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Best Fall Cranberry Pomegranate Sangria

Fall Cranberry Pomegranate Sangria - featured image

A festive and balanced autumn sangria featuring Pinot Noir, cranberry-pomegranate juice, fresh fruit, and warm spices. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for holiday gatherings and requires minimal active prep time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 750 ml bottle Pinot Noir or Merlot (light-bodied, under $15)
  • 1 cup 100% pure cranberry juice
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
  • 1 fresh navel orange, sliced into rounds or wedges
  • 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and sliced thinly
  • 12 oz Bourbon or orange liqueur (optional)
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  1. Wash all fruit thoroughly. Slice oranges and apples into thin rounds or wedges. If using a whole pomegranate, remove seeds and discard white pith.
  2. In a large glass pitcher, pour in the red wine, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and optional bourbon or liqueur. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Add the sliced oranges, apples, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon stick to the pitcher. Stir gently to submerge the fruit.
  4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Before serving, give the sangria a final stir. Fill glasses with ice cubes and ladle the sangria, ensuring each serving includes liquid and fruit.
  6. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint or an extra orange slice if desired. Add a splash of club soda for fizz if desired.

Notes

Do not rush the chilling process; letting it sit overnight significantly improves flavor. If making ahead, add pomegranate seeds just before serving to maintain texture. If the sangria is too tart, add a teaspoon of honey or simple syrup gradually. For a non-alcoholic version, omit wine and bourbon, replacing them with cranberry-apple juice blend and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall sangria, cranberry pomegranate sangria, autumn party drink, easy sangria recipe, holiday cocktail, Pinot Noir sangria, gluten-free cocktail