Festive Cranberry Sangria for Thanksgiving Dinner
Festive Cranberry Sangria is a bright and bubbly drink that's perfect for Thanksgiving. It's filled with fresh cranberries, juicy oranges, and a splash of wine, making it colorful and refreshing.…
Tip: save now, cook later.Festive Cranberry Sangria is a bright and bubbly drink that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s filled with fresh cranberries, juicy oranges, and a splash of wine, making it colorful and refreshing. The little bursts of cranberry and citrus flavors make every sip feel special and just right for holiday celebrations.
I love making this sangria because it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, and it always gets people smiling. One tip I’ve found helpful is to let it chill in the fridge for a few hours so all the flavors blend together nicely. It feels like a little celebration even before we begin the dinner!
My favorite way to enjoy this drink is in a large glass with extra fruit pieces and a fun straw – it adds a festive touch to the table. It’s a wonderful way to bring friends and family together and start the evening with something light and tasty. Everyone always asks for the recipe, which never fails to make me happy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Festive Cranberry Sangria
Red Wine: I like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for their fruity, full flavors. If you want a lighter taste, try a Pinot Noir or even a dry rosé. For a non-alcoholic option, use grape juice and sparkling water.
Fresh Cranberries: These add that sharp, tart burst that feels like fall. You can substitute frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them before adding.
Fruit Mix: Orange, apple, and strawberries bring sweetness and texture. If you’re missing strawberries, blueberries or pears work well too. I often use whatever fruit is freshest and in season.
Brandy: Adds warmth and depth. You can skip it or replace it with orange liqueur for a different twist without losing the festive feel.
Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey complements the fall flavors nicely. You can swap these for simple syrup or agave syrup, depending on what you have.
How Do You Make Sure the Flavors Blend Perfectly in Sangria?
The trick to a delicious sangria is letting it rest. After mixing all ingredients, refrigerate the sangria for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step lets the fruit infuse its flavors into the wine.
- Start by stirring all liquids together well so the flavors can mingle.
- Add the chopped fruit and cinnamon sticks, which slowly release their aroma.
- Cover tightly and keep it cold to avoid dilution and keep flavors bright.
- Before serving, add ice and sparkling water for a fresh, fizzy finish.
Letting the sangria sit makes every sip smoother and more flavorful. If you try to drink it right away, the wine and fruit taste won’t be as balanced.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing and chilling all the sangria ingredients together.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice oranges, apples, and strawberries cleanly and safely.
- Cutting board – keeps your fruit prep neat and easy to manage.
- Wooden spoon or long stirring utensil – makes stirring the sangria simple and gentle so fruit stays intact.
- Measuring cups and spoons – great for adding just the right amounts of juice, brandy, and sweetener.
- Glasses for serving – wide mouth glasses work well to hold the fruit and ice with the drink.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try using white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a lighter, zestier sangria that’s still refreshing.
- Add a splash of ginger beer instead of sparkling water for a spicy kick that pairs well with autumn flavors.
- Include pomegranate seeds alongside cranberries for extra color and a burst of sweetness.
- Mix in fresh mint leaves or rosemary sprigs to give the sangria a fragrant, herbal note perfect for holidays.
Festive Cranberry Sangria for Thanksgiving Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sangria:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup brandy
- 2 tablespoons cranberry juice (optional, for extra tartness)
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (for topping off)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive sangria takes about 10 minutes to prepare. However, it needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors come together beautifully. Plan ahead so it’s ready to enjoy with your Thanksgiving dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Liquid Ingredients:
Start by pouring the red wine, orange juice, brandy, and cranberry juice into a large pitcher or bowl. Give it a good stir so all the flavors blend nicely.
2. Add the Fresh Fruit and Sweetener:
Throw in the cranberries, orange slices, diced apple, and sliced strawberries. Then, stir in maple syrup or honey to sweeten it just the way you like.
3. Infuse with Cinnamon and Chill:
Add the cinnamon sticks into the pitcher and stir. Cover the sangria and pop it into your fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This resting time helps the fruit and spices flavor the wine perfectly.
4. Serve and Garnish:
When you’re ready, fill glasses halfway with ice cubes. Pour the sangria over the ice, be sure to add some of that lovely fruit into each glass. Top off with sparkling water or club soda to give it a fun fizz. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a few extra cranberries or orange slices to make it look festive and inviting.
Enjoy your beautiful, vibrant cranberry sangria – a perfect festive drink for your Thanksgiving table!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw frozen cranberries before adding them to the sangria. This helps release their flavor without watering down the drink.
How Far Ahead Can I Make This Sangria?
You can prepare the sangria up to 24 hours in advance. Letting it chill overnight really deepens the flavors. Just add the sparkling water and ice right before serving to keep it fresh and fizzy.
Can I Make This Recipe Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Substitute the red wine and brandy with grape juice or cranberry juice. You can keep the fresh fruit and sparkling water to maintain that festive feel and delicious flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Sangria?
Store leftover sangria in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the sparkling water separate and add it only when you’re ready to serve to avoid it going flat.