Paul Kushner
The Thanksgiving Sangria is a bright and flavorful drink that captures all the best tastes of the season. It blends dry white wine, apple cider, brandy, and pumpkin butter for a rich and cozy base. Maple syrup and lemon juice add sweetness and balance, while ginger beer gives it a lively sparkle. Fresh apple and blood orange slices, pomegranate arils, and cinnamon sticks make it as beautiful as it is delicious. Served chilled over ice, this festive sangria is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, fall dinners, or any celebration where you want to share something warm, refreshing, and full of holiday spirit.
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Tasting Notes
Thanksgiving Sangria combines autumnal warmth with crisp, refreshing flavors. The dry white wine provides a light foundation, while apple cider and brandy deepen the drink with cozy richness. Pumpkin butter adds creamy texture and a hint of spice, blending seamlessly with the tart brightness of lemon juice. Maple syrup ties it all together with soft sweetness, and ginger beer lends sparkle and spice. Each sip is layered fruit-forward, gently spiced, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. The garnishes of apple, blood orange, and pomegranate make this sangria as visually inviting as it is flavorful, ideal for seasonal gatherings.
Equipment and Glassware
Making Thanksgiving Sangria requires just a few simple tools. Use a large pitcher or glass carafe for mixing and serving, allowing plenty of room for the fruit and liquid to blend. A long-handled bar spoon helps combine the ingredients without muddling the fruit. A jigger or measuring cup ensures accuracy when adding brandy, pumpkin butter, and other components. For serving, use stemless wine glasses, goblets, or short tumblers anything that showcases the sangria’s colorful presentation. A paring knife and cutting board are essential for slicing fruit, while a fine mesh strainer can be handy if you prefer a smoother texture.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry white wine
- 8 ounces apple cider
- 4 ounces brandy
- 4 ounces pumpkin butter
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- 2 ounces maple syrup
- 12 ounces ginger beer
- 2 apples sliced, for garnish
- 2 blood oranges sliced, for garnish
- pomegranate arils for garnish
- cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, brandy, pumpkin butter, lemon juice, maple syrup, sliced apples, sliced blood oranges, pomegranate arils, and cinnamon sticks.
- Stir well to incorporate all ingredients, then place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill.
- Just before serving, add the ginger beer to the pitcher, stirring gently.
- Fill each glass with ice and pour the sangria over the ice. Top with additional ginger beer, if desired.
- Garnish with a star anise for a festive presentation, and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Chill the sangria for at least one hour before serving to let flavors blend.
- Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for balance.
- Stir pumpkin butter well so it integrates smoothly.
- Add ginger beer just before serving to preserve the fizz.
- For stronger spice, infuse the sangria overnight with cinnamon sticks or cloves.
- Adjust sweetness with more maple syrup or lemon juice to taste.
- Use clear glasses to highlight the colorful fruit and rich amber tones.
- Garnish with a slice of apple or star anise for extra aroma and presentation.
When to Serve
Thanksgiving Sangria is perfect for autumn celebrations, from Thanksgiving dinner to Friendsgiving gatherings and cozy fall weekends. Its combination of spice, fruit, and fizz makes it an excellent welcome drink or festive punch for larger groups. The balance of flavors complements holiday dishes especially roasted turkey, stuffing, and spiced desserts. It’s also a great choice for outdoor fall events or afternoon entertaining, offering both refreshment and seasonal warmth. Whether served as a pre-dinner cocktail or enjoyed throughout the meal, this sangria brings the comforting flavors of fall into every glass.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- White Wine: Use crisp varieties like Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, or Cupcake Chardonnay.
- Brandy: Choose E&J, Christian Brothers, or Korbel for smooth, rich character.
- Apple Cider: Opt for unfiltered or spiced cider such as Martinelli’s or local orchard blends.
- Pumpkin Butter: Trader Joe’s or Stonewall Kitchen offer flavorful, balanced options.
- Maple Syrup: Use 100% pure maple syrup for depth—try Coombs Family Farms or Crown Maple.
- Ginger Beer: Fever-Tree or Bundaberg provide ideal spice and carbonation.
Similar Cocktails
- Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash
- Scarecrow Sour
- Apple Pear Martini
- Spiced Pumpkin Punch
- Pumpkin Spice Gin Sour
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry white wine
- 8 ounces apple cider
- 4 ounces brandy
- 4 ounces pumpkin butter
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- 2 ounces maple syrup
- 12 ounces ginger beer
- 2 apples sliced, for garnish
- 2 blood oranges sliced, for garnish
- pomegranate arils for garnish
- cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, brandy, pumpkin butter, lemon juice, maple syrup, sliced apples, sliced blood oranges, pomegranate arils, and cinnamon sticks.
- Stir well to incorporate all ingredients, then place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill.
- Just before serving, add the ginger beer to the pitcher, stirring gently.
- Fill each glass with ice and pour the sangria over the ice. Top with additional ginger beer, if desired.
- Garnish with a star anise for a festive presentation, and enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a deeper flavor, prepare the sangria a few hours in advance to let the ingredients meld in the fridge.
- Use honeycrisp or gala apples for a sweet and crisp addition.
- Freeze pomegranate arils or apple slices into ice cubes for a decorative and cooling touch.
