If you love festive drinks that are bursting with flavor but don’t have any alcohol, you’re going to adore this Virgin Cranberry Sangria Recipe. It’s refreshingly delicious, super simple to throw together, and perfect for thanksgiving gatherings or any time you want something fun and fruity without the buzz. I absolutely love how it feels like a special treat, but without any complexity—just fabulous flavor that anyone can enjoy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Festive: The combination of cranberry and orange makes every sip taste like holiday magic.
Super Easy to Make: No fuss, no expensive ingredients—just mix and chill for a crowd-pleaser.
Kid and Guest Friendly: Everyone can enjoy it, no matter their age or preference.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the fruits or juices to fit what you have on hand.

A clear glass jar filled with bright orange juice as the main layer, surrounded by circular orange slices pressed against the inside of the jar near the bottom. Floating on top are dark red cranberries. A clear liquid is being poured into the jar from a blue bottle positioned to the right. Around the jar on a white marbled surface are halved green and red apples, halved oranges, and scattered cranberries. The background is a grey textured brick wall. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Virgin Cranberry Sangria, non-alcoholic sangria, festive mocktail, cranberry orange drink, holiday party beverages

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Virgin Cranberry Sangria Recipe are simple but chosen thoughtfully to balance tart, sweet, and bubbly notes. Each adds a layer of flavor or texture, and you’ll appreciate how easily you can grab them from your local grocery store.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red cranberry juice, a similar bowl with vibrant orange juice, another bowl containing clear sparkling water with bubbles, a neatly sliced fresh orange arranged in a simple white plate, thin slices of a crisp red and green apple on another white plate, a small white bowl with plump frozen cranberries glistening with frost, and a simple mound of clear ice cubes on a white ceramic dish, all evenly spaced in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Virgin Cranberry Sangria, non-alcoholic sangria, festive mocktail, cranberry orange drink, holiday party beverages

Cranberry juice: Provides that iconic tangy flavor and beautiful color—choose 100% juice for the best taste.
Orange juice: Adds natural sweetness and bright citrus notes that lift the sangria.
Sparkling water: Gives the drink a refreshing fizz without adding sugar or calories.
Orange slices: Using fresh slices infuses the sangria with aroma and looks pretty against the glass.
Apple slices: They add a crisp texture and a subtle sweetness, plus they’re cute for presentation.
Frozen cranberries: Act like tiny flavor bombs and keep the sangria chilled without watering it down quickly.
Ice: Essential for that cool, thirst-quenching experience especially when serving guests.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season and mood, and you can totally make this Virgin Cranberry Sangria Recipe your own with just a few tweaks. Don’t hesitate to experiment—you might find a version that’s even better for your family or friends!

Herbal Twist: Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme gives the sangria an aromatic depth that’s perfect for winter parties; I discovered this combo last Christmas, and it was a hit.
Other Fruits: Swap apples for pears or toss in pomegranate seeds for a jewel-like pop of color and taste—great for showing off in your glassware.
Juice Alternatives: Use grapefruit juice instead of orange for a tangier, less sweet profile—something I sometimes do when I want less sugar.

How to Make Virgin Cranberry Sangria Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Fruit Base

Start by filling your pitcher halfway with ice—this keeps everything chilled without diluting the flavors too fast. Next, press the orange and apple slices against the inside of the pitcher so they create a pretty pattern around the sides. I like to use my hands here; it helps the fruit stay put and gives a nice visual. Scatter the frozen cranberries over the top—they double as ice cubes and bursts of flavor.

Step 2: Pour and Stir

Now, pour in the cranberry juice and orange juice over your fruit and ice. Take a spoon and gently stir everything together so the flavors start mingling. This step is important because you want the juices to coat the fruit and chill quickly. After stirring, pop the pitcher into the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time is key—it lets the sangria develop that layered, refreshing taste you’re craving.

Step 3: Add the Fizz and Serve

Right before serving, pour in your sparkling water to give it that lively, fizzy edge. Stir gently once more but don’t do it too vigorously—you want to keep those precious bubbles intact. Fill each glass with ice, making sure it’s a good amount to keep the drink cold, then ladle the sangria plus some fruit slices into every glass. For an extra festive touch, garnish with more orange slices or a few cranberries on top. It’s such a simple addition that really elevates the look and makes guests say, “Wow!”

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Pro Tips for Making Virgin Cranberry Sangria Recipe

Timing is Everything: I learned that chilling the sangria for at least an hour really amplifies the flavors, so don’t rush this part!
Frozen Fruit as Ice: Using frozen cranberries instead of regular ice keeps your drink from getting watered down while adding bursts of tartness.
Gentle Stirring: When you add sparkling water, stir slowly and gently to preserve the bubbles—vigorous mixing will flatten your sangria fast.
Fruit Placement: Pressing the fruit slices against the pitcher before you add juices made my sangria look way more appealing, and guests always comment on it.

How to Serve Virgin Cranberry Sangria Recipe

Two clear glasses with gold rims hold a light orange drink filled with ice. Each glass is topped with red cranberries and decorated with a wedge of green apple and a slice of orange on the rim. Behind them is a glass pitcher filled with the same orange drink, slices of green apple and orange inside, and cranberries floating on top. The drinks are placed on a white marbled surface scattered with whole cranberries, apple halves, and orange slices. The scene is bright with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Virgin Cranberry Sangria, non-alcoholic sangria, festive mocktail, cranberry orange drink, holiday party beverages

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple but festive by garnishing with a couple of extra orange slices or a small handful of fresh or frozen cranberries on top of each glass. Sometimes I’ll toss in a mint leaf or a rosemary sprig for a pop of green and extra aroma, especially around the holidays. It instantly makes the sangria feel like a special celebration in a glass.

Side Dishes

This Virgin Cranberry Sangria pairs beautifully with anything from light appetizers like cheese platters and nuts to heartier bites like roasted turkey sliders or savory stuffed mushrooms. When I serve this for my Thanksgiving spread, it helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich dishes, so you and your guests can enjoy every flavor without feeling overwhelmed.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun trick I discovered is to layer some of the fruit slices in individual glasses before pouring the sangria. It makes each glass look gorgeous and feels a little more personal for guests. Another time, I served the sangria in a large, clear beverage dispenser adorned with floating fruit and sprigs of fresh herbs—guests loved the visual and it was easy to refill!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover sangria, just cover the pitcher tightly and store it in the fridge. I’ve found it keeps well for up to 2 days, but the fruit slices might start to get soggy, so it’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later for the freshest flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing the entire sangria isn’t something I recommend, but freezing the cranberry juice or orange juice separately is a handy shortcut. You can also freeze extra cranberries for future batches. I once tried freezing the mixed sangria and it changed the texture after thawing, so I stick to chilling instead.

Reheating

This recipe is best served cold, so reheating isn’t really an option. If your sangria has gotten too cold or diluted, I just add some fresh juices and a splash of sparkling water before serving again to brighten it up.

FAQs

Can I make this Virgin Cranberry Sangria Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling it for at least one hour lets the flavors blend beautifully. Just add the sparkling water right before serving to keep all the fizz intact.
What other fruits can I use in this sangria?

You can swap apples and oranges with pears, pomegranate seeds, or even berries. Depending on what’s in season or what you like, just keep the balance of tart and sweet fruits for the best taste.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! Since this Virgin Cranberry Sangria Recipe is alcohol-free, it’s a festive and flavorful option that everyone at the party can enjoy.
Can I use sweetened cranberry juice instead of unsweetened?

You can, but keep in mind that it will make the sangria sweeter. If you prefer a more balanced tart flavor, 100% unsweetened juice is best, but tweak it to your taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Virgin Cranberry Sangria Recipe a try—it really is one of those drinks that feels like a treat without any fuss or guilt. I love how it brings people together and adds a splash of color and joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a big holiday gathering or just a relaxing afternoon with friends, you’ll find this mocktail is always a winner. Cheers to easy, delicious, and beautifully simple drinks you can make anytime!

Virgin Cranberry Sangria Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 128 reviews

Author: Bertha
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Beverages
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Thanksgiving Virgin Cranberry Sangria is a refreshing and festive non-alcoholic beverage that blends tart cranberry juice with sweet orange juice and sparkling water, enhanced by fresh fruit slices and frozen cranberries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion, this mocktail offers a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic sangria without any alcohol.

Ingredients

Fruits

1 orange, sliced
1 apple, cored and sliced
1/3 cup frozen cranberries

Liquids

3 cups cranberry juice
1 cup orange juice
1 can (12 ounces) sparkling water

Others

Ice as needed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the pitcher: Fill your pitcher halfway with ice, then arrange slices of oranges and apples against the inside walls of the pitcher. Use your hands to help the fruit slices adhere to the sides for a decorative effect.
Add frozen cranberries: Scatter the frozen cranberries on top of the ice and fruit slices inside the pitcher to add color and chill the mixture.
Pour juices: Pour in the cranberry juice and orange juice into the pitcher over the ice and fruit.
Mix and chill: Stir all the ingredients together to combine the flavors evenly. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Add sparkling water: Just before serving, pour in the sparkling water for a fizzy finish and stir gently to integrate it.
Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the sangria over the ice, making sure each glass receives some fruit slices for garnish.
Garnish and enjoy: Optionally, garnish each glass with additional orange slices or a few cranberries for visual appeal and a festive touch.

Notes

This orange cranberry sangria mocktail recipe embodies festive flavors in a non-alcoholic twist on a classic sangria.
It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family parties, or simply as a refreshing seasonal drink.
Using frozen cranberries helps chill the drink without watering it down quickly.
Adjust sweetness by choosing cranberry juice options or adding a splash of simple syrup if desired.
Ensure to chill the sangria for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend well before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
Calories: 70
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg