Print

Festive Cranberry Orange Holiday Sangria

Close-up of a glass filled with bubbling red holiday sangria, ice, orange slices, and whole cranberries.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Create a beautiful and flavorful red wine holiday sangria perfect for Christmas or New Year gatherings. This recipe features seasonal cranberry, orange, and warming spices, and you can easily make it ahead of time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine (like Merlot or Zinfandel)
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and chopped
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (for serving)
  • Ice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, apple cider, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, sliced orange, cranberries, and chopped apple to the wine mixture.
  3. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fruit to macerate and the spices to infuse the wine. This step is key for the best flavor.
  4. When ready to serve, taste the sangria. Remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise if you prefer a less intense spice flavor.
  5. Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice. Top each serving with a splash of cold sparkling water or club soda for effervescence.
  6. Garnish each glass with an extra slice of orange or a few fresh cranberries.

Notes

  • For a less sweet sangria, reduce the added sugar to 2 tablespoons.
  • This is an excellent make ahead holiday drink; the flavors deepen overnight.
  • If you prefer a white wine version, substitute the red wine with a dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
  • For an alcohol-free option, replace the wine and spirits with cranberry juice and sparkling white grape juice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/holiday-sangria-recipe-cranberry-orange-spiced/