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Ultimate Festive Red Holiday Sangria with Cranberry and Spiced Orange

A clear glass pitcher filled with vibrant red holiday sangria, loaded with orange slices, cranberries, apple pieces, and cinnamon sticks.
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Make this easy, make-ahead Holiday Sangria recipe to serve a crowd at your Christmas or New Year’s gathering. It features seasonal fruits and warm spices for a beautiful, flavorful punch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda (for serving)
  • Ice for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the red wine, apple cider, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Add the sliced orange, sliced apple, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks to the wine mixture.
  3. Cover the pitcher tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fruit flavors to infuse the wine. This step is key for the best flavor.
  4. When ready to serve your festive wine punch, remove the cinnamon sticks.
  5. Fill glasses with ice. Pour the sangria mixture into each glass, ensuring each serving gets some fruit.
  6. Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for effervescence.
  7. Serve this crowd pleasing pitcher drink immediately.

Notes

  • For a beautiful presentation, garnish the punch bowl with fresh rosemary sprigs alongside the fruit.
  • If you prefer a lighter drink, reduce the brandy to 1/4 cup.
  • This recipe is 100% make-ahead friendly, which helps with easy holiday entertaining.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/best-holiday-sangria-recipe-cranberry-orange/