Elevate Your Fall Gatherings with this Irresistible Cranberry Sangria Recipe

Who says sangria is just for the summer? As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, it’s the perfect time to embrace the rich, warm flavors of the season. This delightful Cranberry Sangria Recipe is bursting with fresh fall notes and vibrant colors, making it a perfectly festive drink to serve to your guests without any last-minute fuss. Imagine a beautiful pitcher brimming with crimson cranberries and bright orange slices, ready to welcome your friends and family with minimal effort from your side. It’s the ultimate make-ahead holiday cocktail!

Looking for more delicious fall and winter cocktails? Be sure to explore our tempting Cranberry Prosecco Punch for another bubbly, crowd-pleasing option!

Why Cranberry Sangria is Your Go-To Holiday Drink

Sangrias are truly magical concoctions. They’re not just about infusing wine with delightful fruity notes; they are also an absolute game-changer for entertaining. The beauty of sangria lies in its ability to be prepped ahead of time, allowing you to serve sophisticated, specialty drinks to your guests without constantly needing to stop what you’re doing to mix individual cocktails. This means more time enjoying your company and less time behind the bar!

For optimal flavor, sangrias are best when allowed to chill for at least an hour before serving. This crucial resting period gives the wine a chance to “breathe” and, more importantly, allows the fresh fruits to infuse their vibrant, juicy flavors directly into the wine, creating a more harmonious and complex beverage. The longer it sits (within reason, of course), the deeper and richer the fruit flavors will become.

The Perfect Blend of Fall Flavors in this Cranberry Sangria

Our Cranberry Sangria recipe marries the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus notes of oranges, all swimming in a delightful red wine base. This combination is not only visually stunning but also delivers a taste that perfectly encapsulates the autumn and winter seasons. It’s ideal for occasions like Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas parties, or even a cozy Friendsgiving celebration.

Ingredients Needed for Your Festive Cranberry Sangria

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this spectacular drink. Most of these items are easily found at your local grocery store, ensuring a stress-free preparation process.

• 1 (750 ml) bottle of fruity red wine: We recommend a Zinfandel for its robust fruit-forward profile, or a red Moscato if you prefer a sweeter sangria. Other excellent choices include a Merlot or a Grenache for a smooth and approachable base.
• 2 cups fresh cranberries: These jewel-toned berries are the star of the show, providing a beautiful color and a delightful tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
• 2 medium oranges: Sliced and quartered, oranges add a wonderful citrusy aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall freshness of the sangria.
• 1/2 cup simple syrup: This essential ingredient helps to balance the tartness of the cranberries and the wine, providing a smooth sweetness. You can easily make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar in hot water.
• 1/2 cup pulp-free orange juice: For an extra layer of orange flavor without any textural interruptions.
• 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice: Doubles down on the cranberry goodness, deepening the color and flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur adds a subtle hint of bitterness and an alcoholic kick, elevating the sangria’s complexity.
• Club soda (enough to fill the pitcher, topping other ingredients): Added just before serving, club soda provides a refreshing effervescence that lightens the drink and adds a delightful fizz.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful:

Having the right tools can make your sangria preparation even smoother.

• 2-quart pitcher: Essential for mixing and serving your sangria.
• Measuring cups: For precise measurements of all your liquids.
• Serving glasses: To present your beautiful sangria to your guests.
• Chef’s knife: For cleanly slicing your oranges.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for scooping out fruit into individual glasses.

How to Make Cranberry Sangria (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is incredibly simple, allowing you to focus on the enjoyment rather than the preparation.

1. Combine the Liquids: Begin by pouring the entire bottle of fruity red wine into your 2-quart pitcher.
2. Add the Sweet & Tart: Next, add the simple syrup, pulp-free orange juice, cranberry juice, and Triple Sec to the pitcher. Give it a gentle stir to combine these liquid components thoroughly.
3. Introduce the Fruit: Now, add the fresh cranberries and the sliced and quartered oranges. The fruit will instantly start to add beautiful color and promise of flavor.
4. Chill and Infuse: Stir all ingredients together one last time. For the best flavor, allow the sangria to chill in the refrigerator for at least half an hour before serving. This infusion time is key for the fruit flavors to meld with the wine and juices.
5. Just Before Serving: About 15-30 minutes before you plan to serve, top off the pitcher with club soda. You might not need the entire bottle; add enough until the pitcher is full to your desired level of fizziness. Stir lightly once more.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Sangria

• Make Ahead Magic: This sangria benefits greatly from being made ahead. Prepare all ingredients (except the club soda) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to deepen and mingle beautifully. Add the club soda just before serving to maintain its effervescence.
• Chill Thoroughly: Ensure all your liquid ingredients are well-chilled before mixing. This will help your sangria reach optimal serving temperature faster.
• Garnish with Flair: For an extra festive touch, garnish individual glasses with a fresh orange slice, a sprig of rosemary, or a few extra cranberries.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Taste your sangria after the initial infusion. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a little more simple syrup, a splash of maple syrup, or even a touch of honey.
• Choosing Your Wine: While Zinfandel and red Moscato are great, feel free to experiment! A light-bodied Pinot Noir or a fruit-forward Malbec can also work wonderfully, depending on your preference for dry vs. sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Sangria

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cranberries! They work just as well as fresh ones and will also help to keep your sangria chilled without diluting it too much. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly.

How long does cranberry sangria last?

Without the club soda, cranberry sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Once club soda is added, it’s best consumed within 24 hours to retain its fizz. The fruit will also start to get mushy after a few days.

Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?

Yes! To make a delightful non-alcoholic version, simply replace the red wine with sparkling cranberry juice or sparkling grape juice, and omit the Triple Sec. You’ll still get a beautiful, flavorful, and festive punch!

What other fruits can I add to this sangria?

This Cranberry Sangria is highly adaptable. Consider adding sliced apples (Honeycrisp or Gala work well), pears, or even a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for an herbal touch. Cinnamon sticks or star anise can also infuse a wonderful warmth for holiday themes.

What kind of glasses should I serve sangria in?

While traditional sangria glasses are wide-mouthed, any large wine glass or even a tumbler works great. The wider opening allows you to enjoy the aromatic fruits within the drink.

MORE DELICIOUS COCKTAIL RECIPES:

We’ve been crafting delightful cocktail recipes for every season and occasion. Here’s just a sampling of the deliciousness you can find on our site:

• Our cranberry holiday punch is another crowd favorite, offering a vibrant and bubbly option perfect for all sorts of holiday gatherings, from large parties to intimate get-togethers!
• If pie is your thing, this unique peach pie cocktail is right up your alley and also perfectly suited for enjoying the cozy flavors of fall.
• Being big ice cream fans around here, the rich and creamy butterscotch milkshake cocktail is undoubtedly one of our all-time favorites for a decadent treat!
• Blackberries are usually in season in the summer, but they can often be found year-round. So be sure to try our elegant blackberry gin martini at your next cocktail party for a sophisticated twist.
• While the vibrant mai tai cocktail is probably more commonly associated with poolside lounging, imagine yourself on a tropical island this fall with one of these in your hand to escape the chill.
• This easy sangria recipe from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts is a fantastic general sangria option, perfect for any weekend gathering and always a hit with guests.
• Be sure to try our bright and festive cranberry mimosa, an ideal choice for holiday brunches and celebrations.