Apple Cranberry Sangria: A Festive Sip for Any Occasion
This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly. Sparkles to Sprinkles and it’s authors are not responsible for the actions of our readers should they choose to make this recipe and consume it. Please drink responsibly.
When the holidays roll around or you’re looking to elevate your next gathering, nothing quite beats the cozy, fruity flavors of a perfectly crafted sangria. This Apple Cranberry Sangria recipe is a must-try, blending the richness of Merlot with the crisp, tart flavors of apples and cranberries. It’s a drink that screams fall but is versatile enough to enjoy year-round.
Apple Cranberry Sangria
What makes this sangria a standout? The combination of red wine, apple juice, and cranberry juice gives it a fruity base, while the addition of fresh fruit, cinnamon sticks, and a touch of star anise brings in warm, aromatic notes. It’s easy to whip up, stunning to serve, and can be made ahead of time—perfect for hosting a crowd or relaxing after a busy day.
This recipe isn’t just about a delicious drink; it’s an experience. The diced apples and oranges soak up all the juicy goodness, making them a treat in every glass. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to resist sipping on something so colorful and festive. Whether you’re toasting with friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this Apple Cranberry Sangria will instantly add a touch of cheer to your table.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about this recipe, starting with its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a stunning drink that tastes like you spent hours crafting it. It’s perfect for both beginner mixologists and seasoned hosts who want to wow their guests with minimal effort.
The flavors are what truly set this sangria apart. The blend of red wine, apple juice, and cranberry juice creates a drink that’s rich, fruity, and refreshingly balanced. Add in the warming notes of cinnamon and star anise, and it feels like sipping on the holidays in a glass.
And let’s not forget the edible fruit garnish! The diced apples, juicy oranges, and tart cranberries not only make the drink look beautiful but also provide a sweet, wine-infused treat at the bottom of each glass. It’s a drink and a snack in one!
Ingredients
- 4 cups red wine (I used Merlot)
- 2 cups apple juice
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 2 medium-large apples (I used Red Delicious)
- 2 oranges
- ¼ cup fresh cranberries
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
How to Make Apple Cranberry Sangria
- Dice your apples and oranges. Add to a pitcher.
- Add the red wine, apple juice, and cranberry juice to the pitcher.
- Add your cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the pitcher as well. Make sure to stir all ingredients well.
- Cool in the fridge and serve cold. Make sure to scoop the fruit to add to your glass before you pour the sangria. The oranges usually sink to the bottom of the pitcher.
- Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Choose the Right Wine: A Merlot works beautifully for this recipe, but don’t be afraid to experiment. A Pinot Noir will give a lighter flavor, while a Cabernet Sauvignon will bring bolder, deeper notes.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Let the sangria chill in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and ensures the drink is refreshingly cold when poured.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples, oranges, and cranberries elevate this recipe and add vibrant colors to your sangria. For an extra festive touch, you can even use green apples for a pop of contrast.
- Sweeten to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add a touch of honey, simple syrup, or even a splash of ginger ale right before serving.
- Skip the Star Anise If Needed: Not a fan of licorice flavor? No problem! The cinnamon sticks alone will still give the sangria plenty of warm, cozy notes.
- Make It Sparkle: For a fun twist, top off each glass with sparkling water or Prosecco just before serving. This adds a bubbly, festive flair.
- Serve with a Ladle: When pouring the sangria, use a ladle to scoop out the fruit so each glass is loaded with apples, oranges, and cranberries—it’s part of the experience!
- Plan Ahead: This sangria tastes even better after a day in the fridge, so feel free to make it a day in advance for even richer flavors.
FAQs
Apple Cranberry Sangria
Apple Cranberry Sangria is the perfect holiday drink that is flavored with delicious cranberries, oranges, and apples to create a super festive crowd pleasing drink. You will love the combination of red wine, apple juice, and cranberry to make this festive sangria.
Ingredients
- 4 cups red wine (I used Merlot)
- 2 cups apple juice
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 2 medium-large apples (I used Red Delicious)
- 2 oranges
- ¼ cup fresh cranberries
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
Instructions
- Dice your apples and oranges. Add to a pitcher.
- Add the red wine, apple juice, and cranberry juice to the pitcher.
- Add your cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the pitcher as well. Make sure to stir all ingredients well.
- Cool in the fridge and serve cold. Make sure to scoop the fruit to add to your glass before you pour the sangria. The oranges usually sink to the bottom of the pitcher.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 199Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 12mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
