Thanksgiving Sangria, also known as Red Wine Apple Cider Sangria, is my favorite beverage to serve for the holidays. Tons of seasonal flavor with a boozy kick and served big batch style so no one has to play bartender.
To be honest, most sangria's are too sweet for me. This one though? Definitely not. Thanksgiving Sangria still has fruit and sweetness, but the dry red wine base and fall seasonal flavors balance it out. Mix up a batch for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other party you have this time of year and allow your guests to serve themselves.
What is Sangria?
Sangria is generally known to have originated from Spain and Portugal. It actually has even earlier origins in England and France though. There isn’t one set authentic sangria recipe, but traditionally it calls for red or white wine, brandy, and chopped fruit. The thing I love about sangria is you can really customize it however you want, like I did here with this Thanksgiving Sangria.
Ingredients
Apple Cider
For this Apple Cider Sangria, you clearly will need… apple cider! I recommend buying a good quality one as it’s a major part of the base for this cocktail. We typically pick ours up from a local Farmer’s market.
Sugar
You must have some sweetness with sangria. I essentially start with the apple cider and then add even more fall flavor to it along with sugar.
Autumn Spice Blend
Whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and allspice are added to really elevate the fall flavor of this drink.
Oranges and Apples
Sliced oranges and apples are the fruit I use for this Thanksgiving Sangria. Bonus points if you apple pick yourself! I tend to go with varieties like gala, fuji, red delicious, or golden delicious. Nothing too tart.
Dry Red Wine
The other base of this sangria is red wine. Make sure it’s a wine you actually like to drink as it highly impacts the flavor. I like to use a red blend, Pinot Noir, or a Spanish red. Whatever you enjoy will work though.
Brandy
One of the most common ingredients used in sangria, Brandy gives this drink a slightly oaky taste along with added sweetness and alcohol.
Orange Juice
Adding orange juice balances this Thanksgiving Sangria with some acidic flavor.
Thanksgiving Sangria Instructions
Prepare the Apple Cider
Start by doctoring up your apple cider. In a large pot add apple cider, sugar, autumn spice blend, and some orange slices. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool before incorporating with the rest of the ingredients.
Combine into Red Wine Sangria
Combine cooled apple cider with the rest of the ingredients. Stir well. I like to cover my Thanksgiving Sangria and let sit in the refrigerator for a few hours minimum but preferably overnight to really let the flavors develop. It’s also nice to be able to prepare ahead of time when you have a lot of other things to cook. Once ready to serve, transfer to a large drink dispenser (here's mine) or punch bowl (love this one).
Fast and Extra Easy Method
If you’re short on time, you can skip the first step of doctoring up the apple cider. As long as you purchase a high quality one, this Thanksgiving Sangria will still be delicious!
FAQs
Can I prep Thanksgiving Sangria ahead of time?
Absolutely! I like to mix mine up the night before. A day in advance would be fine, but I wouldn’t recommend beyond that as the fruit will begin to break down.
How long does sangria last?
I’d only keep mine up to two days, because the fruit will get very soggy and break down.
Can you eat the fruit in sangria?
Yes! It’s what makes it so healthy, basically a fruit salad. 😊 (Kidding on the last part but yes snack away.)
Do I have to use brandy?
You don’t have to, but I recommend it. And particularly ones like Carlos I Solera Gran Reserva Brandy or Torres 10 Brandy. If you’d prefer to skip it, replace with spiced rum or whiskey.
What is the best wine to use for sangria?
It all depends on the sangria. For this Thanksgiving Sangria I’d recommend going with a red blend, Pinot Noir, Spanish Red, or Cabernet Sauvignon. As long as it’s a dry red that you enjoy drinking, you’ll be set.
Serve with...
If you're serving this cocktail for Thanksgiving or a holiday party here are some tasty dishes to make alongside: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Goat Cheese, Two Apple Spinach Salad with Aged Cheddar and Candied Pecans, Loaded Potato Casserole, Brie & Prosciutto Crostini with Cranberry and Mint, Hot Cajun Crab Dip with Cream Cheese (Oven Baked or Crockpot).
If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy…
Hot Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail
Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail (with Plums & Thyme)
Red Wine, Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
Thanksgiving Sangria (Apple Cider Sangria with Red Wine)
Equipment
- 1 drink dispenser or punch bowl
Ingredients
- 10 cup apple cider high quality
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 teaspoon whole cloves
- 14 cinnamon sticks extra to garnish
- 2 teaspoon allspice
- 2 oranges sliced into rounds
- 1-2 apples sliced
- 5 bottles dry red wine
- 3 cups brandy
- 2 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Add apple cider, cloves, 10 cinnamon sticks, allspice and rounds from one orange to a pot and bring to boil. (See note below.)
- Reduce heat and simmer 5-6 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Mix with wine, brandy, orange juice, additional cinnamon sticks, orange rounds and apple slices.
- Allow to chill, covered, in refrigerator for 4 hours minimum or overnight (preferred).
- Pour into drink dispensers, punch bowl or pitches to serve.
- Garnish with additional cinnamon and apple slices.
Karen
I make this for Thanksgiving every year. It's always a hit. I like to add more apples to mine.