Cranberry Orange Sangria Recipe (Refreshing Friendsgiving Cocktail)

Every holiday season, I crave something fruity, festive, and easy to pour for a crowd—and that’s where this Cranberry Orange Sangria comes in! It’s one of those drinks that instantly makes your table feel like a celebration.

The sweet-tart flavor of cranberry juice, the citrusy burst from fresh oranges, and that cozy kick of brandy come together most deliciously.

The first time I made this for Friendsgiving—it disappeared before dinner even started! That’s when I knew it was a keeper. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or a quiet dinner, this Cranberry Orange Sangria fits right in.

This sangria has been my go-to ever since for Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, and any night when I want something quick but special.

What I love most about this cranberry orange sangria recipe is how easy it is. You don’t need fancy bar tools or hours of prep. Just pour, stir, chill, and serve. It’s the kind of drink that looks beautiful, tastes even better, and instantly makes your table feel festive.

So grab your favorite red wine, slice up a few oranges, and let’s make a holiday sangria with cranberry juice that’s as joyful to sip as it is to share.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Sangria?

• It’s simple to make—just mix, chill, and sip.
• It’s beautifully festive, perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any holiday party.
• The flavor is perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too dry.
• You can make it ahead of time, which means less stress when entertaining.

Is This Cranberry Orange Sangria Sweet or Dry?

This sangria lands right in the middle. The cranberry juice adds a tart twist, the orange juice brings in natural sweetness, and the red wine ties it all together with a smooth, slightly dry finish. You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Sangria?

Recipe Overview

Cranberry Orange Sangria is a bright, fruity, and easy cocktail made with red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, brandy, and fresh fruit slices. It’s a crowd-pleasing holiday sangria you can mix up in minutes and chill before serving.

Details	Information
Prep Time:	10 minutes
Cook Time:	0 minutes
Chill Time:	1–2 hours
Total Time:	10 minutes + chill
Cuisine:	American
Course:	Drinks / Cocktails
Difficulty Level:	Easy
Yield:	1 large pitcher (about 6 drinks)
Calories per Serving:	~180 kcal
Serving Size:	1 glass

Equipment:

• Large pitcher or jug
• Mixing spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Glasses for serving

Ingredients

• 750 ml Red Wine (I like using Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 cup Cranberry Juice
• 1 ½ cups Orange Juice
• ½ cup Brandy
• 1 Orange, sliced
• 1 cup Simple Syrup (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup Fresh Cranberries
• Ice Cubes, for serving

Ingredient Notes

• Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot, Tempranillo, or Pinot Noir. Avoid overly sweet dessert wines.
• Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened juice works best—you can control sweetness with simple syrup.
• Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed gives the best flavor, but bottled works fine too.
• Brandy: Adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
• Simple Syrup: You can make it by heating equal parts sugar and water until dissolved.
• Fresh Cranberries: Great for garnish and extra color.

Instructions

1. Mix the base:

In a large pitcher, pour in the red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, and brandy. Stir until combined.

2. Sweeten it up:

Add simple syrup to taste. I start with ¾ cup, then adjust depending on the tartness of the cranberry juice.

3. Add the fruit:

Slice your orange and drop the slices and cranberries right into the pitcher. Give everything a gentle stir.

4. Chill:

Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This helps all the flavors come together.

5. Serve:

Fill glasses with ice, pour the sangria over, and garnish with fruit slices for a festive touch.

💡 Tip: Add a few rosemary sprigs or a cinnamon stick before chilling if you want a cozy holiday twist.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Sugar: 18g
• Alcohol: 10g
• Vitamin C: 20% DV

Variations and Substitutions

🟠 White Wine Version: Swap red wine for white (like Pinot Grigio) for a lighter flavor.

🟠 Sparkling Sangria: Add club soda or sparkling water before serving for bubbles.

🟠 Make it Stronger: Add a splash more brandy or a bit of orange liqueur.

🟠 Less Sweet: Skip the simple syrup and use only juice for natural sweetness.

Storing Tips

Keep leftover sangria in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavour deepens overnight, but remove the fruit after the first day to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with orange slices, cranberries, and a rosemary sprig.
• Serve it alongside roasted turkey, ham, or a cheese platter.
• For a fun Friendsgiving idea, set up a “sangria bar” with extra fruit and herbs so guests can customize their glass.

Helpful Tips

✅Chill your wine before mixing so the sangria is instantly refreshing.

✅Use a big pitcher with room for fruit and ice.

✅Always taste before serving—adjust sweetness or fruit as needed.

✅For a crowd, double the recipe and serve in a drink dispenser.

• Don’t skip chilling—it makes a big difference in flavor.
• You can make the sangria up to 24 hours in advance.
• If serving outdoors, keep it cold with frozen cranberries instead of ice.

Also Like This Drinks

▶Cranberry Apple Mocktail Recipe

▶Cranberry Apple Margarita Recipe

▶Cranberry Whiskey Sour Recipe

▶Cranberry Vodka Christmas Punch

▶Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour

FAQ Section

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Sangria is one of my go-to holiday drinks—it’s simple, colorful, and always a hit. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just a cozy night in, this sangria brings that holiday cheer to every glass.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Tag me at @alljuicecorner so I can see your beautiful sangria pitchers. Cheers to good drinks and great company! 🍷