This delightful Cranberry Orange Sangria comes together in about 15 minutes and is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing drink that’s perfect for any gathering. It’s so easy, you’ll want to whip it up for weeknight meals or while entertaining friends on the weekends. Plus, feel free to switch up the fruits; use what you’ve got on hand or even get creative and let your taste buds guide you!
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to create this gorgeous, refreshing Cranberry Orange Sangria:
- 1 bottle fruity red wine: A Merlot or Pinot Noir works great, but you can also try your favorite red blend.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: Typically available during the fall and winter months. If you can’t find fresh, frozen cranberries can do the trick!
- 2 oranges, sliced: Their bright citrus flavor adds a lovely tartness and an aromatic touch.
- 1/4 cup brandy: This elevates the sangria’s flavor profile. If brandy isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute with orange liqueur like Grand Marnier.
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional): Adjust based on your sweet tooth. If you’re using sweeter fruits, you might not need any!
- 2 cups soda water or lemon-lime soda: For some bubbly goodness! It adds a refreshing fizz.
- Other favorite fruits (optional): Think apples, berries, or even pineapple, let your imagination run wild!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s Get Cooking!
Prepare your pitcher. In a large pitcher, combine the fruity red wine, fresh cranberries, sliced oranges, and brandy. As you pour the wine in, take a moment to appreciate the rich color, it’s like a cozy sweater for your taste buds.
Sweeten it up. If desired, add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved. You might notice the cranberries start to release their flavorful juices. This is a good sign, it’s getting even tastier!
Chill out. Pop the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. But you can also let it sit longer if you have time, it only gets better!
Bubbles, please! Just before serving, add in the soda water or lemon-lime soda for that fizz. The bubbling sound? That’s just the happiness of your drink coming to life.
Serve it up. Grab a glass, fill it with ice, and pour in the sangria. You can even garnish each glass with additional slices of orange or a handful of cranberries for a lovely presentation.
And there you have it your homemade Cranberry Orange Sangria that’s not only beautiful but also packed with flavor!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to sangria recipe when I want to impress my friends with minimal effort (and honestly, who doesn’t love a good sangria?). I’m a real sucker for fruity drinks, especially ones that are super simple to whip up. The best part is that you can switch out the fruits based on what’s in season or even what’s rolling around in your fridge, that keeps the freshness going! My kids even love it (sans alcohol, of course), and it’s a fun way to introduce them to new flavors!
If you loved this Cranberry Orange Sangria, be sure to check out my Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini, my Holiday Punch with Sherbet, or my Honey Pear Margarita No Alcohol!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This sangria comes together in under 15 minutes, and with the chilling time, you can spend that waiting time lounging around or prepping finger foods. This is the perfect quick and easy recipe for unexpected guests!
Customizable
You can use whatever ingredients you have! Whether you’re working with apples, pears, or even tropical fruits like mango, feel free to get creative. This makes it a weeknight meal winner because you’re not tied down to a specific grocery list.
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients makes this a recipe you can enjoy all year round without breaking the bank. Bottles of wine can vary in price, but I often find great options under $10 that work beautifully here!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Sangria
Cranberry Orange Sangria is best enjoyed chilled right after it’s made. Serve it in a wine glass with ice, and garnish with additional slices of fruit for a touch of class! It’s perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in.
Storage
If you have leftovers (which can be rare!), store the sangria in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just know that the fizz will fade the longer it sits, so if you plan to have leftovers, consider keeping the soda separate and adding it prior to serving!
Reheating Instructions
Honestly, sangria is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just enjoy it nice and chilled. It keeps well in the fridge and maintains its flavors beautifully over a few days.
Freezer Friendly
This recipe doesn’t really lend itself to freezing as the texture and fizz won’t be the same after thawing. It’s always best fresh, so make it just before you plan to serve!
Final Thoughts
Elegant yet easy, this Cranberry Orange Sangria is a vibrant drink that will spice up any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering or just enjoying a quiet night at home, it’s sure to be a hit! Plus, the vibrant color and refreshing taste are too good to pass up.
I can guarantee that once you’ve made this sangria once, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the good times roll!
And remember, food is all about connecting with flavor and creating memories togetherso get into that kitchen and whip up a batch of this refreshing sangria!
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Print
Cranberry Orange Sangria
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Cranberry Orange Sangria comes together in about 15 minutes and is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing drink perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle fruity red wine (Merlot or Pinot Noir)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 1/4 cup brandy (or orange liqueur like Grand Marnier)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
- 2 cups soda water or lemon-lime soda
- Other favorite fruits (optional, like apples or berries)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the fruity red wine, fresh cranberries, sliced oranges, and brandy.
- If desired, add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, add the soda water or lemon-lime soda.
- Serve over ice, garnished with additional slices of orange or a handful of cranberries if desired.
Notes
Best enjoyed chilled right after it’s made. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without the fizz.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
