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Festive Cranberry Sangria for Holiday Gatherings

Close-up of a tall glass filled with bubbly cranberry sangria, garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
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Make this easy holiday sangria using red wine, brandy, and fresh citrus fruits. It is a perfect make ahead holiday cocktail for your next party.

Ingredients

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  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (like Merlot or Zinfandel)
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup triple sec or orange liqueur
  • 1 cup cranberry juice, unsweetened
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 large apple (Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (for serving)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, triple sec, cranberry juice, sliced orange, chopped apple, and whole cranberries.
  2. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, stir in the granulated sugar until it dissolves completely.
  3. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the fruit flavors to infuse the wine properly.
  4. When ready to serve, taste the sangria and adjust sweetness if needed.
  5. Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice. Top each serving with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for effervescence.
  6. Garnish each glass with a fresh orange slice or a few extra cranberries.

Notes

  • For a lower-sugar option, omit the added sugar and use a dry white wine instead of red.
  • To make a non-alcoholic cranberry punch, substitute the wine and liquor with 4 cups of cranberry juice blend and 2 cups of white grape juice.
  • If using sparkling wine instead of still wine, add it just before serving to retain the bubbles.
  • This recipe works well with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot, which pairs well with the tart cranberry flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/cranberry-sangria-recipe-easy-holiday-punch/