Holiday Cranberry Sangria

This festive cranberry sangria combines bright, tart cranberries and citrus slices with fruity red wine and warming spices. The ingredients meld together in a pitcher, creating a vibrant, ruby-red beverage with a bubbly, refreshing finish—perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s simple to prepare ahead of time, allowing flavors to develop fully for a stunning presentation.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 2 15

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: holiday

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

1 bottle dry red wine preferably fruity and not too tannic
1 cup fresh cranberries for vibrant color and tartness
1 orange for thin slices
1 lemon lemon for thin slices
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup adjust sweetness as needed
1 shot orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier
to taste sparkling water or club soda just before serving

Equipment

Large pitcher or bowl
Sharp knife
Muddler or wooden spoon
Measuring spoons and cups
Serving glasses with ice

Method

Pour the bottle of red wine into a large pitcher or bowl, setting the base for your sangria.
Add the fresh cranberries to the wine, then use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush them, releasing their juice and vibrant color.
Slice the orange and lemon into thin rounds, then add both to the mixture, allowing their zesty oils to infuse the wine.
Stir in the orange liqueur and honey or maple syrup, then gently swirl to combine everything evenly.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and deepen, with the mixture becoming more vibrant and fragrant.
Just before serving, add a splash of sparkling water or club soda to give the sangria a lively fizz, then stir gently to combine.
Fill glasses with ice, then ladle the sangria in, ensuring each glass gets plenty of fruit and cranberries for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive, refreshing sip.