Vampire Red Sangria with Cranberry and Pomegranate
Vampire Red Sangria with Cranberry and Pomegranate is a playful, festive drink that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s full of bold reds from the wine, bright and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Vampire Red Sangria with Cranberry and Pomegranate is a playful, festive drink that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s full of bold reds from the wine, bright and tart cranberry juice, and those little pops of pomegranate seeds that make it both pretty and fun to sip. This sangria has a bit of a spooky twist just right for Halloween or whenever you want to add a little extra flair to your party.
I love making this sangria because it’s so easy to put together but looks like you spent hours on it. The mix of cranberry and pomegranate gives it a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, and I always like throwing in extra fruit to make it feel fresh and inviting. I find that chilling it well before serving helps all the flavors come together beautifully, and the pomegranate seeds are a great little surprise when you get to the bottom of the glass.
My favorite way to enjoy this sangria is with a group of friends around a pumpkin-lit table. It sets such a fun, relaxed mood. Plus, it’s a great drink to have on hand for anyone who enjoys something fruity but not too sweet. If you’re looking for an easy crowd-pleaser with a hint of drama, this Vampire Red Sangria totally fits the bill and makes every sip feel a little special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Wine: The base of this sangria. I like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for their smooth, fruity flavors. If you prefer lighter wine, try a Pinot Noir or even a red blend.
Cranberry and Pomegranate Juices: Both add tartness and color. Unsweetened cranberry juice keeps it balanced, but you can use sweetened if you like it sweeter. Pomegranate juice boosts the fruity depth. If you can’t find pomegranate juice, cranberry alone or cherry juice will work.
Brandy and Triple Sec: These add warmth and citrus notes. You can skip or reduce brandy for a lighter drink. Triple sec or any orange liqueur like Cointreau brings brightness; orange juice can be a non-alcoholic substitute.
Fresh Fruit: Diced apple, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds add texture and freshness. Frozen cranberries work fine if fresh aren’t available. You can also add orange slices or berries if you like.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor by Chilling & Mixing Sangria?
Chilling sangria lets the flavors blend and develop, which is key to a delicious drink.
- After mixing all ingredients, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better—this allows the wine to soak up the fruit flavors.
- Stir gently before serving to mix any settled fruit or juices.
- Add ice only right before pouring glasses to avoid diluting the sangria too early.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary for a fragrant touch that lifts the flavors when serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing and serving the sangria all in one place.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – to easily dice apples and prep fruit without hassle.
- Wooden spoon or stirrer – to gently mix ingredients without bruising the fruit.
- Measuring cups – handy for accurate juice and liquor portions.
- Spoon or small strainer – useful if you want to remove seeds from pomegranate or cranberries.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding sliced oranges or blood oranges for extra citrus brightness that pairs well with red wine.
- Swap brandy for rum to add a sweeter, tropical note to the sangria.
- Mix in fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries for a pop of color and a hint of tartness.
- Add a cinnamon stick while chilling for a subtle warm spice, especially nice in cooler weather.
Vampire Red Sangria with Cranberry and Pomegranate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sangria:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) of dry red wine (e.g., Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- ½ cup pomegranate juice
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup triple sec or orange liqueur
- ¼ cup simple syrup (adjust sweetness as needed)
For the Fruit and Garnish:
- 1 small apple, cored and diced
- ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Ice cubes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sangria takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and mix. Then, you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 4 hours, but overnight is best to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serving time is just a few minutes to pour and garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Liquids:
Combine the red wine, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, brandy, triple sec, and simple syrup in a large pitcher or bowl. Stir well so all the flavors blend together.
2. Add the Fruit:
Stir in the diced apple, pomegranate seeds, fresh or frozen cranberries, and the lemon juice. Blend gently so the fruit distributes evenly without getting mushy.
3. Chill the Sangria:
Cover and place the sangria in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 to 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This rest time helps the wine soak up the fresh fruit flavors for a richer taste.
4. Serve and Garnish:
When you’re ready to enjoy, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the ice. Garnish each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig and sprinkle some extra pomegranate seeds on top for a pretty, festive look.
Enjoy your Vampire Red Sangria — a perfect festive drink that’s simple, tasty, and full of fun flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Sangria?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well and add a nice chill to the sangria. Just be sure to thaw them slightly before adding if you want to avoid watering down the drink too much.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Sangria?
You can keep leftover sangria in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it covered and give it a good stir before serving again, adding fresh ice and garnish as needed.
Can I Make This Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even overnight before serving helps all the fruity flavors meld beautifully for the best taste.
What Can I Substitute for Brandy or Triple Sec?
If you prefer a non-alcoholic sangria, you can replace brandy and triple sec with extra cranberry or orange juice for flavor, or use orange extract sparingly for a hint of citrus.
