I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love this cranberry apple sangria. It’s basically winter in a glass. Full of the tart cranberry flavor that we only seem to enjoy around the holidays. Cranberry sangria can be enjoyed year round, but there is something so good about drinking this cocktail during winter.
Why you will love cranberry apple sangria
- Make Ahead - Cranberry apple sangria is perfect for making ahead. Whip up a batch early in the day and refrigerate until your guests arrive.
- Festive - This sangria will get you into the holiday spirit. With cranberries and cinnamon garnish, this cocktail is excellent for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other seasonal gathering.
- Crowd Favorite - A hit at any party. This sangria recipe is easily scalable for a large gathering of friends and family.
Tools
- 2-Quart Pitcher - You will need a large enough pitcher to add all the ingredients and to stir them. A 2-quart pitcher is the perfect size.
- Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons - For the best results, the ingredients need to be accurately measured.
- Stirring Utensil - A long spoon or spatula is needed to thoroughly stir the ingredients. I generally use a long wooden spoon.
Ingredients
Before you head to the recipe card for exact measurements, here’s a quick look at what you’ll be using.
- Cranberry Juice – This is the star of the show. Cranberry juice is bold and a little tart, so we soften it with some sweeter ingredients.
- Apple Juice – Adds sweetness and gives the sangria that delicious apple flavor. It balances out the cranberry perfectly.
- Red Wine – Any dry red wine works here. Cabernet Sauvignon is my usual pick, but use whatever you enjoy on its own.
- Spiced Rum – Gives everything that warm, wintry touch. It is so good in winter cocktails.
- Brown Sugar – Normally, I use honey in sangria, but for this one, brown sugar gives a deeper sweetness. Honey works too, though!
- Orange Liqueur – Adds a layer of citrus, giving it those good sangria vibes.
- Fruit – Fresh cranberries, apples, and sliced oranges. These soak up all the flavor and make the sangria taste (and look) amazing!
- Cinnamon Sticks - This is an optional garnish.
Instructions
- Grab a big enough pitcher to hold everything. A 2-quart pitcher is perfect.
- Slice your oranges into thin slices. Wash, core, and chop your apples. Add the apples, cranberries, and orange slices to your pitcher.
- Pour in the cranberry juice, apple juice, red wine, spiced rum, and orange liqueur.
- Add the brown sugar. Stir well, mixing until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 4–6 hours. It lets all those flavors mingle and blend.
- When you’re ready to serve, give it a little stir and enjoy!
tips
- Frozen cranberries make the best ice. They keep the sangria cold without watering it down.
- Serve in mason jars, wine glasses, whiskey glasses, or any other glass that you have.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks, extra orange slices, or whole cranberries.
Variations
- If you use a sweeter wine, you can leave out the brown sugar.
Other cranberry cocktails you may love
- Cranberry Margarita - A festive twist on a traditional margarita. Made with cranberry juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and tequila, this is another seasonal favorite.
Cranberry Apple Sangria
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 Glasses 1x
Description
This cranberry apple sangria is the ultimate winter sangria. Packed with fresh apples, oranges, and cranberries, this sangria is made with red wine, cranberry juice, apple juice, brown sugar, orange liqueur, and a bit of spiced rum. The perfect festive drink for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups cranberry juice
- ½ cup apple juice
- 1 bottle dry red wine
- ⅓ cup spiced rum
- ¼ cup orange liqueur
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cranberries
- Ice or frozen cranberries for serving (optional)
- Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Add the chopped apple, orange slices, and fresh cranberries to a large 2-quart pitcher.
- Pour in the cranberry juice, apple juice, red wine, spiced rum, and orange liqueur.
- Add the brown sugar and stir well until fully dissolved.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4–6 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to blend.
- Stir before serving.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Use frozen cranberries as “ice cubes” to keep the sangria cold without watering it down.
- Taste the sangria after chilling—add more brown sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- If using a sweeter red wine, you may not need the brown sugar.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks or extra orange slices for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
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