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Perfect Cranberry Orange Thanksgiving Sangria Recipe

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A quick and easy sangria made with red wine, cranberry juice, fresh oranges, and warm spices like cinnamon and star anise. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering, this crowd-pleasing drink balances tart and sweet flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or fruity Pinot Noir)
  • 1 cup 100% pure cranberry juice (unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed or good quality store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup triple sec or orange liqueur (e.g., Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, no need to thaw)
  • 2 medium oranges (1 for juicing, 1 for slicing)
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons simple syrup (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (optional, for fizz)

Instructions

  1. Wash cranberries and pick out any soft or shriveled ones. Slice one orange into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick), then cut rounds in half if desired. Juice the second orange into a small bowl (should yield about 1/4 to 1/3 cup juice). Set aside.
  2. If making homemade simple syrup: combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves completely (about 3 minutes). Let cool to room temperature.
  3. Pour the bottle of red wine into a large pitcher (2-quart capacity). Add cranberry juice, fresh orange juice, and triple sec. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to combine.
  4. Add fresh cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise (if using). Stir gently again.
  5. Add 2 tablespoons simple syrup and stir. Taste and add more simple syrup if desired (up to 1 more tablespoon). Remember that fruit will release sweetness as it sits.
  6. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight (up to 24 hours).
  7. When ready to serve, give the sangria a gentle stir. If using sparkling water or club soda, pour it in and stir once more. Fill glasses with ice, then pour sangria over ice, making sure each glass gets some fruit. Use a slotted spoon to distribute fruit.

Notes

For best flavor, let sangria rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. If storing for more than 24 hours, remove orange slices after 24 hours to prevent bitterness. Add sparkling water just before serving for fizz. Use a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel; avoid expensive or heavily oaked wines. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange sangria, Thanksgiving sangria, holiday punch, red wine sangria, easy sangria recipe, fall cocktail

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/perfect-cranberry-orange-thanksgiving-sangria-recipe/