Cranberry Apple Sangria – a simple, festive sangria filled with bright cranberry and crisp apple flavors—perfect for holiday gatherings.
Cranberry Apple Sangria is my go-to make-ahead drink for holiday parties. It’s easy to prepare in large batches, tastes bright and festive, and keeps well in the fridge—so I find myself serving it throughout the winter.
The sangria blends apple cider, cranberry juice, red and white wines, brandy, cinnamon sticks and mulling spices. The classic pairing of cranberries and apples gets an extra touch of warmth from cinnamon and spices, creating a refreshing cold sangria served over ice. You can also finish individual servings with bubbles for a sparkling version or make the recipe alcohol-free so everyone can enjoy it.
Just Take Me To The Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe Already
If you want the recipe immediately, scroll down to the recipe card. I include tips and substitution notes below for making a sparkling or virgin version.
Sparkling Cranberry Apple Sangria
To make the sangria sparkling, prepare the base and let guests top their own glasses with carbonation—this keeps bubbles fresher for each serving.
- Top individual glasses with prosecco for a celebratory fizz.
- Use club soda for a lighter, less boozy sparkle.
Serving tip: an old trick is to place a metal spoon handle in an open bottle of prosecco to help retain carbonation in the fridge. If you invite guests to top glasses themselves, leave a pretty spoon in the bottle for convenience.
Virgin Cranberry Apple Sangria
For a non-alcoholic version swap the alcoholic ingredients with these easy grocery-store alternatives:
- Red wine → grape juice or sparkling grape juice
- White wine → sparkling apple juice
- Brandy → 1/4–1/2 cup Italian soda cherry syrup (or a splash of apple or grape juice to taste)
Mulled Cider Slow Cooker Sangria
If you prefer a warm drink, try a mulled cider cranberry crockpot sangria. The slow cooker deepens the flavors and fills your home with cozy aromas—ideal for cold nights and gatherings when you want a warming, hands-off option.
Other Delicious Holiday Dishes You’ll Love
This sangria pairs well with many seasonal treats and desserts.
Peppermint Crunch Andes Candies Fudge
Easy Peppermint Brownies
3-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Walnut Butterscotch Slow Cooker Fudge
Candy Cane Cake Batter Microwave Fudge
Other Delicious Holiday Drinks You’ll Love
If you enjoy this sangria, you might also like these warm and festive drinks:
Non Alcoholic Ginger Wassail
Ginger Mulled White Wine
Traditional Gluehwein
The Best Mulled Cider Ever
Eggnog Espresso Shooters
Spiked Eggnog Mocha
Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe
If you make this cranberry apple sangria and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review.
Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for quick dinner plans to your inbox.
Cranberry Apple Sangria
A bright and spiced Christmas sangria with cranberries, apples, and warming mulling spices. Serve chilled over ice or top with bubbles for a sparkling finish.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle white wine (or for non-alcoholic: 1 bottle sparkling apple juice)
- 1 bottle red wine (or for non-alcoholic: 1 bottle sparkling grape juice)
- 3 cups apple cider
- 3 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup brandy (or for non-alcoholic: 1/2 cup Italian soda cherry syrup)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 cup mulling spices
- Sliced apples and fresh cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider and mulling spices. Heat over medium until the spices begin to infuse and break down—this prevents clumping if added cold.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, sliced apples and fresh cranberries, and bring to a rolling boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool for about 20 minutes, or chill overnight to develop flavor.
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the cooled cider mixture with the red and white wines, cranberry juice and brandy (or non-alcoholic substitutes).
- Stir well, then serve over ice. Garnish with additional apple slices and cranberries. If desired, top individual glasses with prosecco or club soda to make it sparkling.
- Enjoy!
Notes
This is a cold sangria best served chilled and poured over ice. For a warm version, follow the slow-cooker mulled cider approach mentioned above. Alcohol-free swaps make this recipe accessible to kids and guests who don’t drink.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary with ingredient choices and serving sizes.
Additional Info
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American