Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious food. While the turkey and stuffing take center stage, a delightful drink can elevate the entire celebration. This year, ditch the predictable and impress your guests with a vibrant and flavorful Thanksgiving Day Sangria – a perfect blend of autumnal flavors and festive cheer. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for those new to homemade cooking, making it an ideal addition to your quick dinner ideas.
Why This Sangria is Perfect for Thanksgiving
This isn't your average summer sangria. We've crafted a recipe that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the Thanksgiving feast. The combination of crisp apples, juicy cranberries, and warming spices creates a delicious and refreshing drink that’s both beautiful and delicious. It's the perfect healthy meal companion, offering a lighter alternative to heavier holiday cocktails. This easy recipe is also easily scalable, perfect whether you're hosting a small family gathering or a large Thanksgiving bash.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (Tempranillo or Rioja recommended)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- Sparkling water or club soda (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit & Spices
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying your fruit. Thinly slice the orange and apple, removing the core from the apple. Combine the sliced oranges and apples, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a large pitcher.
Step 2: Combine the Liquids
In the same pitcher, add the red wine, apple cider, cranberry juice, and brandy (if using). Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Chill & Infuse
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and create a richer, more complex sangria. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Just before serving, add sparkling water or club soda to taste. This adds a delightful fizz and makes the sangria even more refreshing. Garnish each glass with an orange slice and a few cranberries for an extra touch of elegance.
Cooking Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Sangria:
- Wine Selection: Choose a dry red wine with fruity notes. Avoid overly tannic wines as they can overpower the other flavors.
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits! Pears, pomegranate seeds, or even a few sprigs of rosemary would add interesting twists.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and cloves to your liking. A pinch of nutmeg or star anise also works well.
- Make it Ahead: This sangria is even better the next day! Make it ahead of time to save yourself time on Thanksgiving Day.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Sugar: 10-15g
This delicious and festive Thanksgiving Day Sangria recipe is sure to be a hit with your guests. It's a perfect blend of easy recipes, healthy meals, and delicious dishes – everything you need for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy!