Cranberry Sangria

Holiday gatherings aren’t complete without great cocktails and after dinner drinks. Some of our favorite fall drinks are an Apple Cider Martini, Cranberry Moscow Mule, Pumpkin Martini, or a Butterscotch Coffee.

Orange Cranberry Sangria Recipe

The holidays tend to get busy and hectic. When you’re tasked with bringing a dish to a get together, opt for this cranberry sangria.

Brandy and cranberry juice are the ultimate pairings with orange juice, your favorite red wine, and the warm flavor of cinnamon sticks. Mix it all together for a smooth, Christmas sangria that’s perfect for a crowd.

This holiday punch makes a great addition to any Thanksgiving table or alongside your favorite Christmas recipes.

Holiday Sangria Ingredients

• Fresh Cranberries: These burgundy colored berries float in liquid and add a festive touch to this punch.
• Fresh Orange Slices: Fresh fruit provides this sangria with a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
• Cinnamon Sticks: As the flavors meld, cinnamon sticks soften and release their earthy flavor.
• Red Wine: Choose a dry, red wine with notes of apples, pears, or other fall fruit flavors.
• Cranberry Juice: Juice from concentrate works great for this recipe.
• Orange Juice: Either freshly squeezed or bottled orange juice work well for this orange cranberry sangria.
• Brandy: Pick your favorite top or mid-shelf brandy.

How to Make Cranberry Sangria:

1. Start by placing fresh cranberries, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks into a large pitcher.
2. Pour in the red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, and brandy.
3. Stir the ingredients, and chill for 3-4 hours until ready to serve.

Tips and Variations:

• Let this festive sangria chill in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours prior to serving. The flavors will meld together the longer it sets.
• Orange slices add natural sweetness and fresh fruit flavor to the cocktail. Since this is a fall sangria, we prefer orange slices, apples, pears, and lemons over fresh berries or springtime fruits.
• If you’re unable to locate fresh cranberries, simply omit them.
• This cranberry sangria recipe is lightly sweetened from the cranberry and orange juices. To add more sweetness, consider adding a couple of tablespoons maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar until the drink reaches the desired sweetness.

What’s the best wine to use for sangria?

Garnacha (also known as Grenache): Spanish red wine grapes that produce fruity, aromatic, well balanced wines. You’ll want to choose a wine that’s dry and low on tannins, which makes Garnacha a good choice.

Tannins are compounds that naturally occur in grape skins and seeds and can make wine taste bitter. If you’re able to find a dry, red wine that’s low on tannins that’s the way to go. Tempranillo, Rioja, and Pinot Noir are some other good wine options.

Can you make this sangria recipe with rum?

Yes, absolutely! You’ll want to swap out the brandy with a top or mid-shelf rum. A spiced rum will lend to the fall flavors and bring out the warm notes of the cinnamon even more. However, some spiced rums may be too heavily spiced depending on the brand. In that case, try an aged rum instead.

What are the best garnishes for sangria?

Garnish a glass of freshly poured sangria with an orange wedge, a slice of lemon or lime, a piece of pear, or a sliver of apple. A sprig a rosemary or candied cranberries are also a nice touch. Of course, you’ll want to make the garnish match the type of drink you’re serving, so use seasonal fruit that matches the flavor of sangria.

Storage:

Refrigerator: This holiday sangria stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Other Cocktails for Your Next Party:

• Pumpkin Martini
• Painkiller Drink
• Cranberry Margarita
• Easy Mai Tai Recipe
• Cranberry Mojito
• White Christmas Margarita
• Ginger Pear Cocktail