This Cranberry Sangria is a fun, fruity drink perfect for gatherings. It mixes sweet red wine with tangy cranberry juice, fresh fruit, and a splash of soda for bubbles!
It’s like a party in a glass! I love adding oranges and apples for a colorful twist. This drink is easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy the fun without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Wine: A fruity red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works best. If you prefer white wine, a Chardonnay can add a lovely twist to your sangria.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice is great for a tart flavor. You can use sweetened juice if you like it sweeter or even make your own by mixing cranberry juice with a splash of apple juice!
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Both options are fine! Fresh cranberries have a great look, but frozen ones work well too, especially when they’re hard to find. They also keep the drink cold!
Fruit: While oranges and apples are perfect, you can add other fruits like berries or peaches for variety. Mix it up based on what’s in season or your personal favorites.
Sugar or Honey: This is optional based on your taste. If you’re watching sugar intake, feel free to skip this or use a natural sweetener like agave nectar.
How Can I Make My Sangria Extra Flavorful?
The key to a delicious sangria is letting it sit so the flavors blend. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Combine the wine and juice in a pitcher, and add all the fruit. Let it chill in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours, but overnight is best!
- Don’t forget to taste! Adjust sweetness by adding sugar or honey to your liking.
- Just before serving, add the club soda or sparkling water. This keeps it fizzy and refreshing!
- When pouring, ensure that fruit pieces make it into the glasses, as they add a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your sangria with good friends, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the fruit for your own unique twist!
How to Make Delicious Cranberry Sangria
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Red Wine: 1 bottle (750 ml) (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- Cranberry Juice: 2 cups (unsweetened or sweetened to taste)
- Cranberries: 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Orange: 1 (thinly sliced)
- Apple: 1 (cored and diced)
- Sugar or Honey: 2 tablespoons (optional, you can adjust to taste)
- Club Soda or Sparkling Water: 1 cup (for topping)
- Ice Cubes: For serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and ideally needs to chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend together. For the best flavor, refrigerate overnight if you can!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by taking a large pitcher and pour in a whole bottle of red wine. Then, add 2 cups of cranberry juice to the wine. This will be the base of your sangria!
2. Adding the Fruits:
Next, toss in 1 cup of either fresh or frozen cranberries, slice up 1 orange, and add the slices to the pitcher. Don’t forget to core and dice 1 apple before adding it as well. This fresh fruit will make your sangria colorful and tasty!
3. Sweetening It Up:
If you like your sangria a bit sweeter, stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey. Mix it well until you see the sugar dissolving. This step lets all the flavors come together!
4. Letting It Chill:
Cover the pitcher and pop it in the fridge. Let the sangria chill for at least 2 hours. If you have time, overnight is best because the flavors will blend beautifully!
5. Serving Your Sangria:
When you’re ready to serve, add ice cubes into the pitcher. Then, pour in 1 cup of club soda or sparkling water to give it that fizzy effect. This step is important because it adds a refreshing touch!
6. Enjoy:
Gently stir everything together and pour the sangria into glasses. Make sure to include some of the tasty fruit pieces in each glass. If you want, you can also add some extra cranberries or orange slices for a pretty garnish. Cheers!
Can I Use White Wine Instead of Red Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter flavor, you can use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It will create a delicious, refreshing sangria perfect for warm weather!
How Long Can I Keep Leftover Sangria?
Leftover sangria can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the fizz from the club soda will diminish, so it’s best to drink it within the first day for optimal taste.
Can I Make This Sangria Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the red wine with grape juice or a cranberry juice blend and skip the club soda for a lighter drink. You can still enjoy the fruits for flavor!
What Other Fruits Can I Add?
You can get creative with your fruit additions! Feel free to include berries, peaches, or even pineapple for a tropical twist. Just ensure that they complement the cranberry flavor.
