Best Thanksgiving Sangria | Easy Holiday Recipe
This recipe for the best Thanksgiving sangria is going to bring a little extra joy to your Thanksgiving feast. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spiced—everything you want in a fall cocktail!
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a glass of something festive, cozy, and delicious.
That’s why I’m sharing one of my favorite fall cocktails.
It’s a seasonal twist on the classic white sangria that blends the seasonal flavors of tart apples, sweet pears, fresh cranberries, and warm spices like cinnamon and star anise.
The mix of white wine, apple cider, orange liqueur, and brandy brings a refreshing balance, while a splash of ginger ale adds a bit of fizz, making this drink both sophisticated and fun.
(I’ll also share how you can also make a non-alcoholic version!)
And can I just add…not only does this perfect Thanksgiving cocktail taste amazing, but it also looks stunning on the Thanksgiving table with its rich, vibrant colors.
So, whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, a Friendsgiving gathering, or simply want to enjoy a seasonal cocktail…this Thanksgiving Sangria is going to be a hit.
I promise, it’ll become your new go-to holiday beverage!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Ultimate Thanksgiving Sangria
Grab these ingredients to create the yummiest white wine sangria to go along with your turkey and Thanksgiving feast…
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How to Make This Thanksgiving Sangria Recipe
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this festive Thanksgiving Sangria recipe. You won’t believe how easy it is to make!
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One. Mix the Sangria Base
In a punch bowl (or large pitcher), combine the white wine, sweet apple cider, orange liqueur, brandy, and apple butter.
Whisk together until the apple butter is fully dissolved.
Two. Add the Fruit & Spices
Toss in the sliced apples, pears, cranberries, and orange slices.
Drop in the cinnamon sticks to infuse the sangria with warm, aromatic spice.
Three. Chill in the Refrigerator
Give it a good stir, cover the bowl (with a lid or plastic wrap), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
For the best flavor, let it chill for up to 24 hours.
The longer the sangria sits, the more the flavors meld together, creating the most irresistible drink.
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Four. Get Ready for Serving
Just before serving, stir in the ginger ale for that bubbly finish.
Fill each glass with ice and pour sangria, filling it about 3/4 full.
Five. Finish With Garnishes & Enjoy
Top each glass of sangria with additional fruit slices, cranberries, a cinnamon stick, and a whole star anise for a beautiful garnish.
Enjoy!
Tips
- Let the sangria sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer it rests, the more the fruit and spices infuse the wine, creating a richer, more tasty beverage.
- If certain fruits like pears or cranberries aren’t available at your grocery store, try substituting with other fall fruits
like pomegranate seeds or figs for a similar seasonal twist. - For a crisper taste, choose Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, but if you prefer a deeper, fruitier sangria try using a light bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Grenache.
- If you like a more intense ginger flavor, replace the ginger ale with ginger beer. It adds a bolder taste and a bit of kick. Ginger beer is less sweet than ginger ale, so it also cuts some of the sweetness.
Is it okay to make sangria the night before?
Yes, it’s actually better to make sangria the night before!
Letting it chill overnight allows the flavors from the fruit, spices, and alcohol to combine together.
Just hold off on adding the ginger ale (or any sparkling ingredients) until right before serving to keep the sangria bubbly and refreshing.
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How can I make this sangria alcohol free?
To make a non-alcoholic version of this sangria recipe, you can easily swap the alcoholic ingredients with these non-alcoholic alternatives:
- Replace the white wine with a good quality white grape juice.
- Swap the apple cider for a non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider to keep a bit of fizz in the mix.
- Replace the orange liqueur with a splash of orange juice.
- Substitute the brandy with apple juice or pear juice for a similar flavor.
Follow the rest of the recipe, adding in the fresh fruit and spices, and let it chill to infuse all those cozy fall flavors.
FAQs: Thanksgiving Sangria
Is it easy to make a double batch of this?
Yes, it’s very easy to make a double batch of this sangria.
Simply double each ingredient in the recipe and use a punch bowl or a large pitcher to mix it all together.
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Thanksgiving Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle White Wine Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- 1 cup Apple Cider
- 1/2 cup Orange Liqueur Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 1/4 cup Brandy
- 1/2 cup Apple Butter
- 1 cup Sliced Apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala
- 1 cup Sliced Pears Bartlett or Anjou
- 1 cup Fresh Cranberries
- 1 Orange sliced
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks plus a few extra for garnish
- 2 cups Ginger Ale
- Ice for serving
- Star Anise garnish
Instructions
- In a punch bowl, combine the white wine, apple cider, orange liqueur, brandy, and apple butter. Whisk together until the apple butter is well blended into the mixture.
- Add the sliced apples, pears, cranberries, and orange slices to the mixture. Toss in the cinnamon sticks.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Before serving, pour in the ginger ale. Add ice to glasses. Pour the sangria over the ice, filling each glass about 3/4 full.
- Garnish with additional fruit slices, cranberries, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Let the sangria sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer it rests, the more the fruit and spices infuse the wine, creating a richer, more flavorful drink.
- If certain fruits like pears or cranberries aren’t available at your grocery store, try substituting with other fall fruits like pomegranates or figs for a similar seasonal twist.
- For a crisper taste, choose Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, but if you prefer a deeper, fruitier sangria try using a light bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Grenache.
- For a spicier, more intense ginger flavor, replace the ginger ale with ginger beer. It adds a bolder taste and a bit of kick. Ginger beer is less sweet than ginger ale, so it also cuts some of the sweetness.
Nutrition
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I’m glad you enjoy this recipe Colleen!
This is the most delicious sangria I have ever had! I am definitely serving this as a special treat for my guests on Thanksgiving!
Thank you, I’m so glad you love this recipe!
This sangria recipe could not be more delicious! It’s the perfect cocktail to go with Thanksgiving dinner. I especially love the addition of the apple butter, so yummy!!!