Thanksgiving Sangria Recipe

Picture this: you’re about to host the most epic Thanksgiving gathering and need a drink that’s as perfectly curated as your Spotify playlist. Enter my favorite holiday secret weapon: a crisp, fruity Thanksgiving Sangria that combines all the tastes of autumn in one pitcher of pure joy. Trust me, it’s the drinks version of that cozy sweater you can’t wait to bust out every fall—timeless, comforting, and just a little bit vibrant!

Thanksgiving provides the ideal opportunity to gather with friends and family and revel in the delights of wonderful food and drink. One of my absolute favorite festive recipes that makes an appearance every year is undoubtedly my Thanksgiving Sangria.

It manages to pack a wallop while still being light and refreshing, a fine balance to strike when you’re trying not to serve a dinner of heavy drinks after a heavy meal and when you’re looking for something a little different from the usual suspects that populate your holiday table. It’s also nice to serve something that looks great and feels a little fancy.

With its different layers of flavor, it’s really a drink that complements the entire season.

Ingredients

• White Wine: Base of the sangria, adds fruity and floral notes.
• Cranberry Juice: Tart and tangy, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Apple Cider: Sweet with autumnal flavor, contains fiber and antioxidants.
• Orange Liqueur: Citrus aroma, adds sweetness and complexity.
• Sugar: Sweetens and balances tartness, adjustable to taste.
• Fresh Cranberries: Tangy pops, rich in vitamins and fiber.
• Cinnamon Stick: Warm spice, enhances festive flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 bottle (750ml) white wine (such as Riesling or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup club soda or ginger ale (optional, for topping)
• Ice, for serving

How to Make this

1. In a large pitcher or bowl, mix together the ingredients that follow:

– white wine
– cranberry juice
– apple cider
– orange liqueur
– brandy.

2. Stir in the sugar and wait for it to dissolve completely.

3. Incorporate the newly harvested cranberries, delicately cut apple, and finely minced orange into the compound.

4. Add the stick of cinnamon and stir everything together.

5. Refrigerate the pitcher or bowl, with covers on, for a minimum of 2 to 4 hours so the ingredients can blend and coalesce. Stellar results are achieved when the marriage of flavors takes place overnight.

6. Prior to serving, taste and if necessary adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar.

7. Take the pitcher out of the refrigerator and take out the cinnamon stick.

8. If you desire a hint of effervescence, just before serving, add club soda or ginger ale to the sangria.

9. Make sure to include some fruit in each glass when you fill it with ice and pour the Thanksgiving Sangria over the ice.

10. Enjoy the Thanksgiving drink that is festive and serves directly!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pitcher or bowl
2. Stirring spoon
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups
6. Refrigerator
7. Lid or cover for pitcher/bowl
8. Glasses for serving

FAQ

• Can I use red wine instead of white wine in this sangria?Indeed, red wine can be used in place of white, though the flavor tapestry will shift a bit. A good light red such as a Pinot Noir can play nicely with the wine’s fruity notes.
• How long should I let the sangria sit before serving?Let the sangria sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. That time allows the flavors to meld into something beautiful.
• Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?Of course! Substitute non-alcoholic wine or grape juice for the wine, omit the brandy and orange liqueur, and use more orange juice for flavor.
• What can I use as a substitute for brandy?Brandy can be swapped out for the same volume of whiskey or rum, yielding a flavor that’s altogether different.
• Is it necessary to add sugar?The cranberry juice’s tartness is balanced by sugar. You can reduce or adjust the sugar in the recipe to your taste if you like a less sweet sangria or if you are using a white wine that is particularly sweet.
• Can I add other fruits to the sangria?Of course! Pomegranates, pears, or fresh berries can be delightful enhancements both in flavor and appearance.
• Is ginger ale necessary? Can I use any other fizzy drink?A spicy sweetness comes from ginger ale. For a more neutral fizz, club soda can be used instead, or for more citrus notes, lemon-lime soda is an option.

Thanksgiving Sangria Recipe Substitutions and Variations

White wine: Replace with a rosé or a light red wine like Pinot Noir for a flavor profile that’s a little different than using white wine.
Cranberry juice. Use pomegranate juice for a different tart and slightly sweet taste.
Substitute pear juice for apple cider to get a sublimely soft fruit note. In fact, using pear juice puree in place of a similar quantity of apple juice or cider in a recipe will invariably yield a more delicate flavor, a seemingly nutritious but intoxicatingly fresh-tasting liquid. Drink it straight, mix it with a little vinaigrette for an infinite number of salad possibilities, or eat it in this very gentle ice cream.
Liqueur d’orange : remplacez-le par Cointreau ou un vodka au arôme de citron.
Bourbon: For a richer, deeper taste, use brandy.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Flavor with Fresh Juice For a more vibrant flavor, consider using freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought cranberry juice. This will add an extra layer of freshness to the sangria.

2. Muddle the Fresh Fruit Before adding the fresh cranberries, apple slices, and orange slices to the pitcher, gently muddle them in the bottom. This will release more of their natural juices and enhance the overall fruitiness of the sangria.

3. Select the Right Wine Opt for a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, which won’t overpower the other flavors in the sangria. A drier wine can balance the sweetness of the juice and liqueur, making for a more nuanced drink.

4. Experiment with Spices In addition to the cinnamon stick, consider adding a few whole cloves or a star anise for a spiced twist. This can add depth and complexity, complementing the other autumnal flavors.

5. Chill Everything for Best Results Ensure all ingredients, including the wine, juices, and soda (if using), are well-chilled before mixing. This will help the sangria stay colder for longer without relying too much on ice, which can dilute the drink.