Cranberry Orange Sangria Cocktail Recipe

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I enjoy making drinks that are easy to prepare and taste good. This Cranberry Orange Sangria Cocktail combines fresh fruit, juice, and wine for a refreshing drink you can serve at gatherings or enjoy at home.

With bright flavors from oranges and cranberries, this sangria brings a balance of sweet and tart in every glass. I like how it only needs a few simple ingredients and comes together quickly.

If you want a simple but flavorful cocktail that works for many occasions, this recipe is a good choice.

Cranberry Orange Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Cranberry Orange Sangria Cocktail Recipe
I combine cranberries, oranges, and wine to make a flavorful drink that is best served chilled. My method uses simple tools and fresh ingredients to keep the process easy and the flavor bright.
John
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Serving Size 8

Equipment

  • I use a large pitcher or a mixing bowl to combine the ingredients.
  • A wooden spoon helps when stirring together the fruit and liquids.
  • To measure the wine, juice, and spirits, I use a standard measuring cup.
  • A sharp knife and cutting board are important for slicing the oranges and other fruit.
  • A citrus juicer can help if I want to use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought.
  • I also keep a strainer on hand to remove any pulp or seeds.
  • For serving, I like to use wine glasses or tumblers and a ladle or large spoon.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle 750 ml dry white wine
  • 1 cup cranberry juice 100% juice, not cocktail
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur such as Cointreau or triple sec
  • 1/2 cup vodka optional, for more strength
  • 1 orange sliced thin
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 2 cups lemon-lime soda or club soda
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • Fresh mint optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • First, I pour the wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and vodka into a large pitcher.
  • Then, I add the sliced orange, fresh cranberries, and sliced lemon.
  • I stir everything with a wooden spoon to blend the flavors and help the fruit release its juices.
  • I let the sangria rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours; this helps the flavors mix well.
  • Just before serving, I add the soda for fizz and stir again gently.
  • I fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over, making sure some fruit ends up in each glass. I add a mint leaf on top if I have it.

Notes

I let the sangria chill for at least 2 hours, but leaving it overnight gives even more flavor because the fruit soaks longer. For a less sweet drink, I use club soda instead of lemon-lime soda.
If I plan to make a non-alcoholic version, I skip the vodka and orange liqueur and use more juice or soda. When using frozen cranberries, I do not thaw them beforehand.
The best wine to use is a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. I do not recommend a sweet dessert wine because it can make the sangria too sweet. When serving a crowd, I double or triple my recipe and use a punch bowl.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

When I taste the Cranberry Orange Sangria Cocktail, I notice the tartness of cranberry right away. This sharp flavor is balanced by the sweet, bright taste of orange juice. The citrus stands out but does not overpower the cranberry.

The wine adds a mild fruitiness and some gentle dryness. Fresh orange slices give each sip a little bit of zest. I find the drink crisp and refreshing, with a light finish.

Subtle notes of apple or other added fruits might come through as well.

With a few ice cubes, the sangria becomes cooler and even smoother. If I use sparkling water or club soda, there’s a gentle fizz that adds to the freshness.

Texture:

  • Light
  • Slightly juicy
  • Not too thick or syrupy

I notice a mild sweetness but it’s not overpowering. The drink feels balanced, with enough tartness to keep it lively.

Aromas:

  • Orange peel
  • Fresh berries
  • Hint of wine

Substitute

Sometimes I need to swap out ingredients. Below is a table with simple substitutes for common ingredients in Cranberry Orange Sangria.

If I do not have fresh fruit, I use dried fruit. Dried cranberries and orange peel still give good flavor. I make sure to soak dried fruit in a bit of juice or water first.

For a non-alcoholic drink, I mix cranberry juice, sparkling water, orange juice, and sliced fruit. This gives a similar taste without alcohol.

Sometimes I want less sugar, so I pick unsweetened juice. If wine tastes too strong, I add more juice or a splash of soda water.

If I am missing herbs like rosemary, I leave them out. Mint or basil can also work for a fresh twist.

When choosing a new substitute, I start with a small amount. This way, I can adjust the flavors to my liking.

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Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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