Festive Cranberry Citrus Sangria
Bring a splash of joy to your holiday table with this delightful Festive Cranberry Citrus Sangria! Inspired by an old favorite from AllYou Magazine (Nov '09), this vibrant concoction combines the rich flavors of fruity red zinfandel with the tart essence of cranberry juice, complemented by the sweetness of orange juice. Fresh orange slices and crisp apple add a festive touch, while whole cranberries provide a pop of color. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or Christmas celebrations, this easy-to-make beverage is sure to impress your family and friends, making every sip a celebration of the season. Serve it chilled, over ice, and watch it become the star of your holiday spread!
8
Servings
131
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zinfandel (or any fruity red wine)
750 ml (bottle)
Cranberry juice
4 cups (chilled)
Orange juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed or bottled)
Orange
1 (halved and thinly sliced)
Firm apple
1 (cored, quartered, and thinly sliced)
Fresh cranberries
1/2 cup (whole)
Instructions
1
In a large glass decanter or pitcher, combine the zinfandel, cranberry juice, and orange juice until well blended.
2
Add the halved and thinly sliced orange, quartered and thinly sliced apple, and fresh cranberries to the mixture.
3
Stir gently to incorporate all the ingredients, ensuring the fruit is evenly distributed.
4
Cover the decanter or pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
5
When ready to serve, stir the sangria again. Serve over ice in festive glasses, and garnish with additional orange slices if desired.
Nutrition Information
31g
Carbs
0.25g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry Citrus Sangria?
It is a vibrant holiday beverage that combines red zinfandel with tart cranberry juice, sweet orange juice, and fresh seasonal fruits.
What type of wine is best for this recipe?
A fruity red wine like Zinfandel is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this sangria?
Each serving contains approximately 131 calories.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this drink?
Yes, you can substitute the wine with sparkling grape juice or additional fruit juices for a non-alcoholic option.
How long should the sangria chill before serving?
It should chill for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is ideal for the flavors to meld.
What fruits are included in the mixture?
The recipe calls for one halved and sliced orange, one cored and sliced firm apple, and half a cup of whole fresh cranberries.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, its festive colors and seasonal ingredients make it a perfect addition to a Thanksgiving spread.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 31g of carbohydrates.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or high-quality bottled orange juice.
What kind of apple should I use?
A firm apple is best so that it retains its texture while soaking in the liquid.
How much cranberry juice is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of chilled cranberry juice.
Does this drink contain any protein?
Yes, it contains a small amount of protein, approximately 0.25g per serving.
How should I prepare the orange?
The orange should be halved and then thinly sliced before being added to the pitcher.
Is there any fiber in this sangria?
Yes, each serving provides about 1g of fiber.
Should I serve the sangria with ice?
Yes, for the best experience, serve the sangria chilled over ice in festive glasses.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a classic favorite from AllYou Magazine's November 2009 issue.
Do I need to peel the apple?
No, the recipe suggests coring, quartering, and thinly slicing the apple with the skin on for better color.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
While fresh cranberries are recommended for the best look, frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute.
How much orange juice is needed?
You will need 1 cup of orange juice for this recipe.
Should the cranberry juice be chilled before mixing?
Yes, the recipe specifies using chilled cranberry juice to help keep the beverage cold.
What size wine bottle is used?
The recipe uses a standard 750 ml bottle of wine.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Combine the liquids in a large decanter first, then add the fruit and stir gently to distribute.
Can I add extra garnishes?
Yes, you can garnish individual glasses with additional orange slices if desired.
Is this drink served warm?
No, this is a cold sangria meant to be served chilled.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, any remaining sangria should be covered and kept in the refrigerator.
Is this a good party drink?
Absolutely, its vibrant colors and easy preparation make it ideal for holiday parties and large gatherings.
Does it matter if the wine is dry or sweet?
A fruity red is preferred to balance the tartness of the cranberry juice.
Do I need any special equipment?
You will just need a large glass decanter or pitcher and something to stir with.
Can I use lime instead of orange?
While the recipe calls for orange, you could add lime for extra citrus, though it will change the flavor profile.