Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria (2024)

Published: Oct 12, 2015 · Updated: Sep 2, 2020 by Elaine · This post may contain Amazon affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog generates income via ads · 81 Comments

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Celebrate the season with this simple Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria flavoured with fresh cranberries and apples. This one is a crowd-pleaser for any season! Made with cranberry juice and apple cider, this red wine cranberry sangria is one your friends will love.

Any Spaniard will tell you that Sangria is not just a summertime drink. Adding seasonal fruit to red or white wine is an ideal way to celebrate in the fall and winter months too! This Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria tops my list of favourite ways to celebrate the season.

❤️Why you'll love this Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria

This red wine sangria is perfect for Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas or any time you want to celebrate!
It's not too sweet, but not too tart.
The base can be made ahead of time. Just add sparkling water when you're ready to serve.
Adding fruits in season, like apples and cranberries makes it festive!

If you've been a reader of mine for a while, you probably know that sangria is my favourite drink! I sampled it in almost every tapa bar we visited during our trips to Spain, and NEVER tired of it! I've done my best to create different sangria recipes, like this Red Wine Citrus Pomegranate Sangria, ever since.

Jump to:

❤️Why you'll love this Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria
🛒 Ingredients
🔪 Instructions
👍🏼 Top Tip
You may be wondering . . .
Storage instructions
Love Sangria?
🍽 Serving suggestions
🗒 More fun drink recipes to try
📖 Recipe

🛒 Ingredients

Ready to make a pitcher of cranberry sangria? Before we get to the full recipe, here are a few notes about the ingredients you'll need and substitutions you can make.

red wine: one 750 ml (26 ounce) bottle.
apple cider: the "soft" non-alcoholic variety. See the note below about the difference between hard and soft apple cider. If you can't find apple cider, you can use pure unsweetened apple juice.
cranberry juice: unsweetened. If you can't find unsweetened cranberry juice, decrease the amount of honey in the recipe below.
Triple Sec: or other orange liqueur (Curaçao, Gran Marnier, Cointreau)
honey: or substitute with simple syrup made by heating equal parts of sugar and water over medium heat until dissolved.
cranberries: fresh or frozen, both will work just fine.
apples: freshly diced red and green apple cubes (no need to peel). You can also add cubes of fresh pear if you'd like.
sparkling water: to top off each glass and add some fizz!
cinnamon sticks: for garnish and a hint of warm fall spice!

This simple-to-make Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria is not too sweet, but not too tart, once you add a little honey or some simple syrup. I used pure, unfiltered cranberry juice and apple cider with no added sweeteners or preservatives, produced locally.

🔪 Instructions

In a large pitcher, combine red wine, cranberry juice, apple cider, Triple Sec, honey, cranberries and apple cubes. Stir and refrigerate.

At serving time, add ice to each glass. Fill the glasses two-thirds full with sangria, making sure each glass has some of the fruit. Top each glass with sparkling water and add a tall cinnamon stick as a stir stick. Enjoy!

👍🏼 Top Tip

While you can make this cranberry apple cider sangria and drink it right away, it's even better if you make it the day before. Let it chill in the fridge to allow the flavours and fruit to blend.

When you're ready to serve, top off each glass with ice and sparkling water.

You may be wondering . . .

What's the difference between hard apple cider and soft apple cider?

Apple cider can be "hard" or "soft." Hard cider is a fermented, alcoholic drink, but soft cider, (also called fresh cider), is unfiltered and non-alcoholic.

It differs from apple juice in that it has not been filtered to remove coarse particles, so it appears a little cloudy. It is naturally sweet, but often has more of a tang than apple juice that has been filtered.

It's perfect when combined with cranberry juice in this sangria. However, if you can't find soft cider, you can use apple juice.

What kind of red wine should I use for Sangria?

You don't need to use an expensive wine in this sangria recipe. However, it should be one that you like! I usually use a Merlot or a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Are you supposed to eat the fruit in Sangria?

By all means! The fruit is delicious because it has been soaked in juice and alcohol. However, if it's awkward, it's not considered rude to leave it in your glass.

Storage instructions

If you have leftover Sangria, just pop it in the fridge for another day. Store it in a container with a lid. It will last for several days. The fruit will soften but you can always add fresh fruit and enjoy a glass another time!

Love Sangria?

Try this Citrus Pomegranate Sangria too!

🍽 Serving suggestions

Start your afternoon or evening off on a festive note by offering an assortment of finger foods to go with your Sangria! Check these ideas for popular appetizers.

20 Easy Finger Food Appetizers

5 Tips for Making Crostini - Ultimate Guide

9 Easy Healthy Dip Recipes

🗒 More fun drink recipes to try

Cashew Milk Mexican Hot Chocolate
Sparkling Cranberry Pineapple Punch with Lime
The Best Peach Sangria Recipe with Prosecco
3-Ingredient Pineapple Ginger Beer Mocktail

When you make this Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria please leave a comment and a star rating below. I love hearing when you've made one of my recipes. Thanks in advance! Subscribe to my newsletter and have new recipes delivered straight to your inbox once a week.

📖 Recipe

Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria

A simple recipe for Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria, made with red wine, orange liqueur, fresh cranberry juice and soft cider. Perfect for celebrating fall and winter!

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks and co*cktails

Cuisine: Spanish

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Calories: 136kcal

Author: Elaine

Jump to Video

Ingredients

▢ 1 750ml (26 oz) bottle red wine
▢ 3 cups soft apple cider (non-alcoholic)
▢ 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
▢ ½ cup Triple Sec or other orange liqueur
▢ ½ cup honey* (or ½ cup simple syrup made by heating equal parts of sugar and water over medium heat until dissolved)
▢ 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
▢ 1 cup freshly diced red and/or green apple cubes
▢ sparkling water to top off
▢ cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

Combine red wine, apple cider (or pure apple juice) cranberry juice, orange liqueur and honey (or simple syrup) in a large pitcher.
Add cranberries and diced unpeeled apples. Chill overnight if desired.
Serve over ice, if desired, filling glasses ⅔ full and topping off with sparkling water.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a straw.

Video

Notes

*If you use honey, it might sink to the bottom of the pitcher if it is left to sit for awhile, so just give it a stir before serving it.

While you can make this cranberry apple cider sangria and drink it right away, it's even better if you make it the day before. Let it chill in the fridge to allow the flavours and fruit to blend. When you're ready to serve, top off each glass with ice and sparkling water.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @enessman or tag #flavourandsavour!

More recipes to try

Apple Cider Ginger Beer Mocktail
Ginger Turmeric Tonic
Sugar-Free Watermelon Lemonade with Monkfruit
Pineapple Ginger Agua Fresca - Sugar Free

Reader Interactions

Comments

Britten
November 04, 2023 at 8:17 am

I make this every fall! It’s simply the best!
Reply
Maria
October 01, 2022 at 10:26 am

The perfect drink for Thanksgiving!
Reply
- Elaine
  October 01, 2022 at 6:18 pm
  Yes! It has all the Fall vibes!
  Reply
- Kady
  November 22, 2022 at 11:40 am
  what kind of red is best?
  Reply
  - Elaine
    November 22, 2022 at 5:44 pm
    Hi Kady, It really doesn’t matter too much. Pick a red that you like. I like to use a Malbec or a Cabernet Sauvignon in this sangria. Enjoy—it’s my favourite sangria!
Sue Endress
October 27, 2021 at 1:55 pm

Delicious! I made this for a group at a wine tasting party. Everyone loved it! I will definitely be making this at Thanksgiving, and probably doubling the recipe!
Reply
- Elaine
  October 27, 2021 at 4:17 pm
  That's great to hear Sue! I love this Sangria too, it's just so simple, by simply so good!
  See Also
  Spätzle (German Egg Noodles)One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac How to Make a Sourdough Starter from Scratch How to make the best gluten-free coconut macaroons
  Reply
Lorilei
October 18, 2021 at 7:25 pm

Best sangria I've ever had! I make it every Fall, made it last weekend and it will definitely be on the menu for Thanksgiving!
Reply
- Elaine
  October 18, 2021 at 7:36 pm
  Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Appreciated!
  Reply
Celila
April 01, 2021 at 7:28 am
In the video you can see that the honey just fell to the bottom of the pitcher, not sure if anyone has noticed
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  April 01, 2021 at 4:50 pm
  Yes, the honey will naturally sink to the bottom as it's heavier. You'll see in the Notes section of the recipe card it mentions this fact and recommends giving it a stir before serving. If you don't want to use honey, you'll see in the Ingredients section in the post that I suggested using a sugar-syrup instead. Sure hope this helps you! Thanks for commenting.
  Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  April 02, 2021 at 2:50 pm
  Hi Celila, Yes, the honey will naturally sink to the bottom, as it's heavier. You'll see that I mentioned this in the Notes section of the recipe card. Other readers haven't found this to be a problem--just give it a stir before serving. I also included a suggestion to use sugar syrup as an alternative. Hope this helps! Thanks for your comment.
  Reply
- Jde94
  July 14, 2021 at 10:51 pm
  I make this every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s always a hit! I use Merlot. Instead of honey, I just buy simple syrup already on the shelf! Best sangria ever!
  Reply
  - Elaine
    July 15, 2021 at 7:33 pm
    Happy to hear that!
Angie Pokryfki
December 18, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Would spiced apple cider work for this? I have lots that I made this fall that I would like to use, but not sure about the spices and the wine.
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  December 18, 2019 at 8:33 pm
  Hi Angie, I've never tried it with spiced apple cider, but I think it would be delicious!! If you try it, I'd love to hear what you think!
  Reply
Ally
November 27, 2019 at 9:04 am
If I would like to double the recipe, can I just double each ingredient? So excited to try for thanksgiving!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 27, 2019 at 9:33 am
  Yes! That will work. Happy Thanksgiving!
  Reply
K8
November 23, 2019 at 8:20 pm
This looks amazing! I was wondering if you thought sparkling apple cider would work in lu of sparkling water and apple cider? We would be serving it thanksgiving
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 23, 2019 at 10:50 pm
  I’ll bet that will be delicious! I think that will work. It may be a little sweeter, so you might want to reduce the amount of sweetener. Taste and see what you like!
  Reply
Tracy Greene
October 06, 2019 at 6:01 pm

I added about 1/4 cup brandy, because my MIL always adds this to her recipe. It was perfect this way.
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  October 08, 2019 at 7:15 am
  Hi Tracy, Yes, you can certainly use brandy. In this recipe I used Triple Sec instead of the brandy. Cheers!
  Reply
Anna
December 10, 2018 at 6:08 pm
How far ahead of time can this be made?
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  December 10, 2018 at 7:14 pm
  Hi Anna,
  It's best if made the day before you plan to serve it. Just don't add the sparkling water until serving time. Enjoy!
  Reply
Lynn Fogarty
November 22, 2018 at 6:30 pm

This was so delicious. Everyone really enjoyed the sangria.
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 22, 2018 at 6:39 pm
  That's good to hear! Thanks for letting me know. I love this one, too!
  Reply
Vanessa
October 19, 2018 at 1:02 pm
Thanks for sharing! Can I make the concentrate ahead of time?
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  October 19, 2018 at 1:05 pm
  Absolutely, Vanessa. Store it in the fridge and you’ll be ready to go!
  Reply
  - Lez
    November 09, 2018 at 8:50 pm
    Hi . Excited to make this . What is meant by making just the concentrate the night before?
  - Flavour & Savour
    November 09, 2018 at 8:54 pm
    Hi Lez,
    Thanks for your question. You can mix up the juices, alcohol and wine the day before, refrigerate it, then just add the sparkling water and the fruit before serving. Enjoy every sip!
Kayla
September 27, 2018 at 5:58 am
Should I use pure unsweetened cranberry juice? Or just any like ocean spray unsweetened cranberry juice?
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  September 27, 2018 at 5:19 pm
  Hi Kayla, I used a locally produced organic cranberry juice, but unsweetened Ocean Spray will work beautifully too. If you use a sweetened cranberry juice, decrease the amount of honey in this recipe. Cheers!
  Reply
Carol
December 14, 2017 at 11:40 am
I can't find cranberries here, can I leave them out? I have everything else.
See Also
No-Bake Caramel Cookie Dough Bars (Vegan, GF) - Plantiful Bakery
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  December 14, 2017 at 12:18 pm
  Sure! You could add more apples or even a winter pear. Enjoy!
  Reply
Sarinya
November 27, 2017 at 5:29 pm

My go to holiday sangria from now on.
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 27, 2017 at 7:14 pm
  Isn't it good? Love this one--so glad you do too!
  Reply
Erica K.
November 21, 2017 at 12:35 pm
I am planning to make this for my very large family on Thanksgiving so would it taste ok without the sparkling water, since I am planning to make it in a large spouted drink dispenser? If not, I'll set the sparkling water out on the side for everyone to add on their own!
Also, how strongly does the cinnamon flavor come through?
Excited to try it!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 21, 2017 at 12:39 pm
  Hi Erica,
  That sounds like such a fun way to serve it! I think your idea of setting out the sparkling water on the side is a good one. That way everyone can add as much or as little as they like. The cinnamon is not strong at all. The cinnamon sticks are mainly just for a garnish or a little stir stick. Wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!
  Reply
Kate
November 17, 2017 at 1:27 pm
I’m not super familiar with fresh cranberries. Do you just add them straight from the bag (rinsed), or do you boil them to soften and pop first?
I’m very excited to serve this for Thanksgiving! Sounds absolutely perfect. Thanks for the recipe!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 17, 2017 at 11:33 pm
  Fresh from tbe bag, Kate. Happy Thanksgiving!
  Reply
  - Alyssa
    November 21, 2017 at 6:01 am
    What about dried cranberries?! I can only find a huge bag of freshvcranberries at my grocery store and I don't want that many.
  - Flavour & Savour
    November 21, 2017 at 6:04 am
    I haven’t tried that but it might be just fine to use dried ones. Although, if you buy a big bag of fresh cranberries, you can always freeze them for other recipes later on. Enjoy, and happy Thanksgiving!
Christian
November 17, 2017 at 10:19 am
Hello! I noticed the previous comment about substituting champagne and wonder have you tried it / heard back? Also can you sub the soft cider for hard? Thanks!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 17, 2017 at 11:16 am
  Hi Christian, I haven't heard back about subbing champagne for the sparkling water--it may make it a little sweet. Also if you substitute hard cider for soft cider, you would be adding 4 kinds of alcohol--red wine, Triple Sec, hard cider and champagne :)! It would then be more of a co*cktail than sangria!
  Reply
Alyssa Massaro
November 03, 2017 at 8:14 pm
Can this recipe be made without alcohol? What would I substitute if so?
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 04, 2017 at 4:39 am
  Hi Alyssa, You could make a punch using cranberry juice, soft apple cider and either ginger ale or sparkling water. If you use pure unsweetened cranberry juice you would probably want to add some sugar syrup. Hope this helps!
  Reply
Paula
October 31, 2017 at 10:51 am

So yummy! Super easy to make and everyone loved them. I just need to find longer cinnamon sticks. My short ones kept sinking to the bottom on the stemless wine glass. 😊But still tasted great. Definitely need to make the base the day before to let the flavors mingle and get nice and cold. I used an inexpensive Merlot. I added the fruit in the morning. Will make again and again.
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  October 31, 2017 at 10:57 am
  Thanks Paula,
  Isn't it good??? And yes, you're right, if you have time it's best to make the base the day before, although I have been known to make it and drink it right away! Thanks for commenting!
  Reply
SC
December 29, 2016 at 12:35 pm
I'm making this for a New Years party; how much sparkling water should go into this recipe? Are we talking a splash in each glass or more?
Thanks for the info!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  December 29, 2016 at 12:45 pm
  Hi! Yes, that's right--a fairly generous splash so the drink has enough fizz. I usually put in about 1/4 cup or so. Happy New Year!
  Reply
Jesseca
November 23, 2016 at 11:32 am
My love for sangria runs deep and this one sounds delicious. We were searching for something to make for the holidays and this one is high on our list. Thanks for sharing.
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 23, 2016 at 11:42 am
  My love for Sangria runs equally as deep! It's great in any season, as far as I'm concerned. I know you'll love this one. Thanks for commenting!
  Reply
Kellie Forde
November 23, 2016 at 10:01 am

Making this tonight! Looks so yummy! I forgot the sparkling water though. I have orange sparkling water...do you think that would be good with this since we're using orange liquor anyways? Thanks for posting!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 23, 2016 at 11:40 am
  It would probably be just fine! Try a little first to see if you like it! Thanks for commenting.
  Reply
Kelly
November 22, 2016 at 3:59 pm
Do you recommend letting the sangria chill and sit over night? Looking forward to making this for the first time for Thanksgiving dinner 🙂
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 22, 2016 at 4:37 pm
  It's great either way, but letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator gives the flavours a chance to blend. Just make sure to add the sparkling water just before serving. Enjoy it!
  Reply
Daurie
November 17, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Can you use champagne instead of sparkling water
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 17, 2016 at 6:46 pm
  HI Daurie,
  Wow! Double whammy! While I'm a champagne fan, I'm not sure how it would taste if you mixed champagne with red wine! It might just make it a little sweeter. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
  Reply
Eden Passante
November 16, 2016 at 8:59 pm
We made a drink similar to this one, but the cranberry is a great added touch! I'll have to add that next time I make this sangria!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 16, 2016 at 9:42 pm
  Thanks Eden! The cranberry gives it a gorgeous colour and adds a touch of tartness. Hope you get a chance to try it! Thanks for commenting.:)
  Reply
Tina
November 16, 2016 at 6:21 pm
What type of red wine do you suggest?
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 16, 2016 at 7:08 pm
  It just depends on your tastes. Personally, I like a deep rich Merlot. It doesn't have to be an expensive bottle, either! Enjoy!
  Reply
Bree
November 11, 2016 at 5:10 pm
If making the night before do you add the fruit
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 11, 2016 at 5:41 pm
  Hi Bree,
  Yes, I've done that several times before. The fruit soaks up all that great flavour. Just be sure to add the sparkling water just before serving so it doesn't go flat. Enjoy!
  Reply
Victoria
November 05, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Do I need to add sparkling water at the end? I wanted to have the glasses ready when guests arrive.
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 05, 2016 at 11:11 pm
  Hi Victoria,
  Yes, I would add the sparkling water just before serving, otherwise it might go flat.Enjoy!
  Reply
Isabelle @ Crumb
September 22, 2016 at 8:32 pm
I love sangria year-round, and this sounds like a wonderful fall/winter spin on the classic! I'm not quite ready to let go of summer just yet, but I think this delicious drink is just the thing to get me into the right frame of mind to embrace the autumn. 🙂
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  October 16, 2016 at 8:59 am
  Hi Isabelle,
  It works for me! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
  Reply
Sean
September 22, 2016 at 9:05 am

Gorgeous drink, and I love the flavours you've put together here. I adore cranberries, and I think they deserve a bigger place in both food and drink! Nice work Elaine!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  October 16, 2016 at 8:52 am
  I agree! Cranberries are so nutritious and they add interest and flavour to any recipe. Thanks for your comment!
  Reply
Markus Mueller
September 21, 2016 at 9:33 am

This looks so good! I am going to try and make home made apple cider this year( maybe even some vinegar) so I can't wait to try this!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  September 21, 2016 at 11:35 am
  Good luck! Let us all know how the apple cider making goes!
  Reply
Shauna
September 21, 2016 at 9:24 am
Oh how I miss red wine, but allergies keep me away 🙁 Your sangria looks beautiful and I bet it's tasty!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  September 21, 2016 at 11:35 am
  Oh, that's sad! No red wine! Thanks for your kind comment!
  Reply
Kimberley | Healthy Life Redesign
September 21, 2016 at 8:22 am

Elaine, this looks amazing! What a perfect sangria recipe for a crisp, sunny fall day. I love the festive flair with the cranberry and cinnamon! I'm very excited to try this.
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  September 21, 2016 at 11:36 am
  Thanks Kimberley! Perfect way to relax after a hike in the mountains . . . or near a gorgeous mountain lake! Hope you're enjoying your new home.
  Reply
Erica
November 24, 2015 at 1:44 pm
I feel like most sangria should be left to refrigerate overnight. Is that necessary for this recipe? I'm making this for Thanksgiving, can't wait! Thank you!
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 24, 2015 at 4:43 pm
  Hi Erica, I agree! It's good right away, but even better if the flavours have a chance to mellow. Happy Thanksgiving!
  Reply
Ginny
November 08, 2015 at 8:03 pm
What type of red wine should I use? Merlot, Pinot , Cabernet???
Reply
- Flavour & Savour
  November 08, 2015 at 8:08 pm
  Hi Ginny,
  It really is a matter of personal preference. I like the deep rich flavour of Merlot. Enjoy!
  Reply
- David Guerrero
  December 15, 2017 at 12:20 am
  You can use a burgundy which is not sweet or you can use a Lambrusco which is a little sweeter
  Reply

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