Cranberry Apple Sangria is one of our favorite fall cocktails! Loaded with fresh cranberries and apples and packed with amazing flavor, it’s everything a delicious fall sangria should be!

This Cranberry Apple Sangria is a deliciously sweet taste of fall! Loaded with fresh, seasonal fruit and packed with flavor, it's sure to become a new fall favorite! Perfect for the holidays, too!

Ahhhh…sangria. If you ask me, it’s the BEST party drink ever!

I love the fact that it’s so easy to make, that it’s even better when you make it in advance, and most importantly? I love the fact that you make it by the pitcherful. Seriously….could it be any more party perfect!?

I’ve made this Cranberry Apple Sangria on countless occasions – from ladies’ nights to parties to holiday celebrations – and I’m telling you. It’s ALWAYS a favorite! Because the flavors are simple and the combination is classic. And really….how can you go wrong with red wine + brandy?

I’m a huge fan of sangria in any form, but there’s something about this Cranberry Apple Sangria in fall that is just SO perfect. And… it’s a classic flavor combination everyone knows and loves!

What is Sangria?

Sangria is an alcoholic beverage that typically consists of red wine and chopped fruit, along with other ingredients such as orange juice and brandy. Sangria originated in Spain and was first tasted in the United States at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.

what you’ll need for this recipe

Red wine – 1 bottle of red wine. Cabernet, Pinot Noir, or a red blend all work well… and since you’ll be mixing it with other ingredients, don’t use anything too expensive!

Apple juice – 3/4 cup unfiltered apple juice. Substitute apple cider for a stronger apple flavor.

Cranberry juice – 3/4 cup cranberry juice (I used 100% juice).

Brandy – 3/4 cup brandy. Korbel is my go-to brand.

Simple syrup – 1/4 – 1/2 cup simple syrup, or to taste. The more simple syrup, the sweeter it will be.

Fruit – I used 1 green apple, 1 red apple, and 1/2 cup fresh cranberries.

how to make cranberry apple sangria

Combine the liquids. In a large pitcher, combine red wine, apple cider, cranberry juice, and simple syrup.

Add the fruit. Add sliced apples and fresh cranberries.

Chill. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

make it with white wine

This recipe can be made with red wine, white wine, or even rosé. The color, flavor, and sweetness level will change based on the wine you use, but there’s no “wrong” kind of wine when it comes to sangria!

Recipe Variations

Substitute vodka, whiskey, bourbon, spiced rum, apple liqueur, or cranberry liqueur for the brandy
Use white wine or rosé in place of red wine
Substitute cranberry or apple wine for the red wine (test for sweetness before adding simple syrup)
Use apple flavored brandy for more intense apple flavor
Use cranberry simple syrup in place of regular simple syrup
Use a variety of different apples
Chop apples instead of slicing them

Glasses of red wine sangria with fresh cranberries and apples

storage tips

Sangria is best when consumed within 3-5 days. I would suggest discarding the fruit after 2-3 days, as it will start to go bad sooner than the sangria itself.

More Delicious Sangria Recipes

Looking for more delicious sangrias for your fall parties and beyond? Here are some favorites!