Cranberry Apple Sangria

Cranberry apple sangria is the kind of drink that instantly makes your gathering feel warm and festive. Picture this: a pitcher brimming with crisp autumn apples, tart cranberries, and a splash of sparkling wine that catches the light. It’s colorful, inviting, and bursting with seasonal flavors that perfectly capture the spirit of the holidays.

I first tried this sangria at a small Thanksgiving gathering, and it immediately became the highlight of the table. It balances sweet and tart in such a way that it pairs beautifully with everything from roasted turkey to a simple cheese board. The bright red cranberries and golden apple slices floating in the drink aren’t just delicious—they’re also incredibly pretty, making it a showstopper without any extra effort.

One of the best things about this autumn sangria is how versatile it is. You can prep it ahead of time, letting the flavors mingle and deepen, or whip it up last minute when friends drop by. It’s perfect for Christmas drinks too, offering a festive twist that feels both cozy and celebratory. I love serving it in large glasses with a cinnamon stick or fresh rosemary sprig for that extra holiday flair.

What makes this cranberry sangria really special is how it bridges seasons. It’s light and refreshing enough for late fall afternoons but warming and rich enough to carry you straight through to Christmas festivities. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or enjoying a quiet night with close friends, this drink adds that little extra sparkle that turns any occasion into a celebration.

Why You’ll Love It

• Bursting with Seasonal Flavors – Every sip delivers the perfect balance of tart cranberries, crisp apples, and a hint of citrus. It’s like autumn in a glass, making it ideal for Thanksgiving sangria or any festive drinks gathering.
• Beautifully Festive – With floating fruit and a rich, jewel-toned color, this sangria instantly elevates your table. Guests will be drawn to it before they even take a sip.
• Easy to Make Ahead – You can prepare this sangria hours—or even a day—in advance. The flavors mingle beautifully, making it low-stress for hosting holiday celebrations.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a casual fall brunch, a cozy night by the fire, or Christmas drinks with friends, this cranberry sangria fits seamlessly into any gathering.
• Customizable Fun – Want to make it extra bubbly? Swap in sparkling wine. Prefer a lighter touch? Try a splash of soda. It’s a versatile base that adapts to your taste.

Ingredient List

For the Sangria:

• 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Fruits & Extras:

• 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
• Sparkling water or soda (optional, for a little fizz)

Ingredient Notes

• White wine: I always use a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc—it keeps the sangria bright and not too sweet.
• Cranberries: Don’t skip the fresh cranberries! They add that beautiful color and tart punch that makes this cranberry sangria special.
• Honey or maple syrup: Adjust sweetness to taste. I like a touch of honey for depth, but maple syrup gives it a warm, autumn vibe.
• Brandy: This really adds warmth—perfect for Thanksgiving sangria or Christmas drinks.
• Cinnamon stick & rosemary: Optional but trust me, they make your sangria smell like holiday magic the moment it hits the glass.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large Pitcher – For mixing and serving your sangria; I love a clear glass one so you can see all the beautiful fruit floating around.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For slicing apples and oranges neatly; a good knife makes prep feel effortless.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – To get the right balance of wine, juice, and brandy every time.
• Wooden Spoon or Stirrer – For gently mixing everything without bruising the fruit.
• Citrus Zester or Peeler (optional) – Adds a little extra citrus aroma if you like a zesty kick.
• Glasses or Mugs – For serving; I like stemless wine glasses for a cozy, approachable feel.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

• Wash the apple, orange, and cranberries thoroughly.
• Thinly slice the apple and orange so they release their flavors quickly.
• Toss the cranberries into a small bowl—these will float beautifully and add that signature tartness.
  Pro Tip: Slice the fruit right before mixing so it stays fresh and vibrant in color.

Step 2: Mix the Base

• In a large pitcher, pour in the dry white wine, cranberry juice, brandy, and orange liqueur.
• Add the honey or maple syrup.
• Gently stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
  Pro Tip: Stir slowly so you don’t bruise the fruit; this keeps the sangria looking gorgeous.

Step 3: Add the Fruit and Extras

• Drop in the sliced apples, oranges, and cranberries.
• Add the cinnamon stick and, if you like, a sprig of fresh rosemary for aroma.
• Stir gently to combine.
  Pro Tip: If you want a bolder flavor, let the sangria sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours—this allows the fruit to infuse the wine.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

• Cover the pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Just before serving, top with a splash of sparkling water or soda if you prefer a little fizz.
• Pour into glasses, making sure each glass gets a mix of the fruit.
• Garnish with an extra cinnamon stick or rosemary sprig for a festive touch.

Pro Tip: For a make-ahead option, prepare the sangria the night before your gathering. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight—perfect for Thanksgiving sangria or other holiday festivities.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use fresh, crisp fruit – Apples and oranges should be firm for the best texture and flavor.
• Balance sweetness – Taste before serving and adjust honey or maple syrup as needed; seasonal fruit can vary in tartness.
• Let it rest – Allow the sangria to chill for at least an hour so the flavors can mingle.
• Gently stir – Avoid bruising the fruit to keep your sangria looking pretty in the glass.
• Serve with flair – Floating a cinnamon stick or rosemary sprig in each glass adds aroma and festive charm.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Wine swap: Try rosé or a light red wine for a different flavor profile.
• Juice options: Pomegranate or apple juice can replace cranberry juice for a slightly sweeter twist.
• Spirits: Brandy can be swapped for rum or bourbon for a warmer, deeper flavor.
• Sweetener: Maple syrup, agave, or simple syrup works if you prefer alternatives to honey.
• Extra fizz: Add sparkling cider or club soda for a bubbly, celebratory touch.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving this sangria alongside a cheese and charcuterie board—the fruity, spiced flavors pair beautifully with creamy brie and salty prosciutto.
• For Thanksgiving dinner, it’s a refreshing balance to rich dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes.
• It makes a gorgeous welcome drink for Christmas parties—guests can sip on something festive while the main meal is still in the works.
• Try it with light appetizers like cranberry brie crostini or apple slices with caramel dip—it enhances the sweet-and-savory bites.
• On a cozy night in, I like pouring a glass with a small bowl of spiced nuts—it feels simple but still special.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Keep leftover sangria covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The fruit will continue to infuse flavor, but after 48 hours it may start to lose its texture.
• Refreshing before serving: If the sangria has been sitting for a day, give it a gentle stir and add a splash of fresh juice or sparkling water to brighten it up.
• Reheating: This recipe isn’t meant to be reheated since it’s a chilled drink. If you prefer a warm version, you can simmer the wine, juice, brandy, and spices gently on the stove for a quick mulled wine variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Swap the wine and brandy for sparkling apple cider or grape juice. You’ll still get all the flavor and festive vibes.

How far in advance can I make it?

You can prepare it up to a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge so the flavors deepen and the fruit stays fresh.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work well and help chill the sangria, but fresh ones have a firmer texture and prettier appearance.

What’s the best wine to use?

I recommend a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. They keep the sangria crisp without being too sweet.

Can I add other fruits?

Definitely! Pears, pomegranate seeds, or even berries are great additions for extra color and flavor.

How do I make it bubbly?

Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water, soda, or sparkling cider just before serving for a light fizz.

Did you try this cranberry apple sangria? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!