Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe for Festive Fall Gatherings

This Cranberry Apple Sangria is the perfect fall and winter cocktail: fruity, festive, and incredibly simple to prepare. Bright apple slices, tart cranberries, warm cinnamon, and a touch of spiced rum combine with red wine and orange liqueur to create a crowd-pleasing pitcher. Make it ahead for gatherings like Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or any chilly-season get-together—the flavors blossom as it chills, and the presentation is beautiful in a large glass pitcher.

This recipe has been a holiday staple for many seasons. It’s quick to make—about 10 minutes of active prep—and tastes best when it has time to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour, preferably overnight. The result is a lightly spiced, fruit-forward sangria that pairs well with roasted turkey, hearty sides, or a simple dessert menu.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients that make up this Cranberry Apple Sangria, along with substitution and serving notes. Follow the recipe amounts in the recipe card further down for exact quantities.

• Orange — thinly sliced to release bright citrus oils.
• Brown sugar — adds depth and caramelized sweetness; light or dark brown works.
• Ground cinnamon — a little goes a long way to give that warm fall aroma.
• Spiced rum — contributes warmth and spice; dark rum can be used if preferred.
• Red wine — Tempranillo or Cabernet Sauvignon both work well; choose a medium-bodied bottle.
• Orange liqueur — such as triple sec or Cointreau, for an orange-forward brightness.
• Cranberry juice — provides color and tartness; use 100% juice for a less-sweet sangria.
• Whole cranberries — fresh or frozen; frozen berries will thaw as the sangria chills.
• Red apples — diced; Honeycrisp or another crisp, sweet-tart variety is ideal.
• Club soda — chilled, added just before serving to preserve effervescence; a lemon- or lime-flavored sparkling water is a nice alternative.

Instructions

1. Place the orange slices in the bottom of a large pitcher or mixing bowl.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the orange slices and gently muddle to release the citrus oils and dissolve the sugar. If you don’t have a muddler, the back of a spoon works fine.
3. Add the spiced rum, red wine, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
4. Fold in the cranberries and diced red apples so the fruit is evenly distributed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight will let the flavors meld more fully and the fruit will soak up more of the wine and spirits.
6. Just before serving, add chilled club soda to the pitcher to taste for sparkle. Pour over ice into glasses and garnish as desired.

For a special touch, rim glasses with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon, or add an orange slice and a few cranberries as garnish. Serve over ice for the best texture and temperature.

Tips, Variations & Storage

• Make-ahead: Prepare the sangria the night before to deepen the flavors. Keep it chilled and add carbonation right before serving.
• Non-alcoholic option: Substitute the wine and rum with non-alcoholic red wine or additional cranberry juice and a dash of apple cider for body; omit the orange liqueur or use an alcohol-free orange syrup.
• Fruit variations: Pears, pomegranate seeds, or star anise make attractive and tasty additions. Use what’s in season for the best flavor.
• Sweeter or tarter: Adjust the brown sugar or cranberry juice to suit your taste. If the wine is very dry, add a touch more sugar or a sweet soda instead of club soda.
• Storage: Sangria without club soda will keep in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Add soda only when serving to preserve fizz.
• Pairing: This sangria complements roasted poultry, savory sides, and spiced desserts.

Recipe Card

Cranberry Apple Sangria

Cranberries and apples give this sangria a bright, festive flavor—perfect for holiday parties and fall gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup spiced rum
• 1500 ml red wine (two 750 ml bottles), Tempranillo or Cabernet recommended
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup diced red apples
• 1 cup chilled club soda

Instructions

1. Add orange slices to the bottom of a large pitcher.
2. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the oranges and muddle to release flavor.
3. Pour in spiced rum, red wine, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice; stir to combine.
4. Add cranberries and diced apples, then refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.
5. Add club soda just before serving and pour over ice.

Nutrition

• Calories: 239 kcal (per serving, approximate)
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 18 mg
• Potassium: 255 mg
• Vitamin C: 11.2 mg

More Thanksgiving Recipes

Try other seasonal favorites such as Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Stuffing, Smoked Turkey Breast, Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Apples, and Loaded Mashed Potatoes to round out your holiday menu.