Thanksgiving Sangria
Nov 17, 2018, Updated May 20, 2025
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Sangria is one of the easiest make-ahead cocktails to prepare for a crowd, making it a good addition to your Thanksgiving lineup. This Thanksgiving Sangria combines crisp white wine, seasonal fruit and a hint of spice for a drink that’s refreshing yet cozy. Mix up a batch in a large pitcher for sipping before (or during) the big meal.
The beauty of this Thanksgiving sangria recipe is its flexibility. Start with a base of Pinot Grigio or the dry wine of your choice, then build layers of flavor with apples, pears, orange wedges, cranberries and cinnamon.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Swap the wine. Trade the Pinot Grigio for Sauvignon Blanc or another dry white wine if you prefer.
- Tone it down. For a less boozy version, reduce the amount of vodka or skip it completely. You also can swap it for brandy.
- Spice it up. If you made a batch of homemade apple cider, that works perfectly to spice the drink. Alternatively, you can use store-bought apple juice plus ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for extra fall spice.
- Make it ahead. Prep up to 48 hours in advance (just wait to add the soda water until serving).
- Mix up your fruit. Pomegranate seeds, figs or sliced persimmons make festive, seasonal additions.
Tip to Refresh the Pitcher
Once the fruit has soaked, simply top off your pitcher with more wine or fruit juice to keep the party going. Orange, apple or even pomegranate juice are great additions for refreshing the mix throughout the dinner party.
Serving Suggestions
While this recipe for Thanksgiving sangria makes a great batch cocktail, it’s even more ideal when you’re busy in the kitchen. Simply set up a tray with glasses, prepared garnishes and the sangria pitcher. Let guests serve themselves with ease.
If you’re looking for after-dinner drinks or other arrival cocktail ideas, try an Apple Cider Old Fashioned or Cranberry Old Fashioned made with a spoonful of cranberry orange sauce from the dinner menu.
Thanksgiving Sangria
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 apples, Fuji or honey crisp, sliced
- 1-2 pears, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced and cut into wedges
- ½ cup cranberries
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 1½ cups apple cider, or apple juice + ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup orange juice, fresh squeezed
- 1 bottle Pinot Grigio, or other dry white wine
- ½ cup vodka
- 12 ounces soda water, for serving
Instructions
- Slice apples, pears and orange. Add to a large pitcher with cranberries and cinnamon sticks.
- Pour in apple juice, orange juice, Pinot Grigio and vodka. Stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors infuse.
- When ready to serve, gently stir in soda water. Pour into glasses for serving and garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange wedge.
Notes
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