Cranberry Sangría Punch

This wintry, ruby-red cranberry sangria punch is a staff favorite but comes with a warning: It goes down easy. You can make it a day ahead to make your life that much easier, and just add the Champagne right before serving.

Even though cranberries are usually reserved for holidays, you'll be very tempted to make this punch all year long. This fruity drink has a beautiful jewel tone color, so it's a picture-perfect addition to any holiday bar. Serve this sangria drink in a festive punch bowl or large pitcher, and make sure to have plenty of apple and orange slices available to guests for garnishing.

Learn how to make this cranberry punch. All of our Test Kitchen professionals agreed that the cranberry sangria punch is so delicious that you could easily overindulge, but we think your lineup of holiday appetizers and snacks will more than make up for it.

What Is Sangria?

Sangria is a traditional Spanish and Portuguese drink that combines wine with fruits, sweeteners, spirits, or other additions for a fruity, refreshing punch. While red wine is the most common base for the drink, it can also be made with a combination of wines, as well as white, rosé, or sparkling wine.

It can also be prepared with whole or cut seasonal fruits in the mix, including cranberries, apples, or pears in the fall and winter, or fresh berries, grapes, or peaches in the spring and summer. Using what you have on hand, you can easily whip up a batch to suit your preferences.

Why This Cranberry Punch Is Perfect for the Holidays

With its vibrant red color and seasonal flavor profile, this cranberry sangria punch is just made for celebrating the holiday season. Cooked cranberries break down to infuse the punch with a rosy red hue, with bits of fruit left in the drink to add a pop of tanginess throughout.

Using bottled sangria has the benefit of making this punch a breeze to throw together and perfect for serving a large crowd, while also imparting a complex, fruity flavor to the drink. A garnish of fresh apple and orange slices adds even more seasonal flair to the drink, while a final flourish of Champagne gives it an effervescent touch perfect for holiday celebrations.

Best of all? You can even prepare it a day in advance. Trust us—you're going to love this one.

Ingredients for Cranberry Sangria Punch

A flavorful blend of tangy cranberries, rich sangria, citrusy Campari, and bubbly Champagne makes this punch go down a little too easy. To make cranberry sangria punch, you'll need:

• Frozen or fresh cranberries: The defining ingredient of the drink, cranberries add a vibrant color and tart, fruity flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cooked cranberries to enhance and balance their flavor.
• Water: Dilutes the cooked cranberry mixture.
• Sangria: Pairs with Champagne as the alcohol base of the drink, while adding complexity and depth.
• Campari: Adds a bitter, herbal note to help balance the punch. It's available in liquor stores with the aperitifs.
  
• Naval orange and Granny Smith apple: For a bright, fresh flavor, as well as visual interest.
• Brut Champagne: For an effervescent, refreshing touch. Be sure to use Brut Champagne, not Prosecco, as it could make this fruity drink too sweet.

What Type of Champagne Is Best for Sangria Punch?

Balancing the complexity of cooked cranberries, sangria, Campari, and fresh fruit, Champagne adds a refreshing lightness to this punch. Choosing a Champagne that isn't too sweet is key to keep the balance of the drink intact. A dry, versatile sparkling wine like Brut or Cava, or a crisp sparkling wine should be a good fit. Avoid using prosecco, which could make the drink just too sweet.

No matter what type of bubbly you choose, make sure to chill it before adding to the punch, and only add it right before serving for that effervescent touch.

Cranberry Sangria Punch Variations

To add your own unique twist to this festive sangria punch, consider these variation ideas:

• Cranberries: If you just don't love cranberries, swap with other types of fruits, including raspberries, blackberries, or red currants for a fun twist.
• Sweeteners: Sweeten the cooked fruit mixture with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar for a unique flavor profile.
• Sangria: Make your own sangria instead of using a bottled version, if preferred.
• Campari: Swap with Aperol for a more citrusy flavor, or Select Aperitivo for a complex, slightly spicy touch.
• Fruit garnishes: Swap the apples and oranges for any cut fruits you prefer, including cherries, mixed berries, additional frozen cranberries, and more.
• Holiday touch: Add a festive touch by garnishing the punch with cinnamon sticks or sugared cranberries.

How To Make Cranberry Sangria Punch

Simply cook the cranberries until they start to pop, and you're halfway there. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Boil cranberries: Bring cranberries, sugar, and water to a boil in a saucepan. Cook until cranberries begin to pop. Cool 30 minutes.
• Step 2. Mix sangria, Campari, and cranberry mixture: In a pitcher or punch bowl, stir together sangria, Campari, and cranberry mixture. Add orange and apple slices.
• Step 3. Add Champagne: When ready to serve, add Champagne.
• Step 4. Pour and serve: Serve over ice.

Can I Make Cranberry Sangria Punch Ahead?

This punch can be prepared up to one day before serving, so you can check one item off of your holiday party prep list. To prepare in advance, mix the sangria, Campari, and cranberry mixture as directed in Step 2. Wrap and refrigerate overnight. Give a quick stir in the morning, adding the fresh orange and apple slices. When ready to serve, add Champagne.

What To Serve With Cranberry Sangria Punch

This vibrant, fruit-forward cocktail is the perfect sipper for a holiday party, especially when paired with savory appetizers. Start the party off with a pitcher of this punch, to serve with a cheese platter, charcuterie board, spiced nuts, or your favorite holiday bites. You can even enjoy this cocktail as you enjoy your main course, whether you're serving roasted turkey or chicken, honey-glazed ham, stuffed pork tenderloin, or other holiday entrees and sides. Or, hold off and serve this fruity punch with dessert, pairing with cheesecake, a fruit tart, white chocolate fondue, and more.

More Holiday-Worthy Cocktail Recipes You'll Love

When it's time to celebrate, these classic and festive cocktail recipes are here to help you do just that:

• Party Punch
• Sparkling Punch
• Gingerbread Martini
• Cherry Blossom Cocktail
• Retro Rum Punch
• Mississippi Bourbon Punch
• Hot Toddy
• White Chocolate Martini