Festive Cranberry Sangria for Thanksgiving is a bright and cheerful drink that blends the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of fresh oranges and a splash of wine. It’s like a party in a glass with hints of cinnamon or spice that make it feel just right for the holiday season. The sparkling bubbles add a fun touch that keeps everyone coming back for one more sip.
I love making this sangria because it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time—just mix everything up, let it chill, and your guests will think you’ve been working on it for hours. The cranberry flavor feels classic and festive, while the wine keeps the mood relaxed and joyful. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy how it looks just as good as it tastes, with all the colorful fruit floating around inside.
My favorite way to serve this is in clear glasses, garnished with a few extra cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint for a little pop of green. It’s a perfect drink to raise for a toast or just sip while chatting with family and friends. Whenever I bring this sangria to a gathering, it always gets compliments, and I love that it adds a bright, happy note to our Thanksgiving celebrations.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Wine: I like a dry type like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for balance. If you prefer lighter, try a Pinot Noir or even a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a different twist.
Fresh Cranberries: These add tartness and color. If fresh aren’t available, frozen works well too. You can also swap with pomegranate seeds for a similar tang and festive look.
Orange & Lemon: Slices add bright citrus flavor and look pretty floating in the sangria. You can use blood oranges or limes for a unique flavor.
Orange Liqueur: Triple Sec or Cointreau is great here. If you don’t want alcohol in that component, orange juice or sparkling water with a splash of orange extract works fine.
Cinnamon Stick: Adds a warm, cozy spice perfect for fall. Ground cinnamon isn’t a good substitute because it won’t infuse as well and can clump.
How Do You Make the Sangria Flavors Blend Perfectly?
The key to great sangria is letting the ingredients rest so flavors mix well.
- Mix all liquids and fruit together in a pitcher.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is better for fuller flavors.
- This lets the citrus oils, cranberry tartness, and cinnamon warmth infuse the wine.
- Remove the cinnamon stick before serving to avoid overpowering the drink.
- Chill well with ice or frozen fruit to keep sangria cool without watering it down.
Making it ahead saves time and gives you a punch of holiday flavor that everyone loves!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing and chilling the sangria all at once.
- Sharp knife – you’ll need it to slice fresh oranges and lemons neatly.
- Cutting board – keeps your workspace tidy while preparing fruit.
- Wooden spoon or stirrer – makes mixing the ingredients easy and gentle.
- Measuring cup – helps you pour the right amounts of juice and liqueur.
- Glasses or stemless wine glasses – clear ones show off the colorful fruit beautifully.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap red wine for a dry white wine or rosé to make a lighter, refreshing sangria.
- Add sliced apples or pears for a fall fruit twist that complements the cranberries.
- Try ginger beer instead of sparkling water for a spicy, fizzy kick.
- Include a few whole cloves or star anise for extra warm spice notes perfect for Thanksgiving.
Festive Cranberry Sangria for Thanksgiving
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sangria:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- ½ cup orange liqueur (e.g., Triple Sec or Cointreau)
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
For Garnishing and Serving:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Ice cubes or frozen cranberries for chilling
- Sparkling water or club soda, to top off (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation plus at least 2 hours of chilling time in the fridge to let the flavors mix well. For best taste, you can refrigerate it overnight. When ready to serve, add ice and garnishes quickly and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
Pour the dry red wine, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice into a large pitcher or bowl. Stir gently to blend everything together smoothly.
2. Add Fresh Fruit and Spices:
Drop in the fresh cranberries, orange slices, lemon slices, and the cinnamon stick. These will add color, flavor, and a hint of spice to your drink.
3. Sweeten If You Like:
If you enjoy a sweeter sangria, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Stir well until it dissolves completely.
4. Chill and Let Flavors Infuse:
Cover your sangria and put it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting time lets the citrus, cranberries, and cinnamon flavors infuse beautifully into the wine.
5. Prepare to Serve:
Before serving, take out the cinnamon stick. Add ice cubes or frozen cranberries to keep the sangria cool without watering it down.
6. Add Bubbles (Optional):
If you like a fizzy touch, top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Pour the sangria into glasses, making sure to scoop up some of the colorful fruit slices and cranberries. Garnish each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig and a slice of orange for a festive look.
8. Enjoy Your Festive Drink!
Serve immediately and enjoy a bright, refreshing, and cozy drink perfect for your Thanksgiving gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work great! Just thaw them slightly before adding to the sangria so they infuse flavor better, or use them frozen as ice cubes to chill the drink without diluting it.
How Far Ahead Can I Make This Sangria?
You can prepare the sangria up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. This actually helps the flavors meld and develop. Just add ice and sparkling water right before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Orange Liqueur?
If you don’t have orange liqueur or prefer to skip it, use extra cranberry juice or a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice with a little orange zest for a similar citrus flavor without the alcohol.
How Should I Store Leftover Sangria?
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before drinking again, give it a gentle stir and add fresh ice to chill.