wine goes into sangria?
- There is no single rule. A budget-friendly dry red such as tempranillo or garnacha is traditional, but crisp whites, rosé, and even sparkling wines all make great bases for fruit-forward sangria.