Festive Cranberry Sangria for Thanksgiving Dinner is a bright and cheerful drink that brings a splash of color and flavor to your holiday table. It’s filled with tangy cranberries, fresh oranges, and a mix of red wine and sparkling soda that makes every sip bubbly and refreshing. This sangria has just the right balance of sweet and tart, perfect for pairing with all the cozy Thanksgiving dishes.
I love making this cranberry sangria because it’s super easy and looks so pretty in a big glass pitcher. I usually prepare it a few hours ahead, so all the flavors have time to blend together. Plus, the fresh cranberries floating on top always get a thumbs-up from guests — they even make a fun little snack while you drink!
This sangria is my go-to drink when I want something special but not complicated for Thanksgiving. I like to serve it chilled with a few ice cubes in wide glasses, and it’s a great way to toast with family and friends before digging into the feast. It really adds a festive touch and feels like a refreshing break among all the rich food on the menu.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Wine: Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon gives a deep and fruity base. If you prefer something lighter, try Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, use grape juice instead.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened juice keeps the tart balance. If you can’t find cranberry juice, pomegranate juice works well too.
Orange Liqueur & Brandy: These add warmth and depth. Triple Sec or Grand Marnier are great substitutes for orange liqueur. If you skip brandy, increase the orange liqueur slightly for flavor.
Fresh Fruit: Apple, pear, orange, lime, and cranberries add fresh texture and bright flavor. Feel free to swap pear for peach or apple for mango depending on season or preference.
Cinnamon Sticks: These add gentle spice and a subtle warmth that feels festive. You can also add a star anise for a different kick.
How Can I Get the Best Flavor When Making Sangria Ahead?
Letting sangria rest is the key to letting flavors blend smoothly. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix all ingredients (except club soda and ice) in a pitcher well in advance — ideally overnight in the fridge.
- This rest time lets the fruit soak up wine and liqueur, softening textures and infusing flavor.
- Right before serving, add bubbly club soda for a fresh, fizzy touch.
- Serve over ice to keep it cool and refreshing, especially if you prep sangria early in the day.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large glass pitcher – perfect for mixing and showing off the colorful fruit.
- Mixing spoon – to stir all the ingredients gently without bruising the fruit.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing the apple, pear, and citrus fruits.
- Measuring cups – to get the right amounts of juices and liqueurs.
- Glasses with wide openings – ideal for enjoying sangria with fruit pieces and ice.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap red wine for sparkling rosé for a bubbly, lighter sangria that feels extra festive.
- Add fresh rosemary sprigs to the pitcher for a piney aroma that complements fall spices.
- Include sliced starfruit or pomegranate seeds for exotic color and tanginess.
- Try a splash of ginger beer or ginger ale instead of club soda for a spicy twist.
Festive Cranberry Sangria for Thanksgiving Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 1 pear, cored and diced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (optional, add just before serving)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare plus at least 4 hours for chilling, or overnight for the best flavor. Adding the soda and serving only takes a couple of minutes right before it’s time to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
Pour the red wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, brandy, and simple syrup into a large pitcher. Stir gently to blend the liquids smoothly.
2. Add Fresh Fruit and Spices:
Drop in the fresh cranberries, diced apple and pear, orange and lime slices, along with the cinnamon sticks. Give everything a gentle stir so the fruit is evenly mixed in.
3. Chill the Sangria:
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours—or better yet, overnight. This resting time helps the fruits infuse their flavors into the wine for a richer taste.
4. Add Bubbles and Serve:
Right before serving, pour in the club soda or sparkling water for a festive fizz and stir gently. Fill glasses with ice cubes, then ladle the sangria over the ice, making sure to include some of the fruity pieces. Garnish with extra orange slices or cinnamon sticks if you like, and serve immediately.
Can I Make This Sangria Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the sangria up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld. Add the club soda and ice just before serving to keep it fizzy and fresh.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding to the sangria to avoid watering down the drink.
What Can I Substitute for Simple Syrup?
If you don’t have simple syrup, you can dissolve equal parts sugar in hot water and cool it before using. Honey or maple syrup are tasty alternatives too but may slightly change the flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Sangria?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container or pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days. The fruit will continue to soak up alcohol, so the taste may intensify over time.
