Red Lobster’s holiday menu is always a hit, and their drink menu never disappoints either. If you can’t make it to the actual restaurant this year, then I have great news! Now you can make the Red Lobster snow globe sangria right at home with this copycat cocktail recipe!
What is the Red Lobster Snow Globe Sangria?
Red Lobster’s Snow Globe Sangria is a sweet, festive seasonal cocktail featuring white moscato wine, white cranberry juice, elderflower liqueur, and a splash of soda for a refreshing, bubbly twist.
It’s served over ice, with a hint of gold edible glitter and fresh cranberries for a festive look which mimics a snow globe effect (hence the name). Its vibrant holiday-themed appearance and sweet, fruity flavor make it a perfect wintertime drink!
This sangria is part of Red Lobster’s limited-time holiday offerings and has become a fan favorite, returning during the holiday season alongside other festive beverages like the Ruby Mule and Mocha Espresso Martini.
Of course, thanks to this copycat version, you can enjoy it year round, without ever having to leave home. It goes great with my Air Fryer Chicken Cobbler With Red Lobster Biscuits too!
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
What’s in Red Lobster’s Snow Globe Sangria?
- 2 ½ ounces Barefoot moscato
- 1 ounce St Germain elderflower liqueur
- ⅛ tsp gold edible shimmer
- 2 ½ ounces white cranberry juice
- Splash of lemon lime soda (½ ounce to 1 ounce, to taste)
- 6 fresh or frozen cranberries
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- While Red Lobster uses Barefoot brand moscato and St Germain brand elderflower liqueur, you can substitute another brand of choice as desired (though the flavors will change slightly)
- Any lemon lime soda (Sprite, 7-Up, Starry) is fine. Red Lobster used Sierra Mist up until it was discontinued in 2023; Starry would be the closest replacement (but use whatever you’ve got!)
- For a less sweet drink (even though it would deviate from the restaurant recipe) you can use unsweetened lemon sparkling water instead of the soda, or swap in a more dry wine like white pinot noir or sauvignon blanc instead
How to Make Red Lobster Snow Globe Sangria
- To a cocktail shaker (or similar), add the elderflower liqueur, gold shimmer, and cranberry juice, along with a couple ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, 20-30 seconds, then strain into a wine glass
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, layering in the fresh or frozen cranberries as you go
- Add the wine, then top with lemon lime soda and give it a quick stir
- Enjoy!
More Red Lobster Copycat Recipes
- Red Lobster Brussel Sprouts in the Air Fryer
- Red Lobster Watermelon Margarita
- Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
- Red Lobster Passion Fruit Margarita
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Red Lobster’s snow globe sangria pairs beautifully with (you probably guessed it) seafood dishes and festive appetizers!
Some of my favorite pairings include Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail, Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi, crab legs, or lobster-based entrees that complement the fruity and sweet profile.
For lighter options, consider serving with fresh salads or cheese platters featuring brie or goat cheese, which balance the sangria’s sweetness. My Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites and Cranberry Baked Brie are great appetizers which also highlight the cranberry notes in the drink!
Additionally, this cocktail can be a delightful accompaniment to desserts like fruit tarts (try my Air Fryer Crustless Cranberry Tart) or creamy cheesecakes. These choices emphasize the vibrant holiday notes of the snow globe sangria while rounding out your meal!
Recipe FAQs
What Type Of Wine Should Be Used In Snow Globe Sangria?
Moscato wine is typically recommended for this sangria, as its sweetness complements the citrus and berries in the recipe. Red Lobster uses Barefoot brand in particular, but you can use your favorite.
Substituting another type of wine, such as a dry white, may alter the intended flavor balance (but feel free to experiment)!
Can I Make A Non-Alcoholic Version?
Yes, you can make a mocktail version by substituting the moscato wine with non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice. The elderflower liqueur can be replaced with an elderflower flavored syrup instead (about ½ oz should be fine).
Use the same fruits and non-alcoholic components to keep the drink fancy and fizzy! If it’s too sweet, you can use unsweetened lemon flavored sparkling water instead of the soda.
What Makes It A “Snow Globe” Sangria?
The “snow globe” effect is achieved by using cranberries layered with the ice in the drink, and then coupled with some edible glitter for a sparkly, snowscape-like look.
Clear glassware enhances this effect, making it festive for the holidays!
Can The Sangria Be Made Ahead?
Yes, in fact, it’s even better if you make it 1–2 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Do not add the soda until you’re ready to serve, though.
If you want to prepare it the night before, store it in an airtight container and add the garnishes, ice, and soda just before serving.
Recipe Pro Tips
- Feel free to adjust the strength of the drink (that’s the beauty of making it at home) by adding a shot of a neutral liquor (like vodka) if you want it stronger!
- Add the gold luster dust in small quantities as it can be pretty overpowering in terms of the look since it’s on a nearly-clear base. It will naturally settle as it sits in the glass over time, so if it’s too overwhelming just wait a bit!
Storage and Serving Tips
- Glassware. This drink is typically served in a large wine glass. However, you can use anything similar you have (a goblet, or even a pint glass work fine)
- No other garnishes are usually added at Red Lobster, except for a signature black drinking straw (which is handy for stirring the glitter back up as it settles). However, you can add a sprig of rosemary for a festive look, or a slice of lemon if you’d like a little pop of citrus
Final Thoughts
Don’t miss out due to seasonal availability – enjoy this copycat version of Red Lobster’s snow globe sangria at home any time you want!
It’s a sweet mixed drink with a blend of moscato and elderflower, with white cranberry added in for the perfect seasonal twist. Add some cranberries and sparkling glitter to make it an extra festive and delicious treat!
I love to serve it for company on Christmas, but honestly it’s a drink that’s suitable all winter long. You could even serve it for New Year’s thanks to the festive gold sparkle!
Katie’s tip
If you want a more traditional Winter Wonderland appearance to your Christmas drink, then take a look at my Snow Globe Cocktail which is almost too pretty to drink!
Red Lobster Snow Globe Sangria Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Wine glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ ounces Barefoot Moscato
- 1 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- ⅛ tsp edible gold shimmer
- 2 ½ ounces white cranberry juice
- Splash lemon lime soda (½ ounce to 1 ounce; to taste)
- 6 fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker (or similar), add the elderflower liqueur, gold shimmer, and cranberry juice, along with a couple ice cubes1 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur, ⅛ tsp edible gold shimmer, 2 ½ ounces white cranberry juice
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, 20-30 seconds, then strain into a wine glass
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, layering in the fresh or frozen cranberries as you go6 fresh or frozen cranberries
- Add the wine, then top with lemon lime soda and give it a quick stir2 ½ ounces Barefoot Moscato, Splash lemon lime soda
- Enjoy!
Notes
- While Red Lobster uses Barefoot brand moscato and St Germain brand elderflower liqueur, you can substitute another brand of choice as desired (though the flavors will change slightly)
- Any lemon lime soda (Sprite, 7-Up, Starry) is fine. Red Lobster used Sierra Mist up until it was discontinued in 2023; Starry would be the closest replacement (but use whatever you’ve got!)
- For a less sweet drink (even though it would deviate from the restaurant recipe) you can use unsweetened lemon sparkling water instead of the soda, or swap in a more dry wine like white pinot noir or sauvignon blanc instead
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
The snow globe sangria was the most beautiful and best tasting holiday drinks i have ever had. My only question is what is the edible shimmer made of?
Hi Jeanie – I’m so glad you liked it! The brand of shimmer I use is made from mica dust. Make sure (regardless of brand you choose) that you look for one that is specifically graded as food safe and (in the US) is FDA-approved for consumption since not all mica (and not all luster dust for that matter) is safe to eat.
I can’t wait to get the ingredients to make this drink! It was so beautiful and delicious and fun to drink and I am so excited to see the recipe! Thank you so much!
I’m glad you enjoyed your drink and happy to provide you with the copycat recipe so you can have your own Red Lobster bar at home!
Can I make this ahead of time and place in a glass dispenser?
Hi Becky, Absolutely! I wouldn’t add the soda until you’re ready to serve (or just add a splash to individual glasses as they’re poured) or else you’ll lose fizziness. The rest of the drink will easily be fine for 24 hours or so in advance (I’ve stored it in a pitcher in the fridge before and then just set it out with the soda when ready to use it). If you add glitter, you’ll want to give it a good stir before serving as well, as it naturally settles.