This Cranberry Apple Sangria is a fun and fruity drink perfect for any gathering! It mixes tart cranberries and sweet apples with a splash of wine, making it bright and refreshing.
It’s super easy to whip up—just combine everything in a pitcher and let it chill. I love adding extra fruit slices to make it even prettier. Cheers to good times! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Wine: Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works wonderfully in this sangria. However, feel free to substitute with a fruity Riesling or Pinot Noir for a different taste. Just stick with a dry wine to balance the sweetness.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a zesty kick, which I really love! If they’re out of season, you can substitute with frozen cranberries; just rinse them before using. Dried cranberries won’t work well here, as they lack that tartness.
Apples: A crisp apple like Granny Smith provides a nice crunch and tartness. You can swap it for Fuji or Honeycrisp apples if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just make sure they’re fresh for the best texture.
Brandy or Orange Liqueur: These are optional but really enhance the drink’s richness. If you want a non-alcoholic version, you can omit this or use a splash of orange juice instead.
Syrup or Honey: Adjust the sweetness to your taste! For a healthier option, try agave syrup or even maple syrup. This can really change the flavor, so taste as you go.
How Do I Make the Flavors Blend Perfectly?
Letting the sangria sit is key for blending those delicious flavors! After mixing all the ingredients, cover and chill it for at least 2-4 hours. Overnight is even better! This allows the fruits to infuse the wine, enhancing the drink.
- Use a large pitcher to give the fruits space to mingle.
- Gently stir the mixture a couple of times while chilling to ensure everything is well combined.
- Before serving, add ice to keep it chilled without watering it down too much.
Enjoying this drink is about savoring each flavor, so be patient and let it marinate—it’s well worth the wait!
How to Make Cranberry Apple Sangria
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 medium apple, cored and diced or sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cranberry Apple Sangria requires about 10 minutes for preparation and should ideally chill for 2-4 hours, or even overnight. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 10 minutes of active time, plus chilling time to allow all those lovely flavors to meld together perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Start by grabbing a large pitcher or glass jar. Pour in the red wine first. If you’re using brandy or orange liqueur, add that next. Pour in the cranberry juice and simple syrup (or honey), and stir everything together well until it’s nicely combined.
2. Add the Fruits:
Now, it’s time to make it pretty and flavorful! Toss in the fresh cranberries, diced apple pieces, and orange slices directly into the wine mixture. They’ll add a wonderful fruity taste and color to the sangria.
3. Spice it Up:
Drop in one or two cinnamon sticks. These will add a lovely warmth to the drink. If you’re a big fan of cinnamon, feel free to add an extra stick for more flavor!
4. Chill Out:
Cover your pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Let the sangria chill for at least 2-4 hours, but overnight is even better! This resting period helps the flavors blend beautifully together.
5. Prepare to Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, take the sangria out of the fridge and give it a gentle stir. Add ice cubes to the glasses (or to the pitcher, if preferred) to keep it chilled. For a festive touch, garnish with some fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary on top!
6. Enjoy!
Pour the sangria into glasses, making sure to include some of the marinated fruit. Cheers to a refreshing and vibrant Cranberry Apple Sangria, perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations!
Can I Use White Wine Instead of Red Wine?
Absolutely! While red wine is traditional for this recipe, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can offer a lovely twist on the flavors. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness to your taste since white wines can vary in sweetness.
How Can I Make This Sangria Non-Alcoholic?
To make a refreshing non-alcoholic version, simply replace the red wine with a fruity grape juice or sparkling cider. You can still add all the fruits and cranberry juice for flavor, and it will be just as delicious!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
If you have any sangria left over, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days, but keep in mind that the fruits will continue to infuse, so flavor may change slightly over time. Consider straining out the fruits before storing if you want to preserve the original flavor longer!
Can I Customize the Fruit in This Sangria?
Definitely! Feel free to swap the apple and orange for other fruits like pears, berries, or even peaches. Just aim for a mix of sweet and tart fruits to balance the flavors. Get creative with seasonal fruits for a unique twist!