Festive Cranberry Green Apple Sangria Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, festive cocktail that truly dazzles your guests, you have to try this Festive Cranberry Green Apple Sangria Recipe. It’s crisp, bubbly, and bursting with holiday brightness thanks to tangy cranberries, tart green apples, and fragrant rosemary. I absolutely love how this sangria feels like a celebration in a glass, and I’m excited to share my favorite way to make it with you!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Festive Cranberry Green Apple Sangria Recipe lies in its fresh, seasonal ingredients that balance tartness with sweetness while offering beautiful texture and aroma. When you’re shopping, I recommend picking crisp green apples and the freshest cranberries you can find to ensure the best flavor.

• Green Apples: Go for tart and firm varieties like Granny Smith for that perfect bite and bright flavor.
• Fresh Cranberries: These lend a wonderful pop of color and tang. Look for plump, firm berries with no wrinkles.
• Granulated Sugar: A little sugar rounds out the tartness and helps create some syrupy goodness when tossed with the cranberries.
• Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a piney, festive aroma that makes this sangria stand out.
• Moscato: This sweet, lightly fizzy wine gives the sangria a luscious base.
• Sparkling Apple Cider: This adds refreshing bubbles and enhances the apple notes without overpowering the drink.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Festive Cranberry Green Apple Sangria Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want it lighter, a bit more herbal, or with a punch of spice, this recipe is your canvas.

• Use Different Wine: I’ve swapped Moscato for a dry Riesling or even a Pinot Grigio when I wanted a less sweet option, and it still works beautifully.
• Add Citrus: When I’m feeling adventurous, a few slices of blood orange or a splash of orange liqueur adds a lovely dimension.
• Spiced Version: Adding a cinnamon stick during the soaking time brings a warm holiday vibe that my family adores.
• Non-Alcoholic: Skip the wine and use all sparkling apple cider for a festive mocktail that kids and designated drivers love.

How to Make Festive Cranberry Green Apple Sangria Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fruit and Sugared Cranberries

Start by chopping your green apples into small, bite-sized pieces. I like to set a few pieces aside for garnishing the glasses later because they look so pretty floating on top. Rinse your fresh cranberries well, then toss a handful in granulated sugar until they’re just coated and look sparkling—these sugared cranberries make such a festive garnish and add a sweet contrast!

Step 2: Build Your Sangria Base

Place most of the chopped green apples and unsugared cranberries in the bottom of your pitcher. Then, using a muddler or a wooden spoon, gently crush some of the fruit to release their juices—this is where the magic happens and your sangria gets that fresh fruit flavor infused all throughout.

Step 3: Add the Moscato, Apple Cider, and Rosemary

Pour the bottle of Moscato and the sparkling apple cider over the muddled fruit. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Top off the pitcher by tucking fresh rosemary sprigs into the sangria. It adds a beautiful fragrance and reminds me of festive Christmas wreaths—such a nice touch for holiday entertaining.

Step 4: Serve with Style

Rim your champagne or wine glasses with sugar—this adds a pretty sparkle and a hint of sweetness with every sip. When ready to serve, fill the glasses with sangria, then garnish each one with some of the reserved sugared cranberries, apple pieces, and a small sprig of rosemary. It looks absolutely stunning and instantly festive!

How to Serve Festive Cranberry Green Apple Sangria Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing with those sugared cranberries and green apple chunks because they pop with color and add a nice texture contrast when you sip. The rosemary sprig is non-negotiable for me—it brings that cozy Christmas aroma that instantly sets the mood.

Side Dishes

This sangria pairs wonderfully with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or a creamy brie board. It’s also stunning beside roasted turkey or glazed ham, which makes it perfect for holiday dinners or parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to serve this sangria in a crystal-clear glass punch bowl with a ladle so guests can see those jewel-toned cranberries and green apples floating around. Adding fairy lights around the pitcher or bowl instantly makes it feel festive and enchanting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers to a sealed glass container and keep it refrigerated. It tastes just as fresh the next day once shaken gently—sometimes the flavors even improve after sitting! Just avoid storing it longer than two days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

Freezing sangria isn’t my go-to because the sparkling cider loses its fizz and the fruit texture suffers, but you can freeze the chopped apples and cranberries ahead of time if you want to prep in advance.

Reheating

Sangria is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t really recommended. If you want a warm holiday punch version, I suggest making a different recipe designed for that purpose to keep the delicate flavors balanced.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Cranberry Green Apple Sangria Recipe holds such a special place in my holiday celebrations. It’s one of those drinks that always sparks joy and conversation, with its shimmering ruby cranberries and crisp apple chunks inviting everyone to gather ’round. Give it a try at your next holiday party or cozy night in—I promise, you and your guests will go crazy for it just like my family does every year.

Print