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Festive Christmas Sangria Recipe with Cranberries and Apple

A tall glass filled with vibrant red Christmas sangria, loaded with cranberries, orange slices, and apple chunks.
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Make this easy Christmas sangria for your holiday parties. It uses red wine, seasonal fruits like cranberries and apples, and warming spices for a refreshing, festive drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine, chilled
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled (optional, for topping)
  • Ice for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the chilled red wine, brandy, orange juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, sliced orange, sliced apple, and cranberries to the pitcher.
  3. Stir the mixture gently to combine the fruit and liquid.
  4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. This make-ahead step improves the taste.
  5. When ready to serve, remove the cinnamon stick and star anise if desired.
  6. Fill glasses with ice. Pour the sangria mixture into the glasses, ensuring each serving gets some fruit.
  7. If you want extra fizz, top each glass with a splash of chilled sparkling water or club soda.
  8. Serve this crowd pleaser immediately.

Notes

  • For a White Christmas Sangria variation, substitute the red wine with a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, and use white cranberry juice instead of red.
  • You can prepare the fruit and wine mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Add the sparkling water just before serving to keep the drink fizzy.
  • If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the sugar slightly or add a splash of orange liqueur when mixing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/christmas-sangria-recipe-cranberry-apple/