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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Cranberry Apple Sangria

drinks· Fall Flavors· Holiday Favorites
November 27, 2023

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Cranberry Apple Sangria – Tempranillo wine mixed with brandy, apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger ale and served with diced apples and cranberries

photo of two glasses of sangria with the pitcher in the background

I looooove sangria. One of my favorite restaurants is a tapas bar with the most incredible red sangria. If I’m not careful. I can finish off the pitcher all by myself!

I have made many different types of sangria (with many of those recipes here on the blog) but, to my surprise, I have never made a red sangria at home. Well, that all changes today! This Cranberry Apple Sangria is made with the classic Tempranillo wine, which is what the Spanish use in their classic red sangria. What makes this sangria stand out from the classic is the spiced apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger ale.

Here is my Cranberry Apple Sangria!

cranberry apple sangria in short glasses with a rosemary garnish
close up of cranberry apple sangria to show all the fruit
overhead shot of cranberry apple sangria in 3 glasses

Tips & Tricks

  1. Any apples work fine. You can use any apples that you prefer for dicing and adding to the sangria. I liked the color of the Granny Smith apples but they aren’t a must if you prefer another variety.
  2. Unsweetened cranberry juice. This sangria is already sweet enough so we don’t want to make it sickly sweet by also using cranberry juice cocktail. Make sure you buy the unsweetened cranberry juice!
  3. Add the ginger ale last. Since the ginger ale is carbonated, it should not be stirred, since that can make it flat. Before serving, add in the ginger ale as the final step.
  4. Tempranillo wine. This wine is the classic red wine used in sangria. It makes all the difference! Luckily, grocery stores have started carrying it so you shouldn’t have trouble finding it.
rosemary and cranberries garnish with the picture of cranberry apple sangria
wide horizontal shot of cranberry apple sangria in glasses
Print Recipe

Cranberry Apple Sangria

Prep Time10 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ cup brandy liquor
  • 1 750 mL bottle Tempranillo rioja wine
  • 1½ cups spiced apple cider
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 8 ounces ginger ale
  • 2 small apples diced
  • ¾ cup fresh cranberries

Instructions

  • Add sugar and brandy to a pitcher. Stir to dissolved the sugar. Add bottle of Tempranillo, apple cider, and unsweetened cranberry juice to mixture. Stir together. Add diced apples and cranberries. Finish by adding ginger ale.
  • I like enjoying this sangria without ice, but you can serve over ice, if you prefer.

Pin for later:

pin of cranberry apple sangria

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30 Comments

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Comments

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  2. labubu-adventure says

    August 10, 2025 at 3:36 am

    This Cranberry Apple Sangria sounds amazing!

    Reply
  3. sassa status check says

    July 23, 2025 at 1:53 am

    Each paragraph unfolds with such grace. You’ve structured this article like a quiet journey, full of insight and care for the one reading it.

    Reply
  4. Color Changer says

    July 22, 2025 at 10:11 pm

    I can’t wait to try this sangria recipe! It sounds refreshing and festive. As a side note, if you have any images of your drink, there’s an awesome free online tool I use to change colors in images that you might find handy—perfect for enhancing your photos: an awesome free online tool I use to change colors in images.

    Reply
  5. Pantone Colors Chart says

    July 22, 2025 at 10:07 pm

    This recipe sounds like the perfect blend for a cozy gathering! I can already imagine the lovely aroma filling the room. By the way, if you’re ever curious about color palettes for your party decor, there’s a cool Pantone Colors Chart I stumbled upon that helps find just the right shades—definitely worth a look: a cool Pantone Colors Chart I stumbled upon.

    Reply
  6. Syloon says

    July 22, 2025 at 9:57 pm

    Wow, this Cranberry Apple Sangria sounds absolutely delightful! I love how you combined spiced apple cider and cranberry juice; that must give it such a fantastic flavor. Just a little tip: if you’re looking for some cute stationery to jot down your recipes, I found a great site that really specializes in that kind of stuff—check it out here: a great site that really specializes in that kind of stuff.

    Reply
  7. nadir says

    February 11, 2025 at 4:58 am

    For an extra layer of warmth, consider adding star anise pods and whole cloves during the chilling process. Remember to remove these spices before serving to prevent the flavors from becoming too intense. granny

    Reply
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  9. 2048cupcakes says

    August 20, 2024 at 2:46 am

    The use of Tempranillo wine adds an authentic touch, staying true to the Spanish roots of sangria, while the addition of ginger ale gives it a light, fizzy finish. The emphasis on using unsweetened cranberry juice to balance the sweetness shows attention to detail, ensuring a well-rounded flavor. This recipe seems like a must-try for sangria lovers looking to celebrate the holidays with a flavorful, seasonal twist.

    Reply
  10. five nights at freddy's says

    July 2, 2024 at 6:25 am

    I cannot thank you enough for your care and knowledge. Thank you for being an excellent source of inspiration.

    Reply
  11. granny games says

    June 22, 2024 at 4:00 am

    This was a big hit on Thanksgiving. I just made a batch for my husband and me because it’s so good!

    Reply
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    June 21, 2024 at 10:18 pm

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  13. that's not my neighbor says

    April 25, 2024 at 2:33 am

    Your Cranberry Apple Sangria recipe looks delightful!

    Reply
  14. Hayley says

    December 4, 2023 at 4:31 am

    Perfect festive drink, refreshing and delicious. I’m sure my guests and family will love it. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  15. Veronika says

    December 4, 2023 at 2:18 am

    What a fun Christmas cocktail! I’ll definitely be making this for our holiday parties, I’ve never made a festive sangria!

    Reply
  16. Katie Crenshaw says

    December 3, 2023 at 7:07 pm

    This cranberry apple sangria is so festive for December. It has a lovely flavor. It is perfect for the holidays.

    Reply
  17. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

    December 3, 2023 at 3:51 pm

    Such a beautiful and festive drink! It’s perfect for the season! I’m hosting Christmas brunch for the ladies this year and this needs to be on the menu! This is a definite keeper!

    Reply
  18. Erin says

    December 3, 2023 at 3:24 pm

    This sangria was so tasty and easy to make! I’m going to make it again for Christmas. Thanks!

    Reply
  19. Tristin says

    December 3, 2023 at 12:09 pm

    Wow, this drink is really stunning! Can’t wait to surprise my guests with it on Christmas.

    Reply
  20. Jacqueline Debono says

    December 3, 2023 at 6:56 am

    This sangria is definitely going to be what I give guests this Christmas. I tried out a small batch and wow, so good!

    Reply
  21. Tammy says

    December 1, 2023 at 4:50 pm

    What a gorgeous holiday drink! This sounds so refreshing…I love the sweet/tart combo! Definitely need to make these for the holiday parties!

    Reply
  22. Sharon says

    November 28, 2023 at 8:30 pm

    What a beautiful and festive drink, I will need to buy some more cranberries ASAP. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
  23. Anjali says

    November 28, 2023 at 8:14 pm

    This is such a fun and festive drink! I made it when we had our family over for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it!

    Reply
  24. Sara Welch says

    November 28, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    This was such a bold and refreshing cocktail that does not disappoint! Fun, festive and delicious; easily, a new favorite drink!

    Reply
  25. Chenee says

    November 28, 2023 at 7:29 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing! This will be perfect for Christmas!

    Reply
  26. Colleen says

    November 28, 2023 at 2:12 pm

    This is a beautiful, festive and cozy sangria. We are hosting a neighborhood holiday gathering this weekend and I am definitely looking forward to making a batch of this. Thank you!

    Reply
  27. Alexandra says

    November 27, 2023 at 8:11 pm

    Delicious and refreshing, and the perfect drink to prepare for a crowd. We will definitely be serving this at our upcoming Christmas parties. Cheers!

    Reply
  28. Yu says

    November 27, 2023 at 7:40 pm

    I love sangria, too! This recipe is truly delicious; I especially love the “fruity taste.” Now, I can make it myself without the need to go to a restaurant again. Thanks for this recipe.

    Reply
    • sana says

      February 11, 2025 at 4:57 am

      Cranberry Apple Sangria is a delightful and festive beverage that combines the crisp flavors of apples and the tartness of cranberries, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or cozy fall evenings. This refreshing drink not only pleases the palate but also adds a vibrant touch to any occasion. septle

      Reply

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Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

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