Oh, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family and friends gather around the table, sharing laughter and stories over delicious food and drinks. One of my absolute favorite ways to kick off the festivities is with a refreshing *thanksgiving sangria*. This vibrant concoction of seasonal fruits and spices mixed with red wine just screams celebration! I remember the first time I made it for a gathering; the aroma filled my kitchen, and the moment it hit the table, everyone couldn’t help but ask for a second (or third) glass. Trust me, this sangria is not just a drink; it’s a wonderful way to toast to all the blessings we have. Whether you’re hosting a big family feast or a cozy get-together with close friends, this drink adds that perfect festive touch that everyone will love!
Ingredients List
- 1 bottle red wine (750ml) – I usually go for a fruity Merlot or a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon for that lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 cup apple cider – Make sure it’s fresh and spiced if you can find it; it adds a warm, cozy note!
- 1/2 cup brandy – Adds a nice kick! You can also use apple brandy for an extra apple-y vibe.
- 1 orange, sliced – Beautifully vibrant! Don’t forget to leave the peel on for that zesty aroma.
- 1 apple, diced – I love using tart apples like Granny Smith, but any crisp variety will work.
- 1 cup cranberries – Fresh or frozen; these little gems pack a punch of flavor and color!
- 1 cinnamon stick – For that warm spice, it really brings out the fall flavors.
- 1 cup club soda – This is what gives it that fizzy, refreshing finish just before serving.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sangria
Getting your Thanksgiving sangria ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll have your guests raving! Start by grabbing a large pitcher—this is where all the magic happens. Pour in the entire bottle of red wine, followed by the apple cider and brandy. The combination of these three will create a rich, flavorful base that’s just irresistible.
Next, it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Toss in the sliced orange, diced apple, cranberries, and that all-important cinnamon stick. The colors will be stunning, and the aroma? Wow! Just be sure to stir everything gently—this is not the time for heavy-handedness. You want those flavors to mingle without bruising the fruit.
Now, here’s a crucial step: cover your pitcher and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating that perfect, festive drink. When you’re ready to serve, don’t forget to pour in the club soda for that extra fizz! Serve it over ice in lovely glasses, and watch the smiles appear.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine red wine, apple cider, and brandy.
- Add the orange slices, diced apple, cranberries, and cinnamon stick.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring not to crush the fruit.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld.
- Before serving, add club soda for fizz.
- Serve over ice in glasses and enjoy the cheers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s festive and colorful, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings!
- Super easy to make—just mix and chill, no cooking required!
- A crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Can be prepared in advance, saving you time on the big day.
- Customizable for sweetness; adjust the apple cider to suit your taste.
- Refreshing and light, making it a great complement to hearty holiday meals.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving sangria* is absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you want it a bit sweeter, just add more apple cider; if you prefer it less sweet, reduce the amount. It’s all about what makes your taste buds dance!
Also, think about garnishing with extra fruit just before serving. Not only does it look gorgeous, but it adds even more flavor! Slices of orange, a few whole cranberries, or even some fresh apple wedges can elevate the presentation.
And here’s a little secret: making your sangria a day in advance is a total game-changer. Letting it sit overnight allows those flavors to deepen and develop, resulting in a drink that’s even more delicious! Just remember to add the club soda right before serving to keep that lovely fizz intact.
Variations on Thanksgiving Sangria
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, there are so many delightful variations you can try with your *thanksgiving sangria*! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- White Wine Delight: Swap out the red wine for a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. This gives the sangria a lighter, refreshing twist that’s perfect for those who prefer whites!
- Berry Bliss: Instead of cranberries, throw in a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. They add a pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor that’s just divine!
- Spiced Pear: Add diced pears and a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, spicy profile that screams fall. The pears will soak up all those yummy flavors!
- Citrus Burst: Experiment with different citrus fruits! Include lemon and lime slices along with the orange for a zesty kick that brightens every sip.
- Herbal Infusion: Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or mint. Just imagine the fragrant aroma as you sip; it’s a game-changer!
- Autumn Spice: Mix in additional spices like cloves or allspice for that extra holiday warmth. Just a touch will elevate the flavor profile beautifully!
Remember, the beauty of sangria is in its versatility. Mix and match your favorite fruits and flavors, and make it your own. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *thanksgiving sangria* is super easy! If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), simply cover your pitcher tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the sangria into an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, which can be a delight, but the fruit may start to break down a bit.
Now, if you plan to make your sangria a day in advance—which I totally recommend—just remember to hold off on adding the club soda until you’re ready to serve. This way, you’ll keep that fizzy, refreshing finish that everyone loves! When it’s time to enjoy, just pour it over ice and let the cheers begin!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful *thanksgiving sangria*! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (1 glass):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. Enjoying this sangria is all about balance, so sip and savor every festive drop!
FAQ Section
Can I use white wine?
Absolutely! You can swap out the red wine for a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It gives a refreshing twist while still being delicious!
How long can I store the sangria?
You can store your *thanksgiving sangria* in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep it covered tightly, and add the club soda right before serving for that fizzy sparkle!
What fruits can I add?
The options are endless! Besides the standard orange and apple, you can add berries like strawberries and blueberries, or even diced pears. Feel free to get creative with seasonal fruits!
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, you can! If you find it a bit too sweet for your taste, reduce the amount of apple cider. You can always adjust it to your liking!
Do I need to let it sit before serving?
Definitely! Letting your sangria chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Thanksgiving Sangria: 7 Ways to Delight Your Guests
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive Thanksgiving sangria that combines seasonal fruits and spices with red wine.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine (750ml)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup club soda
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine red wine, apple cider, and brandy.
- Add the orange slices, diced apple, cranberries, and cinnamon stick.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld.
- Before serving, add club soda for fizz.
- Serve over ice in glasses.
Notes
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust sweetness with more or less apple cider.
- Garnish with additional fruit if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving sangria
