There’s nothing quite like the warm, festive cheer of a glass filled with bright cranberries and crisp apples swirling in sweet wine and cider. This Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe brings all those holiday vibes into one easy, crowd-pleasing pitcher you’ll want on repeat.

A clear round glass filled with deep red liquid with several red cranberries and thin orange slices floating inside; the glass rim is coated with green sugar crystals and topped with a cinnamon stick and a small sprig of green rosemary. The glass sits on a white coaster with a gold edge, which is placed on a round wooden board. In the background, parts of similar glasses with the same red drink and garnishes are visible, all set on a white marbled surface with scattered cranberries and green leaves nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe because it’s the perfect balance of seasonal flavors without being complicated. I make it whenever friends come over during the holidays and it’s always the first drink to disappear.

User-Friendly Ingredients: You don’t have to hunt for anything fancy—simply grab fresh fruits, a bottle of red wine, some apple cider, and a few pantry staples.
Make-Ahead Magic: It’s even better after chilling a few hours or overnight, so you can prep in advance and spend more time enjoying the party.
Festive Flair: The fresh rosemary and cinnamon sticks make it feel holiday-special and add subtle aroma without overpowering the drink.
Flexible & Fun: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a holiday gathering, you can easily adapt it with your favorite wines or extra fruits to suit your taste.

Three clear round glasses filled with a deep red drink sit on white coasters with gold edges, placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each glass has a green sugar-edged rim, floating red cranberries, orange slices, and a cinnamon stick with a sprig of rosemary for garnish. Scattered cranberries and small green pine branches surround the scene, with a red candle and festive decorations in the blurred background. The setting has a cozy, holiday feel, and the photo was taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

With just a handful of ingredients, this Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe combines bright, tart, and sweet flavors that balance beautifully. Here’s why each element is a star:

Flat lay of fresh apple slices arranged neatly beside a bright whole navel orange and thin orange slices, a small cluster of plump fresh cranberries, a few vibrant green rosemary sprigs, whole cinnamon sticks laid in parallel, small white ceramic bowls containing golden honey and pale yellow lemon juice, a white ceramic bowl filled with amber unfiltered apple cider, and another white bowl holding deep red unsweetened cranberry juice, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apple slices: Crisp and slightly sweet, they add refreshing texture and hold their flavor after chilling.
Fresh or frozen cranberries: Tart and vibrant, they keep the sangria looking festive and add pops of color.
Navel orange & orange slices: Their sweet citrus notes brighten up the drink and add subtle tang.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: This fragrant herb lifts the flavors with an earthy aroma that screams holiday.
Honey: Natural sweetness that blends perfectly with tart fruit juices and balances the acidity.
Lemon juice: Adds lively acidity to keep the sangria crisp and refreshing.
Cinnamon sticks: Infuse a warm, cozy spice without making the drink overly strong.
Unfiltered apple cider: Brings depth and authentic apple flavor—a must-use for the best results.
Unsweetened 100% cranberry juice: Ensures a bold cranberry flavor that's not too sugary.
Sweet red wine: The base of the sangria, I go for a fruity, smooth bottle like a Lambrusco or a medium-bodied Merlot.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing with this festive sangria by swapping out fruits or herbs depending on the year or what I have on hand. You can easily tailor it to your style, which makes it fun to make it 'yours.'

Variation: One year, I added pomegranate seeds for an extra jewel-like pop and subtle crunch, which my guests adored.
Dietary modification: For a lighter version, try a dry rosé instead of red wine and decrease the honey slightly.
Seasonal twist: Swap fresh rosemary for thyme or add a few star anise pods for a different fragrance.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Fresh Fruits

Start by placing sliced apples, fresh or frozen cranberries, and orange slices into a large pitcher or punch bowl. I like to slice the apples thinly so they soak up more flavor and look pretty floating on top!

Step 2: Pour in the Liquids & Stir

Next, pour in your bottle of sweet red wine, followed by the unsweetened cranberry juice, unfiltered apple cider, lemon juice, and honey. Give everything a good stir so the honey dissolves completely and the liquids blend well.

Step 3: Garnish and Chill

Place fresh rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks on top—not just for flavor but they make the sangria look absolutely festive. Pop the whole thing into the fridge for at least an hour. Overnight is even better; flavors meld perfectly that way.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

When ready to serve, give the sangria a gentle stir, scoop some fruit into each glass, and pour. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Pro tip: Use a ladle if serving from a punch bowl to keep it neat!

Top Tip

Having made this sangria multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the flavor and experience. These tips can save you some guesswork and help you impress your guests with every pour.

Chill Longer for Depth: Let the mixture rest overnight if possible; the fruit absorbs the wine and cider, making each sip more flavorful.
Honey Dissolving Hack: Warm the honey slightly before mixing, so it blends smoothly without settling at the bottom.
Keep it Fresh: Add fruit just before serving if you want the apples to stay crisp instead of softening in the fridge.
Don’t Skip the Garnish: Those rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks not only make it look festive but subtly infuse aroma as you sip.

How to Serve Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe

cranberry apple sangria - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When friends come over, I pile on a few extra garnishes — fresh rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and sometimes a few cranberries floated in the glass. They make the drinks pop visually and add little bursts of flavor.

Side Dishes

I personally love pairing this sangria with cheese boards loaded with sharp cheddar, mild brie, dried fruits, and nuts. It’s also fantastic alongside holiday appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or savory tarts.

Creative Ways to Present

For big gatherings, try serving this Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe in a large glass punch bowl with festive ice cubes—think frozen cranberries or small apple slices frozen in water. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the party, just cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, but I honestly haven’t had leftovers last that long because it tastes so good.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this sangria since the fresh fruits and carbonation from juices don’t freeze well and can alter the texture and flavor upon thawing.

Reheating

Sangria is best served cold, so I don’t reheat it. If you prefer a warm version, however, gently warm the cider and cranberry juice with cinnamon and serve mulled wine-style instead.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of wine for this sangria?

You can, but I recommend a sweet or semi-sweet red wine like Merlot, Zinfandel, or Lambrusco. They complement the fruit and spices without overpowering the delicate balance. Avoid super dry wines, as the sangria benefits from a bit of natural sweetness.

How long should I let the sangria chill?

At least an hour to let the flavors marry, but I always recommend chilling it overnight if you have time. This allows the fruit to soak up the wine and juice, deepening the flavor and making the drink taste more cohesive and delicious.

Can I make this sangria without alcohol?

Yes! Substitute the red wine with a non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice or a blend of black grape and cranberry juices for a festive mocktail version. Keep the other ingredients the same for that holiday flavor with zero alcohol.

What’s the best way to serve sangria at a party?

Serve it in a large punch bowl with plenty of festive garnishes like rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks. Include a ladle and fun glasses so guests can help themselves. Adding ice cubes with frozen cranberries or apple slices makes it extra special and keeps drinks cold without diluting them quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Cranberry Apple Sangria Recipe has become such a holiday staple in my house because it’s effortless, festive, and hits all those cozy notes we crave this time of year. You really can’t go wrong with this one—give it a whirl for your next gathering, and I bet it’ll become your go-to celebration drink too. Cheers to making memories and sipping something delicious!