Cranberry Orange Sangria: A Festive Fruit-Infused Drink

Cranberry orange sangria brings together the rich fruitiness of red wine, the bright flavour of fresh orange and the sharp sweetness of cranberry. It is easy to prepare ahead, making it a colourful choice for festive gatherings, dinner parties or a relaxed evening with friends.

The fruit has time to infuse the wine as the sangria chills, while a splash of sparkling water added just before serving keeps it light and refreshing. Adjust the sweetness to suit your taste, especially if using sweetened cranberry juice.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 1 bottle (750 ml) medium-bodied red wine
• 250 ml cranberry juice
• 60 ml brandy or orange liqueur
• 2 oranges, thinly sliced
• 100 g fresh cranberries
• 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1–2 tablespoons caster sugar, to taste
• 150 ml sparkling water or lemonade, chilled
• Ice, to serve

How to make cranberry orange sangria

1. Add the orange slices, cranberries and apple to a large jug.
2. Pour in the red wine, cranberry juice and brandy or orange liqueur. Stir in the sugar, starting with one tablespoon and adding more if needed.
3. Cover the jug and refrigerate for at least two hours. This gives the fruit time to flavour the drink.
4. Just before serving, stir in the chilled sparkling water or lemonade.
5. Serve over ice, making sure each glass gets a little fruit.

Tips for the best sangria

Choose a fruity red wine that you enjoy drinking on its own; there is no need to use an expensive bottle. If the cranberry juice is sweetened, taste the mixture before adding sugar. For a less sweet version, use unsweetened cranberry juice and sparkling water rather than lemonade.

For extra citrus flavour, add a few strips of orange zest. You can also swap the apple for pear, or use sparkling apple juice instead of lemonade. Add the fizzy ingredient at the last minute so the sangria stays lively.

Make-ahead and serving suggestions

The wine, juice, spirits and fruit can be mixed several hours ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Add the sparkling water or lemonade only when ready to serve. Sangria is best enjoyed on the day it is made, while the fruit is fresh and the flavours are bright.

Serve cranberry orange sangria alongside savoury appetisers, a cheeseboard or a festive meal. As it contains alcohol, serve it responsibly and offer a non-alcoholic option for guests who would prefer one.

Top 5 FAQs About Cranberry Orange Sangria: Ingredients, Preparation, and Storage

1. What ingredients do you need to make cranberry orange sangria?
2. How far ahead can you make cranberry orange sangria?
3. What type of wine is best for cranberry orange sangria?
4. Can you make cranberry orange sangria without alcohol?
5. How long does cranberry orange sangria keep in the fridge?

What ingredients do you need to make cranberry orange sangria?

To make cranberry orange sangria, you’ll need a bottle of medium-bodied red wine, cranberry juice, brandy or orange liqueur, fresh oranges, cranberries and an apple. Add a little caster sugar to taste, then finish with chilled sparkling water or lemonade just before serving. Serve over ice.

How far ahead can you make cranberry orange sangria?

You can prepare the wine, cranberry juice, spirit and fruit up to 24 hours ahead, then cover and chill the mixture in the fridge so the flavours have time to develop. For the freshest taste, add sparkling water or lemonade just before serving to keep it fizzy. It’s best enjoyed within a day of making.

What type of wine is best for cranberry orange sangria?

A fruity, medium-bodied red wine is ideal for cranberry orange sangria, as it complements the tart cranberries and bright citrus without overpowering them. Try a Merlot, Garnacha or Tempranillo, and choose a bottle you enjoy drinking on its own—there’s no need to use an expensive wine. If you prefer a lighter, crisper sangria, a dry rosé also works well.

Can you make cranberry orange sangria without alcohol?

Yes, cranberry orange sangria is easy to make without alcohol. Replace the red wine with chilled cranberry juice, alcohol-free red wine or a mixture of grape juice and sparkling water, and leave out the brandy or orange liqueur. Add the orange slices, fresh cranberries and apple, then chill for a couple of hours so the flavours can mingle. Stir in sparkling water just before serving for a refreshing fizz, and adjust the sweetness to taste.

How long does cranberry orange sangria keep in the fridge?

Cranberry orange sangria will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in a covered jug or airtight container. For the freshest flavour, add sparkling water or lemonade just before serving, and remove the fruit after a day if it starts to soften or affect the taste. Keep it chilled and discard it if its smell, appearance or flavour seems unusual.