Cranberry-Orange Sangria: The Ultimate Holiday Party Drink
As the holiday season approaches, it starts to unfold with a sense of coziness at gatherings, celebrations galore, and some delicious festive drinks. If in the market for a real crowd-pleaser with glamour, taste, and simple to prepare—you just found it: Cranberry-Orange Sangria: Christmas in a Glass. This sangria is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious, and I promise your guests will be going back for seconds. This sangria is the ticket to a memorable celebration, whether you are preparing for an elaborate holiday meal or hosting a low-key gathering.
Why Choose Sangria for Your Holiday Party?
Spain’s favorite drink, sangria, spread its taste around the world. The ability to personalize it by pairing it up with multiple wines or serving it with different fruits makes this drink perfect for every type of celebration. So why are each of these aspects that make sangria the ideal holiday party drink?
- Adaptability: Can use other fruit were applicable and in season.
- Visual Appeal: Its bright colors and look add charm to every table.
- Flavour Fusion: A perfect balance between the richness of wine and fruits, fresh taste.
- Simple to Prepare: Can be prepared in advance in large quantities, allowing you to spend time at the party with your guests.
We bring this classic cocktail up a notch with our Cranberry-Orange Sangria, which brightens it up for the holidays with tart cranberries and citrusy oranges.
Ingredients: The Heart of Your Sangria
To create sangria that’s both flavorful and visually stunning, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 1 Orange, Halved & Thinly Sliced
Adds citrusy brightness and a pop of color.
- 1 Apple, Quartered & Thinly Sliced
Introduces a subtle sweetness and crisp texture.
- 1/2 Cup Cranberries (Fresh or Frozen)
Provides a tart flavor and festive flair.
- 32 oz. Cranberry Juice
Enhances the cranberry flavor and deepens the color.
- 750 ml Bottle Zinfandel (or Fruity Red Wine)
Forms the base of the sangria, offering rich, fruity undertones.
- 1 Cup Simple Syrup
Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 Cup Orange Liqueur
Infuses a smooth, citrusy depth.
- Ice Cubes
Keeps the sangria chilled and refreshing.
Optional Garnishes
- Thinly Sliced Oranges, Apples, and Fresh Cranberries
Adds an elegant finishing touch and extra flavor bursts.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Crafting the Perfect Cranberry-Orange Sangria
Creating this exquisite sangria is straightforward, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure your sangria turns out perfectly every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Servings: 8-10 glasses
Ingredients
- 1 orange, halved & thinly sliced
- 1 apple, quartered & thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 32 oz cranberry juice
- 750 ml bottle zinfandel (or fruity red wine)
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 1/2 cup orange liqueur
- Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
- Thinly sliced oranges
- Thinly sliced apples
- Fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits
Start by thoroughly washing the orange, apple, and cranberries. Thinly slice the orange and apple to ensure they infuse well into the sangria. If using fresh cranberries, make sure they’re ripe and juicy; if using frozen, thaw them slightly to release their flavor.
- Combine Ingredients
In a large, clean pitcher, add the sliced orange, sliced apple, and cranberries. Pour in the cranberry juice, zinfandel, simple syrup, and orange liqueur. Stir gently to combine all the flavors without crushing the fruits.
- Chill Overnight
Seal the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a harmonious and rich sangria.
- Serve Over Ice
When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled sangria over the top. Garnish with additional slices of orange, apple, and a few fresh cranberries for an extra festive touch.
- Enjoy Responsibly
Raise a glass to the holidays and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors with your loved ones.
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of sparkling water or club soda when serving to give your sangria a refreshing fizz.
