This Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria is a fun and fruity drink for any gathering! With tangy cranberry juice and sweet apple cider, it brings a cozy fall vibe.
It’s super easy to whip up—just mix, chill, and serve. I love adding a splash of ginger ale for a fizzy twist. Cheers to tasty sips with friends! 🍏🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Wine: Merlot or Pinot Noir works great for this sangria, but feel free to use any dry red wine you enjoy. If you’re avoiding alcohol, you can use non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice for a tasty alternative.
Apple Cider: Look for fresh or natural apple cider to get the best flavor. If you can’t find it, apple juice will work, but the taste will be sweeter and less complex.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice enhances the drink’s tartness, but lightly sweetened juice is fine too. Just be mindful of the overall sweetness to balance with the other ingredients.
Apple: I like using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add sweetness. Choose what suits your taste! You could also use pears for a different twist.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds aroma, but if you don’t have it, you can leave it out or use mint for a fresh flavor instead.
How Can I Make My Sangria Burst with Flavor?
Infusing your sangria with great flavor is all about letting the ingredients mingle! Here’s how to get the best results:
- Mix Early: Combine the wine, cider, and cranberry juice at least two hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. For the best taste, overnight chilling is ideal!
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cranberries and apples for a vibrant look and flavor. These not only enhance taste but also make your sangria visually appealing.
- Add Fizz Just Before Serving: If you want some bubbles, add sparkling water or ginger ale right before you pour. This keeps the fizz fresh!
Enjoy your Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!
How to Make Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (like Merlot or Pinot Noir)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 apple, cored and diced (preferably a tart apple like Granny Smith)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary (for garnish)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Splash of sparkling water or ginger ale (optional for fizz)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sangria takes about 10 minutes to prepare. However, it’s best if you let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or even overnight. This way, the flavors meld beautifully together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a large pitcher, pour in the red wine, apple cider, and cranberry juice. Use a spoon to stir it all together gently until well mixed. This is your sangria base!
2. Add the Fruits:
Now, add the diced apple, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon sticks into the pitcher. These will not only add flavor but also look beautiful in your sangria.
3. Chill to Perfection:
Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours—4 hours or overnight is even better. This step helps all those yummy flavors combine!
4. Get Ready to Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, take the sangria out of the fridge. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything up. If you’d like, add some ice cubes to your glasses for a refreshing chill.
5. Pour and Garnish:
Carefully pour the sangria into glasses, ensuring each glass gets some apple and cranberries. To finish, garnish each drink with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a touch of elegance and aroma.
6. Add Some Fizz (Optional):
If you like a fizzy drink, add a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale to each glass just before serving. It adds a delightful effervescence!
Enjoy your cozy, fruity Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria! Perfect for gatherings or just a relaxing evening at home!
Can I Use a Different Type of Wine?
Absolutely! You can use any dry red wine that you enjoy. Merlot and Pinot Noir are great choices, but feel free to experiment with others like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, try using non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Sangria?
Leftover sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor. However, it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness!
Can I Make This Sangria Ahead of Time?
Yes, making the sangria a day in advance is a great idea! Allowing it to chill overnight will enhance the flavor as the fruits and spices infuse into the liquids. Just remember to add any fizzy ingredients right before serving!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you find the sangria too sweet or not sweet enough, you can easily adjust it! For sweeter sangria, add more cranberry juice or even a bit of honey or simple syrup. If it’s too sweet, a splash of lemon juice can help balance it out.
