There's something magical about a drink that’s bursting with fresh fruit flavors and cozy spices—this Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe is exactly that. It's perfect for holiday gatherings when you want something bright, refreshing, and just a little bit special without fussing in the kitchen.

A clear round glass filled with deep red liquid with several red cranberries and thin orange slices floating inside; the glass rim is coated with green sugar crystals and topped with a cinnamon stick and a small sprig of green rosemary. The glass sits on a white coaster with a gold edge, which is placed on a round wooden board. In the background, parts of similar glasses with the same red drink and garnishes are visible, all set on a white marbled surface with scattered cranberries and green leaves nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love how this Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe brings together the crisp sweetness of apples and citrus with tart cranberries and warm spices—it’s like a celebration in a glass. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Festive & Flavorful: The combination of fruit, honey, and spices creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart that feels seasonal and bright.
Simple to Make: Just mix everything in a pitcher and let it chill; no complicated steps or fancy tools needed.
Customizable: You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences, swapping out fruit or adjusting the sweetness.
Perfect for Parties: Works beautifully as a holiday punch or a cozy evening drink, making your gatherings feel extra special.

Three clear round glasses filled with a deep red drink sit on white coasters with gold edges, placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each glass has a green sugar-edged rim, floating red cranberries, orange slices, and a cinnamon stick with a sprig of rosemary for garnish. Scattered cranberries and small green pine branches surround the scene, with a red candle and festive decorations in the blurred background. The setting has a cozy, holiday feel, and the photo was taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe come together to create layers of flavor—bright citrus, fresh fruit, warming spices, and a touch of honey to sweeten it up. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and understand why they're so important.

Flat lay of fresh apple slices arranged neatly beside a bright whole navel orange and thin orange slices, a small cluster of plump fresh cranberries, a few vibrant green rosemary sprigs, whole cinnamon sticks laid in parallel, small white ceramic bowls containing golden honey and pale yellow lemon juice, a white ceramic bowl filled with amber unfiltered apple cider, and another white bowl holding deep red unsweetened cranberry juice, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apple Slices: Adds crisp sweetness and a fabulous crunch; Gala or Fuji apples work wonderfully.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Bring beautiful tartness and a pop of festive color; frozen works well if fresh aren't available.
Navel Orange & Orange Slices: Citrus brightness that balances the richer flavors and adds aromatic oils from the peel.
Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Offers an herbal freshness that pairs surprisingly well with the fruit and spices.
Honey: Natural sweetness that deepens the flavor without feeling cloying; you can substitute maple syrup if you prefer.
Lemon Juice: Boosts acidity and brightness, cutting through the sweetness for a balanced sip.
Cinnamon Sticks: Infuse warm spice notes that perfectly complement the apples and cranberries.
Apple Cider (Unfiltered): Adds body and a rustic touch of apple flavor, making the sangria taste like the season in a glass.
Unsweetened 100% Cranberry Juice: Enhances the cranberry tartness and adds depth without extra sugar.
Sweet Red Wine: The base that ties all the flavors together; choose a fruity, smooth wine like a Merlot or Zinfandel.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I usually play around with the fruit based on what’s fresh at the market or even swap out the red wine for something sparkling for extra fizz.

Variation: Last year, I tried using a dry white wine and it turned out just as delightful—lighter but still beautifully balanced. Perfect if you prefer a less sweet sangria.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fruit

The first thing I do is slice the apple and orange. I like leaving the peel on the apples for color and texture, but make sure to remove any bitter white pith from the orange. Toss the sliced apples, oranges, and fresh or frozen cranberries into a large pitcher or punch bowl—this is where all the magic starts.

Step 2: Mix Your Liquids and Sweeteners

Pour in your bottle of sweet red wine, cranberry juice, and apple cider. Add the fresh lemon juice and honey—stir well to make sure the honey dissolves completely. This step ensures every sip has that perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors.

Step 3: Add Spices and Chill

Top your sangria with cinnamon sticks and fresh rosemary sprigs. These not only look festive but slowly infuse their warm, herbal notes as the sangria chills. Pop the whole thing into the fridge for at least an hour—though overnight is even better for deeper flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

When you’re ready, give your sangria a gentle stir and serve over ice. I like to add a few extra fresh cranberries or an orange slice in each glass for that pretty presentation. Trust me, your guests will love it!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe many times, and a few tricks have helped me get the best flavor and presentation every time.

Let It Rest: Chill your sangria for several hours or overnight if possible—the flavors really meld and you’ll notice that warm cinnamon undertone more.
Fresh Fruit Matters: Using fresh (or thawed frozen) fruit instead of canned or bottled keeps the sangria tasting crisp and vibrant.
Stir Before Serving: Fruit tends to settle at the bottom, so a quick stir just before serving keeps everything balanced.
Avoid Over-Sweetening: Taste before adding more honey—remember, the fruit and wine already bring some sweetness.

How to Serve Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe

Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always garnish my sangria glasses with a sprig of rosemary and an extra cinnamon stick because it looks stunning and adds a subtle aroma as you sip. Adding a few whole cranberries or thin orange wheels to each glass makes it super festive and bright.

Side Dishes

This sangria pairs beautifully with light appetizers—think roasted nuts, a charcuterie board with cheeses and dried fruit, or even holiday cookies for a sweet touch. It’s the perfect complement to casual party snacks or an elegant spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like using a large glass punch bowl with plenty of ice and floating fruit slices to encourage guests to serve themselves. For a more intimate setting, individual mason jars or festive wine glasses add charm and make each guest feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply cover the pitcher tightly and keep it in the fridge. I’ve found the flavors continue to develop and actually improve after a day or two. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this sangria because the fresh fruit and wine don’t thaw well. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This recipe is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t typically done. But if you want to warm it slightly for a cozy twist, heat gently on the stove without boiling to preserve the wine’s flavor and avoid bitterness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries in the Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly and add the same lovely tart flavor without changing the texture much once thawed. Just be sure to thaw them before mixing, or use them directly if you want your sangria extra chilled.

What type of wine is best for this sangria?

I recommend a fruity, slightly sweet red wine like Merlot, Zinfandel, or a Garnacha. These wines complement the apples and cranberries nicely without overpowering the fresh flavors. Avoid very dry wines for this recipe unless you adjust the sweetness accordingly.

How long can I prepare the sangria ahead of time?

You can prepare this sangria up to 24 hours ahead. Chilling it overnight is ideal as it allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge.

Can I make this sangria without alcohol?

Absolutely! Substitute the wine with extra apple cider and cranberry juice. You can also add a splash of sparkling water for some fizz. The honey and spices keep it festive and flavorful even without the alcohol.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe has become my go-to for holiday celebrations because it's effortlessly festive and welcomes everyone at the table. It’s a recipe I love sharing with friends because it’s simple to make but looks and tastes like you put in a lot of love and care. Give it a try next time you want to impress with minimal fuss—you'll be glad you did!