Thanksgiving Sangria – red wine, apple cider, bourbon, crisp fresh apples and a splash of bubbly ginger ale. The perfect cocktail for fall parties, Thanksgiving and game day!
I love a good sangria – especially in the fall when apple cider is everywhere. It’s delcious, quick and easy to whip up, has full-on fall flavor.
Dry red wine with bold flavor, fresh fruit, apple cider and just enough bourbon to warm things up. It’s finished with a bubbly splash of ginger for the ultimate fall sangria .
- Why I’m excited to share this recipe:
- Delicious, low-lift and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all holiday season long.
- Ideal whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or settling in for a casual fall evening.
- The mix of fruit and apple cicer showcase seasonal flavors for the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail.
- This make-ahead recipe keeps entertaining easy.
Ingredients needed to make red wine Thanksgiving Sangria:
Fruit
- Honeycrisp apple
- orange (Cara Cara orange used – reserve one slice to rim glasses)
Spices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Alcohol
- dry red wine (750 ml) red blend used
- bourbon
Mixers
- resh apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- Splash of Vernors (or other ginger ale)
Sweetener
- pure maple syrup
Equipment
- Large pitcher (clear glass recommended)
Garnish
- coarse or turbinado sugar (for rimming glasses)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Tips for the best Thanksgiving sangria:
- Taste the sangria before serving and adjust to your preference.
- Make a double batch if you’re hosting – everyone will want seconds!
- Serve a glass pitcher with ginger ale and pretty garnishes for guests to help themselves. It’ll add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving menu.
How to make red Thanksgiving Sangria:
To large pitcher, add apple slices, orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Pour in wine, apple cider bourbon and maple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors come together.
To serve, rim glasses with reserved orange slice. Pour turbinado sugar onto a plate then dip or roll the glass in the sugar.
Carefullyl add ice to glasses without disturbing the sugar rim. Pour in sangria. Top with a splash of ginger ale and (optional) a sprig of fresh mint.
Subs and variations:
Fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds or blood oranges would be a great addition to this red sangria.
Club soda or even ginger beer can be swapped for ginger ale in this Thanksgiving sangria.
What type of wine is best in this recipe?
There isn’t one best wine for this recipe. That said, I don’t recommend a sweet red wine. It may be too sweet with the apple cider.
For the best Thanksgiving Sangria, use a dry red wine like Merlot, Cabernet, Cabnernot Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.
More fall cocktails:
White Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a self-serve bar with a pitcher of sangria is the way to go. Full details in the printable recipe card. Enjoy!
Best Thanksgiving Sangria
Equipment
- large glass pitcher
Ingredients
- 1 large honeycrisp apple sliced (peel on)
- 1 large orange sliced (Cara Cara orange used, any is good)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 750 ml dry red wine cabernet, merlot, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon
- 2 cups fresh apple cider not apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or more to taste
- splash Vernors or other ginger ale about 1/4 c or to taste)
optional garnish:
- 3 tablespoons coarse or turbinado sugar
- fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Reserve one slice of the orange then add the remaining orange slices, sliced apple and cinnamon sticks to a large glass pitcher.
- Pour in wine, apple cider, bourbon and maple syrup. Stir gently to combine. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors come together.
- To serve, rim glasses with reserved orange slice. Pour turbinado sugar onto a plate then dip or roll the glass in the sugar.
- Carefullyl add ice to glasses without disturbing the sugar rim. Pour in sangria. Top with a splash of ginger ale and (optional) a sprig of fresh mint.
Fruity with just the right amount of sweetness. Such a great fall cocktail!