Full of cozy autumn flavors, this festive Thanksgiving Sangria prepared with white wine, apple cider, and brandy will be a hit at your next fall gathering.!
This sangria is sweet and spicy and is the ultimate make-ahead cocktail for your fall celebration – it’s also perfect for Christmas! Consider making a double batch because it goes quickly.
Ingredient Notes
- White wine – Use a dry, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Apple cider
- Brandy
- Maple syrup – Honey can also be used in place of maple syrup.
- Fresh fruit – Sliced apple, orange and whole cranberries.
- Lemon juice
- Spices – Cinnamon sticks, a clove-studded orange slice and star anise. Star anise aren’t necessarily required but make for a beautiful presentation! They are typically found on the spice aisle of your grocery store.
- Club soda – Stir in just before serving.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs – Optional garnish for serving.
How to Make Thanksgiving Sangria
This festive sangria couldn’t be easier to make! Please see the recipe card for full detailed instructions.
- Place the cinnamon sticks, fruit and star anise in the bottom of a large pitcher.
- Pour in wine, apple cider, maple syrup, brandy and lemon juice.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours (preferably overnight to 24 hours).
- Stir in club soda just before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Opt for a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines typically blend well with the fruit and spices without overpowering them.
- Use a decent-quality brandy since it significantly influences the sangria’s flavor. It doesn’t have to be top-shelf, but avoid the very cheap options.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup (or honey) according to the sweetness of your wine and your preference. Start with less; you can always add more after tasting.
- Add the club soda just before serving to maintain its fizziness. Pouring it in too early will make your sangria go flat.
Common Questions
Store it in the refrigerator, tightly sealed, for up to 2-3 days. Note that the fruit may become more saturated with the wine over time.
While brandy adds depth, you can substitute it with other spirits like rum or bourbon.
Yes, you can use frozen fruit – especially for fruits like cranberries. They work well and can also help keep the sangria chilled.
More Festive Holiday Cocktails
Thanksgiving Sangria
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 to 4 whole star anise
- 1 small orange sliced
- 1 small Honeycrisp apple cored and sliced
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 1 (750 ml) bottle Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ cup real maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup brandy
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups club soda chilled
- 8 sprigs fresh rosemary optional garnish
Instructions
- Stud one of the orange slices with the whole cloves.
- Place the cinnamon sticks, star anise and fruit in the bottom of a large pitcher.
- Pour in wine, apple cider, maple syrup, brandy and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight to 24 hours).
- Stir in club soda just before serving. Garnish glasses with fresh rosemary sprigs when serving, if desired.
Nutrition
If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.
Originally published November 2017. Updated with new next, new images and recipe slightly revised November 2021.
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