Cranberry Apple Sangria
Cranberry Apple Sangria is a festive fall cocktail made with red wine, crisp apples, tart cranberries, fresh oranges, apple cider, and warm cinnamon. This easy, fruity drink is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, and cozy autumn gatherings.
Equipment
- Large pitcher or glass sangria dispenser
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Long-handled spoon
- Small shallow plate for the cinnamon sugar rim
- Serving glasses
Ingredients
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup red apples diced or cut into fall shapes
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 oranges sliced
- 2 cups pears sliced or cut into fall shapes
- 1 bottle 750 mL red wine
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup 100% cranberry juice
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup apple brandy or orange liqueur
- Ginger beer or soda water for topping
For the cinnamon sugar rim:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare the fruit
- Wash the apples, pears, oranges, and cranberries. Dice or slice the apples and pears, then cut the oranges into thin rounds.
Mix the sangria
- Pour the red wine, apple cider, cranberry juice, and apple brandy or orange liqueur into a large pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
Add the fruit and spices
- Add the apples, pears, orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Stir gently so the fruit is coated in the liquid.
Chill the pitcher
- Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours. This gives the fruit time to release its flavor and allows the cinnamon and cloves to infuse the wine.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar rim
- Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a shallow plate. Lightly moisten the rims of your serving glasses with an orange wedge, then dip them into the mixture.
Taste and adjust
- Give the sangria a gentle stir and taste it. If it’s too tart, add a little simple syrup. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of cranberry juice or soda water.
Serve with a finishing touch
- Pour the chilled sangria into the prepared glasses, making sure each glass gets some fruit. Top with a splash of ginger beer or soda water just before serving.
Notes
- This recipe makes about six servings, depending on glass size and how much topping is used.
- Use red wine that is fruity and not too heavily oaked.
- If using apple brandy, expect a stronger apple flavor. Orange liqueur creates a more citrus-forward drink.
- Taste the mixture after chilling before adding extra sweetener.
- For a milder spice flavor, remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
- Add ginger beer or soda water just before drinking to preserve the fizz.
- Keep the sangria refrigerated while serving, and remember that it contains alcohol.