This Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria is a fun twist on a classic drink! With tart cranberries, sweet apple cider, and zesty citrus, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
It’s super easy to make—just mix everything in a big pitcher and let the flavors shine! I love serving it over ice with some fresh fruit slices. Cheers to yummy sips! 🍎🍷
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Wine: A bottle of Merlot or Pinot Noir works best for its smooth flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, try a Grenache or even a rosé. For non-alcoholic sangria, consider using grape juice or a non-alcoholic red wine substitute.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider gives a natural sweetness. If unavailable, you can use store-bought sparkling apple juice as a fun alternative. During fall, don’t hesitate to use spiced cider for extra flavor.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice offers a tart bite. You could swap it for pomegranate juice for a different yet delightful flavor or even use cranberry cocktail juice if you like it sweeter.
Orange Liqueur: Cointreau or Triple Sec adds a citrusy kick. If you want to skip alcohol, use orange juice with a splash of soda for fizz.
Fresh Fruits: The recipe calls for apples and cranberries, but you can mix in other fruits like pears, berries, or even pineapple for a unique twist. Just remember to keep the color appeal!
How Can You Make Sure Your Sangria Has the Best Flavor?
One key to a delicious sangria is letting it sit in the fridge for a while. This allows all the flavors to combine beautifully. Here’s how to enhance your homemade sangria:
- Make it at least 2 hours in advance, but ideally overnight. This lets the fruit soak up the wine and the spices flavor the entire drink.
- Using whole spices, like the cinnamon sticks and rosemary, gives a fresher taste compared to pre-ground spices.
- Mix in ice just before serving for a refreshing chill without watering it down too much.
- Try garnishing with additional fresh fruits or herbs for that extra touch when serving.
Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (such as Merlot or Pinot Noir)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1 apple (mixed green and red), cored and diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria takes about 10 minutes to prepare, but be sure to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight) to let all the delicious flavors meld together. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
In a large pitcher, pour in the red wine, apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange liqueur. Use a spoon to stir well, making sure everything is nicely combined.
2. Adding the Fruits:
Next, add the diced apple, fresh cranberries, and thinly sliced orange to the pitcher. These fruits will add beautiful colors and fantastic flavors to the sangria.
3. Infusing the Flavor:
Now it’s time to add some spice! Toss in the cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs to add a lovely aromatic flavor. Stir everything gently to mix it together.
4. Chill and Let It Sit:
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Let the sangria chill for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight! This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully, making each sip delightful.
5. Serving the Sangria:
When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled sangria over the ice, ensuring each glass gets some of the delicious fruit pieces.
6. Final Touch:
If you want, you can garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a small sprig of rosemary for that special touch. Now enjoy your refreshing sangria!
Can I Use White Wine Instead of Red Wine?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, try using a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling wine. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor will be different, but still delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Sangria?
Leftover sangria can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the fruit may lose its texture and the flavors will continue to meld, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh!
Can I Make This Sangria Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! Simply replace the red wine and orange liqueur with grape juice or a non-alcoholic red wine, and use sparkling apple juice for a fun fizz. You can still use apple cider for that great fall flavor!
What Other Fruits Can I Add to the Sangria?
You can get creative with fruits! Consider adding berries, peaches, or even pineapple. Just make sure to balance flavors and keep the colorful appeal with a mix of fruits.
