You know, Thanksgiving is such a special time. It’s all about family, cozy sweaters, and, of course, delicious food. But sometimes, all those rich dishes can feel a *little* heavy, right? That’s where my Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria comes in! It’s this super refreshing, bright drink that just cuts through everything. I remember the first time I made it – my whole family went nuts for it! It’s got this lovely mix of berries and a hint of spice from the cinnamon, and when you top it off with bubbly, it just screams celebration. It’s become our go-to holiday drink, and honestly, it makes the whole meal feel a bit more festive and fun.

Why This Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria Shines

Seriously, this sangria is a lifesaver on busy holiday days. Here’s why I absolutely love it:

Super Easy to Make: You basically just dump everything into a pitcher. No fancy shaking or muddling required!
Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: The berry and wine combo is just universally loved. It’s not too sweet, not too tart, and that subtle cinnamon note is just perfect for fall.
Gorgeous Presentation: All those colorful berries and fruit slices floating around make it look so festive. It’s a drink that looks as good as it tastes!
Make-Ahead Magic: You can whip it up the day before, which is a HUGE help when you’ve got a million other things to do on Thanksgiving Day.

Gather Your Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria

Okay, so getting this Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria made is super simple. You just need a few things from the store, and honestly, most of them you probably already have in your pantry or fridge! It’s all about bringing together those warm, fruity flavors that just scream cozy holiday vibes.

The Base: Wine and Spirits for Your Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria

For the wine, I always go with a dry red like Merlot or Pinot Noir. They’re smooth and don’t overpower the fruit. Then, we’ll add a splash of brandy and some orange liqueur – like Triple Sec – for that extra warmth and a little zing. It just makes the whole drink feel more special.

Fresh Fruits and Juices for a Burst of Flavor

This is where all the deliciousness comes from! We’ll use fresh cranberries, but don’t worry, they’re just sliced up. Then, a mix of whatever berries you love – raspberries, blueberries, blackberries are fantastic. An orange, sliced thin, and a cored apple, also sliced, add so much lovely flavor as they soak. And a single cinnamon stick? Oh, it gives it the most perfect, subtle fall spice! For more on seasonal fruits, check out this seasonal produce guide.

The Perfect Topping: Sparkling Wine or Club Soda

The last step is crucial and makes it *bubbly*! You’ll top off each glass with a splash of sparkling wine, like Prosecco, or even just some club soda if you want to keep it lighter or have a non-alcoholic option. It just gives it that festive fizz!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria

Alright, let’s get this fantastic Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria made! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll be sipping on this deliciousness before you know it. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pitcher of pure holiday cheer ready to go.

Combining the Flavors: The Initial Mix

First things first, grab your biggest pitcher! Pour in that whole bottle of red wine, then add the brandy, orange liqueur, and both the cranberry and orange juices. Give it a gentle stir. Then, toss in all those lovely fruits – the sliced cranberries, your mixed berries, the orange slices, and the apple slices. Don’t forget that cinnamon stick!

The Magic of Maceration: Chilling Your Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria

Now for the super important part: chilling! You need to let all those amazing flavors get to know each other. Pop a lid or some plastic wrap on that pitcher and stick it in the fridge. You’ll want to let it chill for at least 4 hours, but honestly, overnight is even better. Trust me, the longer it sits, the more the fruit infuses into the wine, and the tastier it gets! For tips on proper chilling and food safety, consult FoodSafety.gov.

Serving Your Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria Perfectly

Okay, the moment of truth! Before you serve, just fish out that cinnamon stick – it’s done its job. Grab some wine glasses, fill them up with ice, and then ladle in that beautiful sangria. The best part? Top each glass off with a splash of sparkling wine or club soda. It adds that perfect bubbly touch that makes it feel so festive and special for your Thanksgiving guests!

Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria

Making this Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria is already pretty foolproof, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way to make it even better, or to switch things up a bit!

Sweetening and Fruit Variations

If you find your sangria isn’t quite sweet enough for your taste, don’t be shy! Just stir in a tablespoon or two of sugar or a little simple syrup before you serve it. Also, feel free to play with the fruit! Pomegranate seeds are gorgeous and add a lovely tartness, or sliced pears are fantastic this time of year. For more ideas on fruit pairings, explore fruit pairing suggestions.

Crafting a Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria

Want to make a version for everyone? Just swap out the red wine for more cranberry juice or even a good quality grape juice. Skip the brandy and orange liqueur, and you’ve got a delicious mocktail! It’s just as festive and refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria

Got questions about this festive drink? I’ve got you covered!

Can I Prepare Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria in Advance?

Absolutely! Making it ahead is actually the best way to get those flavors to really meld together beautifully. Just pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even the day before.

Best Wine Choices for Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria

While Merlot and Pinot Noir are my favorites for this Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria, any dry, fruity red wine will work. Try a Garnacha or a lighter Malbec if you can’t find the others!

Storing Leftover Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria

If you happen to have any left (which is rare!), just cover the pitcher tightly and keep it in the fridge. It’s usually best within 2-3 days, but make sure to keep it chilled.

Nutritional Estimate for Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria

Just a little heads-up, these numbers are approximate since we’re using fresh fruit and different wines! But generally, a serving of this Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria comes in around 250 calories, with about 0g fat, 1g protein, and 18g carbohydrates.

Merry Thanksgiving Bubbly Berry Sangria 1

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive and refreshing berry sangria perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (like Merlot or Pinot Noir)
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sliced fresh cranberries
1/4 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
1 orange, sliced
1 apple, cored and sliced
1 cinnamon stick
Sparkling wine or club soda, for topping

Instructions

In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
Add the sliced cranberries, mixed berries, sliced orange, and sliced apple to the pitcher.
Stir in the cinnamon stick.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, remove the cinnamon stick.
Pour the sangria into wine glasses filled with ice.
Top each glass with sparkling wine or club soda.

Notes

For a sweeter sangria, add a tablespoon or two of sugar or simple syrup.
You can customize the fruit with other seasonal options like pomegranate seeds or pear slices.
Make a non-alcoholic version by substituting grape juice or cranberry juice for the wine and omitting the brandy and orange liqueur.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Maceration and Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving, sangria, berry, wine, cocktail, holiday, festive, drink, celebration