Celebrate the season with this simple Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria flavoured with fresh cranberries and apples. This one is a crowd-pleaser for any season! Made with cranberry juice and apple cider, this red wine cranberry sangria is one your friends will love.
Any Spaniard will tell you that Sangria is not just a summertime drink. Adding seasonal fruit to red or white wine is an ideal way to celebrate in the fall and winter months too! This Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria tops my list of favourite ways to celebrate the season.
❤️Why you'll love this Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria
- This red wine sangria is perfect for Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas or any time you want to celebrate!
- It's not too sweet, but not too tart.
- The base can be made ahead of time. Just add sparkling water when you're ready to serve.
- Adding fruits in season, like apples and cranberries makes it festive!
If you've been a reader of mine for a while, you probably know that sangria is my favourite drink! I sampled it in almost every tapa bar we visited during our trips to Spain, and NEVER tired of it! I've done my best to create different sangria recipes, like this Red Wine Citrus Pomegranate Sangria, ever since.
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🛒 Ingredients
Ready to make a pitcher of cranberry sangria? Before we get to the full recipe, here are a few notes about the ingredients you'll need and substitutions you can make.
- red wine: one 750 ml (26 ounce) bottle.
- apple cider: the "soft" non-alcoholic variety. See the note below about the difference between hard and soft apple cider. If you can't find apple cider, you can use pure unsweetened apple juice.
- cranberry juice: unsweetened. If you can't find unsweetened cranberry juice, decrease the amount of honey in the recipe below.
- Triple Sec: or other orange liqueur (Curaçao, Gran Marnier, Cointreau)
- honey: or substitute with simple syrup made by heating equal parts of sugar and water over medium heat until dissolved.
- cranberries: fresh or frozen, both will work just fine.
- apples: freshly diced red and green apple cubes (no need to peel). You can also add cubes of fresh pear if you'd like.
- sparkling water: to top off each glass and add some fizz!
- cinnamon sticks: for garnish and a hint of warm fall spice!
This simple-to-make Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria is not too sweet, but not too tart, once you add a little honey or some simple syrup. I used pure, unfiltered cranberry juice and apple cider with no added sweeteners or preservatives, produced locally.
🔪 Instructions
In a large pitcher, combine red wine, cranberry juice, apple cider, Triple Sec, honey, cranberries and apple cubes. Stir and refrigerate.
At serving time, add ice to each glass. Fill the glasses two-thirds full with sangria, making sure each glass has some of the fruit. Top each glass with sparkling water and add a tall cinnamon stick as a stir stick. Enjoy!
👍🏼 Top Tip
While you can make this cranberry apple cider sangria and drink it right away, it's even better if you make it the day before. Let it chill in the fridge to allow the flavours and fruit to blend.
When you're ready to serve, top off each glass with ice and sparkling water.
You may be wondering . . .
Apple cider can be "hard" or "soft." Hard cider is a fermented, alcoholic drink, but soft cider, (also called fresh cider), is unfiltered and non-alcoholic.
It differs from apple juice in that it has not been filtered to remove coarse particles, so it appears a little cloudy. It is naturally sweet, but often has more of a tang than apple juice that has been filtered.
It's perfect when combined with cranberry juice in this sangria. However, if you can't find soft cider, you can use apple juice.
You don't need to use an expensive wine in this sangria recipe. However, it should be one that you like! I usually use a Merlot or a Cabernet Sauvignon.
By all means! The fruit is delicious because it has been soaked in juice and alcohol. However, if it's awkward, it's not considered rude to leave it in your glass.
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Storage instructions
If you have leftover Sangria, just pop it in the fridge for another day. Store it in a container with a lid. It will last for several days. The fruit will soften but you can always add fresh fruit and enjoy a glass another time!
Love Sangria?
Try this Citrus Pomegranate Sangria too!
🍽 Serving suggestions
Start your afternoon or evening off on a festive note by offering an assortment of finger foods to go with your Sangria! Check these ideas for popular appetizers.
When you make this Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria please leave a comment and a star rating below. I love hearing when you've made one of my recipes. Thanks in advance! Subscribe to my newsletter and have new recipes delivered straight to your inbox once a week.
📖 Recipe
Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 750ml (26 oz) bottle red wine
- 3 cups soft apple cider (non-alcoholic)
- 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
- ½ cup Triple Sec or other orange liqueur
- ½ cup honey* (or ½ cup simple syrup made by heating equal parts of sugar and water over medium heat until dissolved)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup freshly diced red and/or green apple cubes
- sparkling water to top off
- cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Combine red wine, apple cider (or pure apple juice) cranberry juice, orange liqueur and honey (or simple syrup) in a large pitcher.
- Add cranberries and diced unpeeled apples. Chill overnight if desired.
- Serve over ice, if desired, filling glasses ⅔ full and topping off with sparkling water.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a straw.
Britten
I make this every fall! It’s simply the best!
Maria
The perfect drink for Thanksgiving!
Elaine
Yes! It has all the Fall vibes!
Kady
what kind of red is best?
Elaine
Hi Kady, It really doesn’t matter too much. Pick a red that you like. I like to use a Malbec or a Cabernet Sauvignon in this sangria. Enjoy—it’s my favourite sangria!
Sue Endress
Delicious! I made this for a group at a wine tasting party. Everyone loved it! I will definitely be making this at Thanksgiving, and probably doubling the recipe!
Elaine
That's great to hear Sue! I love this Sangria too, it's just so simple, by simply so good!
Lorilei
Best sangria I've ever had! I make it every Fall, made it last weekend and it will definitely be on the menu for Thanksgiving!
Elaine
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Appreciated!
Celila
In the video you can see that the honey just fell to the bottom of the pitcher, not sure if anyone has noticed
Flavour & Savour
Yes, the honey will naturally sink to the bottom as it's heavier. You'll see in the Notes section of the recipe card it mentions this fact and recommends giving it a stir before serving. If you don't want to use honey, you'll see in the Ingredients section in the post that I suggested using a sugar-syrup instead. Sure hope this helps you! Thanks for commenting.
Flavour & Savour
Hi Celila, Yes, the honey will naturally sink to the bottom, as it's heavier. You'll see that I mentioned this in the Notes section of the recipe card. Other readers haven't found this to be a problem--just give it a stir before serving. I also included a suggestion to use sugar syrup as an alternative. Hope this helps! Thanks for your comment.
Jde94
I make this every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s always a hit! I use Merlot. Instead of honey, I just buy simple syrup already on the shelf! Best sangria ever!
Elaine
Happy to hear that!
Angie Pokryfki
Would spiced apple cider work for this? I have lots that I made this fall that I would like to use, but not sure about the spices and the wine.
Flavour & Savour
Hi Angie, I've never tried it with spiced apple cider, but I think it would be delicious!! If you try it, I'd love to hear what you think!
Ally
If I would like to double the recipe, can I just double each ingredient? So excited to try for thanksgiving!
Flavour & Savour
Yes! That will work. Happy Thanksgiving!
K8
This looks amazing! I was wondering if you thought sparkling apple cider would work in lu of sparkling water and apple cider? We would be serving it thanksgiving
Flavour & Savour
I’ll bet that will be delicious! I think that will work. It may be a little sweeter, so you might want to reduce the amount of sweetener. Taste and see what you like!
Dana Kripki
Is there a substitute for orange liqueur- I have someone who's allergic to oranges...thanks
Tracy Greene
I added about 1/4 cup brandy, because my MIL always adds this to her recipe. It was perfect this way.
Flavour & Savour
Hi Tracy, Yes, you can certainly use brandy. In this recipe I used Triple Sec instead of the brandy. Cheers!
Anna
How far ahead of time can this be made?
Flavour & Savour
Hi Anna,
It's best if made the day before you plan to serve it. Just don't add the sparkling water until serving time. Enjoy!
Lynn Fogarty
This was so delicious. Everyone really enjoyed the sangria.
Flavour & Savour
That's good to hear! Thanks for letting me know. I love this one, too!
Vanessa
Thanks for sharing! Can I make the concentrate ahead of time?
Flavour & Savour
Absolutely, Vanessa. Store it in the fridge and you’ll be ready to go!
Lez
Hi . Excited to make this . What is meant by making just the concentrate the night before?
Flavour & Savour
Hi Lez,
Thanks for your question. You can mix up the juices, alcohol and wine the day before, refrigerate it, then just add the sparkling water and the fruit before serving. Enjoy every sip!
Kayla
Should I use pure unsweetened cranberry juice? Or just any like ocean spray unsweetened cranberry juice?
Flavour & Savour
Hi Kayla, I used a locally produced organic cranberry juice, but unsweetened Ocean Spray will work beautifully too. If you use a sweetened cranberry juice, decrease the amount of honey in this recipe. Cheers!
Carol
I can't find cranberries here, can I leave them out? I have everything else.
Flavour & Savour
Sure! You could add more apples or even a winter pear. Enjoy!
Sarinya
My go to holiday sangria from now on.
Flavour & Savour
Isn't it good? Love this one--so glad you do too!
Erica K.
I am planning to make this for my very large family on Thanksgiving so would it taste ok without the sparkling water, since I am planning to make it in a large spouted drink dispenser? If not, I'll set the sparkling water out on the side for everyone to add on their own!
Also, how strongly does the cinnamon flavor come through?
Excited to try it!
Flavour & Savour
Hi Erica,
That sounds like such a fun way to serve it! I think your idea of setting out the sparkling water on the side is a good one. That way everyone can add as much or as little as they like. The cinnamon is not strong at all. The cinnamon sticks are mainly just for a garnish or a little stir stick. Wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!
Kate
I’m not super familiar with fresh cranberries. Do you just add them straight from the bag (rinsed), or do you boil them to soften and pop first?
I’m very excited to serve this for Thanksgiving! Sounds absolutely perfect. Thanks for the recipe!
Flavour & Savour
Fresh from tbe bag, Kate. Happy Thanksgiving!
Alyssa
What about dried cranberries?! I can only find a huge bag of freshvcranberries at my grocery store and I don't want that many.
Flavour & Savour
I haven’t tried that but it might be just fine to use dried ones. Although, if you buy a big bag of fresh cranberries, you can always freeze them for other recipes later on. Enjoy, and happy Thanksgiving!
Christian
Hello! I noticed the previous comment about substituting champagne and wonder have you tried it / heard back? Also can you sub the soft cider for hard? Thanks!
Flavour & Savour
Hi Christian, I haven't heard back about subbing champagne for the sparkling water--it may make it a little sweet. Also if you substitute hard cider for soft cider, you would be adding 4 kinds of alcohol--red wine, Triple Sec, hard cider and champagne :)! It would then be more of a cocktail than sangria!
Alyssa Massaro
Can this recipe be made without alcohol? What would I substitute if so?
Flavour & Savour
Hi Alyssa, You could make a punch using cranberry juice, soft apple cider and either ginger ale or sparkling water. If you use pure unsweetened cranberry juice you would probably want to add some sugar syrup. Hope this helps!
Paula
So yummy! Super easy to make and everyone loved them. I just need to find longer cinnamon sticks. My short ones kept sinking to the bottom on the stemless wine glass. 😊But still tasted great. Definitely need to make the base the day before to let the flavors mingle and get nice and cold. I used an inexpensive Merlot. I added the fruit in the morning. Will make again and again.
Flavour & Savour
Thanks Paula,
Isn't it good??? And yes, you're right, if you have time it's best to make the base the day before, although I have been known to make it and drink it right away! Thanks for commenting!
SC
I'm making this for a New Years party; how much sparkling water should go into this recipe? Are we talking a splash in each glass or more?
Thanks for the info!
Flavour & Savour
Hi! Yes, that's right--a fairly generous splash so the drink has enough fizz. I usually put in about 1/4 cup or so. Happy New Year!
Jesseca
My love for sangria runs deep and this one sounds delicious. We were searching for something to make for the holidays and this one is high on our list. Thanks for sharing.
Flavour & Savour
My love for Sangria runs equally as deep! It's great in any season, as far as I'm concerned. I know you'll love this one. Thanks for commenting!
Kellie Forde
Making this tonight! Looks so yummy! I forgot the sparkling water though. I have orange sparkling water...do you think that would be good with this since we're using orange liquor anyways? Thanks for posting!
Flavour & Savour
It would probably be just fine! Try a little first to see if you like it! Thanks for commenting.
Kelly
Do you recommend letting the sangria chill and sit over night? Looking forward to making this for the first time for Thanksgiving dinner 🙂
Flavour & Savour
It's great either way, but letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator gives the flavours a chance to blend. Just make sure to add the sparkling water just before serving. Enjoy it!
Daurie
Can you use champagne instead of sparkling water
Flavour & Savour
HI Daurie,
Wow! Double whammy! While I'm a champagne fan, I'm not sure how it would taste if you mixed champagne with red wine! It might just make it a little sweeter. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
Eden Passante
We made a drink similar to this one, but the cranberry is a great added touch! I'll have to add that next time I make this sangria!
Flavour & Savour
Thanks Eden! The cranberry gives it a gorgeous colour and adds a touch of tartness. Hope you get a chance to try it! Thanks for commenting.:)
Tina
What type of red wine do you suggest?
Flavour & Savour
It just depends on your tastes. Personally, I like a deep rich Merlot. It doesn't have to be an expensive bottle, either! Enjoy!
Bree
If making the night before do you add the fruit
Flavour & Savour
Hi Bree,
Yes, I've done that several times before. The fruit soaks up all that great flavour. Just be sure to add the sparkling water just before serving so it doesn't go flat. Enjoy!
Victoria
Do I need to add sparkling water at the end? I wanted to have the glasses ready when guests arrive.
Flavour & Savour
Hi Victoria,
Yes, I would add the sparkling water just before serving, otherwise it might go flat.Enjoy!
Isabelle @ Crumb
I love sangria year-round, and this sounds like a wonderful fall/winter spin on the classic! I'm not quite ready to let go of summer just yet, but I think this delicious drink is just the thing to get me into the right frame of mind to embrace the autumn. 🙂
Flavour & Savour
Hi Isabelle,
It works for me! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Sean
Gorgeous drink, and I love the flavours you've put together here. I adore cranberries, and I think they deserve a bigger place in both food and drink! Nice work Elaine!
Flavour & Savour
I agree! Cranberries are so nutritious and they add interest and flavour to any recipe. Thanks for your comment!
Markus Mueller
This looks so good! I am going to try and make home made apple cider this year( maybe even some vinegar) so I can't wait to try this!
Flavour & Savour
Good luck! Let us all know how the apple cider making goes!
Shauna
Oh how I miss red wine, but allergies keep me away 🙁 Your sangria looks beautiful and I bet it's tasty!
Flavour & Savour
Oh, that's sad! No red wine! Thanks for your kind comment!
Kimberley | Healthy Life Redesign
Elaine, this looks amazing! What a perfect sangria recipe for a crisp, sunny fall day. I love the festive flair with the cranberry and cinnamon! I'm very excited to try this.
Flavour & Savour
Thanks Kimberley! Perfect way to relax after a hike in the mountains . . . or near a gorgeous mountain lake! Hope you're enjoying your new home.
Erica
I feel like most sangria should be left to refrigerate overnight. Is that necessary for this recipe? I'm making this for Thanksgiving, can't wait! Thank you!
Flavour & Savour
Hi Erica, I agree! It's good right away, but even better if the flavours have a chance to mellow. Happy Thanksgiving!
Ginny
What type of red wine should I use? Merlot, Pinot , Cabernet???
Flavour & Savour
Hi Ginny,
It really is a matter of personal preference. I like the deep rich flavour of Merlot. Enjoy!
David Guerrero
You can use a burgundy which is not sweet or you can use a Lambrusco which is a little sweeter