Easy Cranberry Sangria Recipe (2024)

December 13, 2022
co*cktails

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Love the flavors of mulled wine? Then you will also enjoy this refreshing and easy cranberry sangria recipe. With a few ingredients create a delicious pitcher of holiday friendly sangria to serve to friends and family.

I am a huge fan of easy, delicious drinks to serve during the holidays. This easy cranberry sangria is just that. With all of the holiday parties throughout the winter, this is a wonderful drink recipe to have in your repertoire. Instead of making individual drinks, you can make a pitcher of this easy holiday sangria and I guarantee your guests will not be disappointed!

Why This Recipe Works:

Super flavorful: For my easy cranberry sangria recipe, I combined dried spices like cinnamon, anise, and cloves along with fresh fruit and refreshing cranberry juice. It really is so flavorful and gives you all the holiday feels.
Great to make ahead: Since this cranberry sangria is easy to make in bulk, it is great to serve at all of the holiday get togethers! It is also actually best to make ahead of time, to let that wine get infused with all of the flavors of the spices and the fresh fruits.

“School” Supplies:

Large Pitcher or Glass Jar (for storing)
Wooden Spoon
Small Pot
Whisk
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Knife and Cutting Board

“Class” Notes:

Welcome to my virtual classroom! Use the guided notes below where I often answer commonly asked questions I get from readers and cooks just like you.

This information is meant to help you have a stronger understanding of this recipe and the process so you can find success all on your own.

Ready to begin cooking? Simply jump to the recipe card below and begin.

Cranberry Sangria Ingredients:

For the Cranberry Spiced Syrup:

My easy cranberry sangria recipe combines cranberry spiced syrup, with classic sangria ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsweetened Cranberry Juice: Make sure to get 100% cranberry juice and not a cranberry co*cktail, which has a bunch of added sugar. Unsweetened cranberry juice has a maximum flavor which is just what we want!
Sugar: To make this a spiced syrup, we will cook it all with some sugar to add sweetness.
Spices: Cinnamon Sticks, Star Anise, and Whole Cloves are added for the classic holiday flavor profiles. You need whole spices instead of ground for this recipe. They will release their flavor when cooked with juice and sugar.

For the Sangria:

Red Wine: You can use your favorite red wine here. I used a Petite Cabernet.
Grand Marnier: Grand Marnier or orange liqueur is key in making this a sangria recipe!
Fresh Fruit: Apples, Oranges, and Fresh Cranberries are added for a bit of fresh fruit. They lend a refreshing flavor and are tasty to have at the bottom of your cup!

How To Make Cranberry Sangria:

For the Cranberry Spiced Syrup:

After making the spiced syrup, all you will have to do is combine all of the ingredients for the perfect cranberry sangria! Here are the simple steps:

In a pot over medium low heat, add the cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, anise, and cloves.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat and let the mixture fully cool to room temperature. Discard the cinnamon sticks, anise, and cloves before adding them to the sangria.

For the Easy Cranberry Sangria:

In a pitcher, add the diced apple, orange, and whole fresh cranberries. Then add the Grand Marnier along with the cooled cranberry spiced syrup.
Pour the whole bottle of wine into the pitcher and stir everything until fully combined.
Place in the fridge for 2-4 hours to chill. Stir before serving and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Variations:

For a lighter, more acidic sangria try using Pinot Noir as the wine.
You can make this cranberry sangria with a white wine like Pinto Grigio as well. The color will be lighter but still red due to the cranberry juice.
If you like your drink a little bubbly, add some club soda right before serving!
Don’t skip the chilling time! It is important that all of the ingredients sit together for a few hours in the fridge to develop the flavors and get it nice and chilled. This will result in the perfect cranberry sangria!

More Recipes To Try:

Cranberry Pisco Sour
Cranberry Chimichurri
Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Berry Basil Rose Sangria