Cranberry Apple Holiday Sangria is the ultimate festive drink to elevate your holiday gatherings. This vibrant and refreshing cocktail combines the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of apples, and the warmth of seasonal spices in a crowd-pleasing presentation.
Whether served at a cozy family dinner or a lively holiday party, this sangria is guaranteed to be a hit. Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pitcher or punch bowl
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Rioja work well)
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey or simple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2–3 star anise pods (optional)
- 1 cup soda water or sparkling water (added just before serving)
Directions
- Mix the Base: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the red wine, cranberry juice, apple cider, orange juice, and brandy (if using). Stir well.
- Sweeten: Add honey or simple syrup, adjusting the sweetness to your preference. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Add Fruits and Spices: Add the sliced apple, orange, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Stir gently to combine.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Just before serving, stir in soda water or sparkling water for a touch of fizz. Ladle into glasses and garnish with additional fruit slices or a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
Expert Tips
- Chill Overnight: For the best flavor, prepare the sangria the night before serving. The fruit and spices will infuse the drink beautifully.
- Serve Cold: Keep the sangria chilled and serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
- Add a Sparkling Touch: Replace soda water with sparkling cider or Prosecco for a festive twist.
FAQs
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes! Use grape juice or a non-alcoholic red wine as a substitute for the wine, and skip the brandy.
What type of wine is best for sangria?
A fruity, medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Rioja works perfectly.
How long can I store leftover sangria?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will intensify, but the fruit may soften.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries or apple slices work well and can help keep the sangria cold.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover sangria in a covered pitcher for up to 2 days. Add fresh soda water just before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
- White Sangria: Substitute red wine with white wine and add pears or peaches for a lighter version.
- Spices: Swap cinnamon and star anise with cloves or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
- Fruit Options: Add pomegranate seeds or frozen berries for extra color and flavor.
Cranberry Apple Holiday Sangria
Equipment
- - Large pitcher or punch bowl
- - Wooden spoon or ladle
- - Cutting board
- - Knife
- - Measuring cups
Ingredients
- - 1 bottle 750 ml red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Rioja work well)
- - 2 cups cranberry juice
- - 1 cup apple cider
- - 1/2 cup orange juice
- - 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur optional
- - 1/4 cup honey or simple syrup adjust for sweetness
- - 1 apple thinly sliced
- - 1 orange thinly sliced
- - 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- - 2 cinnamon sticks
- - 2–3 star anise pods optional
- - 1 cup soda water or sparkling water added just before serving
Instructions
- **Mix the Base:** In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the red wine, cranberry juice, apple cider, orange juice, and brandy (if using). Stir well.
- **Sweeten:** Add honey or simple syrup, adjusting the sweetness to your preference. Stir until fully dissolved.
- **Add Fruits and Spices:** Add the sliced apple, orange, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Stir gently to combine.
- **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- **Serve:** Just before serving, stir in soda water or sparkling water for a touch of fizz. Ladle into glasses and garnish with additional fruit slices or a cinnamon stick, if desired.
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