Cran-Apple Holiday Sangria

Cran-Apple Holiday Sangria is a festive and flavorful cocktail that combines the rich flavors of red wine, apple cider, cranberry syrup, and a hint of bourbon. This refreshing sangria is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart notes with a touch of warmth from the bourbon. Garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a cinnamon stick, this cranberry apple sangria is sure to be a standout at your next celebration.

Cran-Apple Holiday Sangria

A festive sangria with red wine, apple cider, cranberry syrup, and optional bourbon, perfect for holiday gatherings.

4.93 from 90 votes
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz cranberries
  • 3/4 oz sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 5 oz red wine (I used a red blend)
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 oz cranberry syrup
  • 1/4 oz bourbon (optional, but delicious)
  • 1 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 apple, diced
  • Sparkling water (like LaCroix)
  • Fresh rosemary sprig or cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a small pot over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until cranberries are softened, about 15 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl to obtain cranberry syrup. Let the syrup cool.
  4. In a pitcher, combine red wine, apple cider, cranberry syrup, bourbon, cranberries, and diced apple.
  5. Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  6. To serve, pour the sangria over ice, filling about 3/4 full, and then top with sparkling water.
  7. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig or cinnamon stick.