Festive Cranberry Sangria for Thanksgiving Dinner
Festive Cranberry Sangria is the perfect drink to brighten up your Thanksgiving dinner with its lively mix of tart cranberries, juicy oranges, and a splash of red wine. It’s refreshing,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Festive Cranberry Sangria is the perfect drink to brighten up your Thanksgiving dinner with its lively mix of tart cranberries, juicy oranges, and a splash of red wine. It’s refreshing, colorful, and just a little bit special — everything you want when you’re celebrating with friends and family.
I love making this sangria because it’s so easy to put together, and it always gets compliments. The cranberries add a fun pop of flavor and color, while the orange slices bring a hint of sweetness. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time, which means less fuss when everyone arrives and more time to enjoy the party.
My favorite way to serve it is in big glasses packed with ice and a few frozen cranberries to keep it chilled without watering it down. It pairs wonderfully with all the classic Thanksgiving dishes and adds a festive touch to the table. Whenever I bring this sangria, I end up making more because it goes fast — it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Wine: A dry wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works best. If you want something lighter, try a Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, use a berry-flavored sparkling grape juice.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a nice tartness and crunch. Frozen work well too and are easier to find in the off-season.
Orange: Fresh slices add bright citrus flavor and a festive look. Blood oranges can make it extra colorful if in season.
Brandy & Orange Liqueur: These boost depth and sweetness. If you don’t have brandy, skip or substitute with apple brandy or triple sec for a slightly different twist.
Sweetener: Honey and maple syrup both add warmth and balance tartness. Use agave or simple syrup if you prefer a more neutral sweetness.
Cinnamon Sticks: These add a cozy holiday smell and slight spice. You can also add a star anise or clove for a different spice profile.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor by Letting the Sangria Sit?
Letting sangria rest is key to a tasty result. Here’s why and how to do it right:
- Flavor blending: Fruits and spices soak up the wine’s flavor while releasing their own. This creates a balanced, complex drink.
- Timing: Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours. Overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
- Keep it cool: Chill covered in the fridge to prevent any odors from other foods mixing in.
- Freshen before serving: Add ice and club soda last to keep it flavorful but refreshing.
Patience really pays off here—your sangria will taste much brighter and more festive after some rest time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large glass pitcher – perfect for mixing and showing off the colorful fruits.
- Measuring cups – to get the alcohol and juices just right.
- Sharp knife – for slicing oranges cleanly and safely.
- Cutting board – a stable spot to prepare your fruit.
- Long spoon or stirrer – helps blend the sangria evenly without spilling.
- Citrus juicer (optional) – makes it easy to get fresh orange juice if you want extra flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap red wine with sparkling rosé for a lighter, bubblier version that feels extra festive.
- Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a subtle herbal note that pairs well with the cinnamon.
- Include sliced apples or pears for additional fall fruit flavors and texture.
- Try using pomegranate seeds instead of cranberries for a sweeter, jewel-like garnish.
Festive Cranberry Sangria for Thanksgiving Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sangria:
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup orange liqueur (e.g., Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Ice cubes
For Serving & Garnish:
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (optional, for topping)
- Extra cranberries and orange slices for garnish
- Cinnamon sugar (for rimming glasses, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare this sangria, but plan to refrigerate it for at least 3 to 4 hours so all the flavors meld together nicely. For the best taste, overnight chilling is ideal. Serving prep adds just a few more minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix The Base:
In a large pitcher or bowl, pour in the red wine, cranberry juice, brandy, orange liqueur, and honey or maple syrup. Stir well until the honey or syrup has completely dissolved into the liquid.
2. Add Fruits and Spices:
Drop the fresh or frozen cranberries, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks into the sangria mixture. Stir gently to combine everything.
3. Chill and Infuse:
Cover the sangria and refrigerate it for at least 3 to 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time helps the fruit soak up the flavors and makes the sangria taste amazing.
4. Prepare Glasses (Optional):
If you want a pretty festive touch, rub an orange slice around the rim of each glass and dip it into cinnamon sugar to create a sweet, spiced edge.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Fill glasses with ice cubes, then pour in the sangria, including some of the soaked cranberries and orange slices. Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water if you like it fizzy. Finish by garnishing with extra cranberries, an orange slice, and a cinnamon stick for a lovely look.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Festive Cranberry Sangria chilled, perfect for toasting during your Thanksgiving dinner and celebrating the season with friends and family.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly and add a nice chill to the sangria. Just thaw them slightly before adding, or drop them in frozen for a refreshing touch that helps keep your drink cold.
Can I Make This Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors taste even better if you prepare the sangria a day in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftover Sangria?
Store leftover sangria in a sealed container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving again, and add fresh ice or club soda to brighten the flavors if needed.
What Are Good Non-Alcoholic Substitutes?
Try using a mix of cranberry juice and sparkling grape juice or sparkling water with a splash of orange juice. This keeps the festive flavors without alcohol, great for all ages!
