This refreshing cranberry sangria is a fruity twist on a classic drink. With juicy cranberries and a splash of red wine, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!
Serve it over ice with some fresh fruit slices and watch everyone enjoy every last drop. I love how easy it is to make—just mix and sip! Cheers! 🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Wine: A dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works best for sangria. If you prefer something lighter, try a Pinot Noir. You can even use a good quality white wine or sparkling wine for a lighter version.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a great tart flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries are a decent substitute. Just remember to thaw them before using.
Fruit: I love using oranges and limes for a citrus kick. Feel free to mix in other fruits like apples, pears, or even berries for added flavor and color!
Brandy & Orange Liqueur: These give sangria its depth. If you prefer non-alcoholic, use extra juice and flavored soda instead. You could use apple cider or ginger ale for a festive touch.
Sugar: Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences. I personally like it less sweet, but if you enjoy a sweeter drink, don’t hesitate to add more sugar or syrup.
How to Create Flavorful Sangria?
Making the perfect sangria requires a bit of patience, but the results are worth it! To ensure maximum flavor, always allow the mixture to chill for a few hours. This gives the fruits time to infuse the wine with their refreshing flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix all the ingredients in a big pitcher. Start with the liquids first—this helps the sugar dissolve easily.
- Add in your chosen fruits. The more time they sit in the wine, the better the flavor!
- Chill it in the fridge. Aim for at least 2 hours or longer so everything melds together nicely.
- When serving, always add ice to keep it chilled and refreshing.
Remember, the longer you let it sit, the more flavorful the sangria will be. Enjoy sipping on this delightful drink with friends and family!
Cranberry Sangria
Ingredients You Will Need:
- For the Sangria:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1 lime, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cranberry sangria takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll want to let it chill for at least 2 hours, but it’s even better if you can wait 4 hours or overnight for all the flavors to blend beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by pouring the dry red wine into a large pitcher. Then, add in the brandy, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice. This creates a lovely and festive base for your sangria!
2. Adding the Fruits:
Take your fresh cranberries, orange slices, and lime slices, and gently add them into the pitcher. These fruits will not only add flavor, but they’ll also look beautiful floating in the sangria.
3. Sweetening the Deal:
Next, stir in the sugar or simple syrup. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and the sugar is fully dissolved. Take a quick taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking!
4. Chill Time:
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you have the time, letting it chill for 4 hours or even overnight will really enhance the flavors as the fruits infuse the wine.
5. Serving Up the Fun:
When you’re ready to serve, grab some glasses and fill them with ice cubes. Pour the chilled cranberry sangria over the ice, ensuring to include some of the delicious soaked fruits in each glass.
6. Final Touches:
For that festive touch, garnish each glass with a slice of lime, a slice of orange, and a few extra cranberries. Your sangria is now visually stunning and ready to enjoy!
7. Enjoy!
Serve chilled and let the celebrations begin! This fruity and refreshing cranberry sangria is perfect for any occasion.
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Sangria?
Absolutely! While cranberries, oranges, and limes are great, feel free to mix in other fruits like apples, pears, or berries. They all add delicious flavors to your sangria!
How Long Does Sangria Last in the Fridge?
Sangria is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last in the fridge for about 3 days. The fruit may become mushy, but the flavors will still be fine. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Can I Make This Sangria Non-Alcoholic?
Yes, you can! Replace the wine and brandy with a mixture of sparkling grape juice or soda and extra cranberry juice. It’ll still be refreshing and tasty without the alcohol!
What Type of Wine Works Best in Sangria?
Dry red wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Tempranillo work best in sangria due to their robust flavors. If you prefer white sangria, try a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
