Cranberry Orange Sangria

A Cranberry Orange Sangria brings a bright and cheerful feel to any holiday gathering. The mix of citrus, cranberry, and white wine creates a refreshing winter cocktail that looks festive in the pitcher and tastes clean without feeling heavy.

I first made this holiday cocktail during a simple dinner at home. The frozen cranberries floated to the top, the orange slices added color, and the whole kitchen smelled fresh. Before anyone even tasted it, they asked what it was because it looked so lively on the counter.

What I enjoy most about this Cranberry Orange Sangria is how quickly it mixes. You pour everything into a pitcher, stir, and let the flavors settle. It is an easy choice during busy December nights.

Why You’ll Love This

A Cranberry Orange Sangria balances sweet, tart, and citrus notes in a way that feels refreshing from the first sip. It works for big holiday parties, potlucks, brunch gatherings, or quiet evenings when you want something light.

Here are a few key benefits:

• Simple prep with no complicated steps
• Easily serves large groups
• Balanced sweetness, bright citrus flavors
• Frozen cranberries keep it chilled without dilution
• Pairs well with many white wine styles
• Convenient to make ahead
• Perfect make-ahead holiday drink for busy hosts

Once you try it, you will see why this sangria becomes a steady part of your holiday cocktail list.

Ingredients

This Cranberry Orange Sangria blends fruit juices, wine, and fresh fruit for a drink that feels refreshing without being too sweet. Each part adds something steady to the final flavor.

You will need

• 1 bottle white wine
• 8 oz tequila
• 8 oz cranberry juice
• 2 oz triple sec
• 2 oz orange juice
• 2 oz simple syrup
• 2 cups frozen cranberries
• 1 orange sliced

White wine forms the base and keeps the drink crisp. Tequila adds wintery warmth. Cranberry juice supplies color and tartness. Triple sec enriches the orange notes. Orange juice softens the flavors. Simple syrup balances tartness. Frozen cranberries chill the pitcher like ice cubes.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choose smooth spirits and a wine that complements citrus. You don’t need top-shelf bottles, but good brands help balance the sangria.

• Sauvignon Blanc, crisp and bright
• Pinot Grigio, softer with clean fruit notes
• Espolòn Blanco, mild tequila that blends well
• Milagro Silver, smooth and light
• Cointreau for strong citrus character
• Triple sec for a more budget-friendly option

For a sweeter sangria, use Moscato. For a sharper sip, choose a dry Sauvignon Blanc. If you want a lighter drink, skip the tequila and add sparkling water right before serving.

Equipment and Glassware

This sangria recipe stays simple because it uses tools you already have in your kitchen. Nothing fancy is required, just the basics. It makes the whole mixing process easy and relaxed.

Helpful items

• Pitcher
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Rocks Glass

A clear pitcher works best because it shows off the colors of the oranges and cranberries.

How to Make It

A Cranberry Orange Sangria is one of the easiest holiday cocktails to prepare. You mix everything in a pitcher and either serve it right away or let it chill to deepen the flavors.

1. Add the white wine, tequila, cranberry juice, triple sec, orange juice, and simple syrup to a large pitcher.
2. Stir gently so all the ingredients blend.
3. Add frozen cranberries and orange slices.
4. Serve immediately or chill for 1 to 2 hours.
5. Pour into glasses and enjoy.

If the sangria feels too tart, add a bit more simple syrup. If you want more citrus, squeeze in a fresh orange.

Pro Tips

These simple adjustments help your Cranberry Orange Sangria taste smooth and balanced every time.

• Chill your liquids ahead of time
• Taste before resting, it deepens as it sits
• Use fresh orange juice for a cleaner taste
• Add extra cranberries to keep it cold
• Use a dry wine if you prefer a sharper finish
• Add simple syrup slowly while adjusting the sweetness
• Garnish glasses with an orange wheel for a nice touch
• Keep the sangria cold before serving

Once you know your preferred balance, you can easily adjust the fruit or sweetness.

Variations

You can shift this holiday sangria toward sweeter, sharper, or lighter flavors depending on what you enjoy.

• Sparkling sangria, add sparkling water to each glass
• Rosé sangria, swap the white wine for rosé
• Apple cranberry sangria, add thin apple slices
• Berry sangria, mix in raspberries or blueberries
• Zero proof version, use sparkling cider and extra cranberry juice

These variations keep the drink’s bright feel while adding something new.

When to Serve and Pairings

This winter cocktail fits many holiday settings. It works for brunch, cookie exchanges, Christmas Eve dinners, potlucks, or relaxed nights at home.

Some pairing ideas

• Cheese boards
• Turkey sliders
• Citrus desserts
• Cranberry bars
• Light appetizers
• Vanilla pastries

Its citrus and cranberry notes pair well with sweet and savory snacks.

Storage and Serving Notes

This sangria stores well for several hours in the fridge. If you want to prepare it ahead of time for a party, mix the liquids and fruit and keep the pitcher chilled. Add more frozen cranberries right before serving to keep it cold without watering it down. Avoid storing leftovers for more than a day, as the fruit will soften.

If you are hosting a large crowd, double the recipe and serve it from a beverage dispenser.

FAQs

Can I use red wine?
You can, but the flavor and color will change. White wine keeps the drink bright.

Can I skip the tequila?
Yes. The sangria still tastes great without it.

Can I make it sweeter?
Add more simple syrup or use a sweeter wine like Moscato.

Do frozen cranberries water it down?
No. They melt slowly and help keep the sangria cold.

How long should it chill?
One to two hours gives the best flavor.

More Cocktails to Try

If you liked this Cranberry Orange Sangria, here are more holiday cocktails with bright and refreshing flavors.

• White Christmas Sangria: Crisp citrus sangria with a soft winter touch
• Cranberry Apple Spice Mule: Ginger mule with warm cranberry apple flavor
• Holly Jolly Mimosa: Bright citrus mimosa with a cheerful holiday feel
• Winter Aperol Spritz: Light citrus spritz with a cool winter twist
• Berry Cherry Sangria: Sweet berry sangria with a smooth cherry finish