Delicious Cranberry-Pumpkin Rebel Sangria Perfect Fall Party Drink
Delicious Cranberry-Pumpkin Rebel Sangria Recipe | The Next Recipes
This Delicious Cranberry-Pumpkin Rebel Sangria is the ultimate fall cocktail — fruity, spiced, and irresistibly festive. A cozy, homemade sangria recipe perfect for holidays or cozy nights in.
Table of Contents
Introduction
When autumn arrives, it brings more than just falling leaves and crisp air — it brings the craving for cozy, spiced drinks that warm the soul. Enter the Delicious Cranberry-Pumpkin Rebel Sangria, a bold twist on the classic sangria that perfectly captures the spirit of fall.
This isn’t your average sangria. It blends cranberry tartness, pumpkin spice warmth, and red wine depth into one vibrant, refreshing yet comforting drink. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner, a Halloween party, or a festive Thanksgiving gathering, this Cranberry-Pumpkin Sangria recipe will easily become the star of your table.
At The Next Recipes, we love creative spins on familiar favorites — and this cocktail proves that pumpkin isn’t just for lattes and pies.
Ingredients
Gather these festive ingredients to make the best Cranberry-Pumpkin Rebel Sangria at home:
For the Sangria Base:
- 1 bottle dry red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup cranberry juice (100% pure, not cocktail)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (for sweetness)
- ¼ cup brandy (optional for extra kick)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits for Flavor:
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, diced
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
For Serving:
- Sparkling water or club soda (optional, for fizz)
- Cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Pumpkin Base
In a blender, combine the pumpkin puree, orange juice, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
This step ensures your sangria base has a silky texture and rich pumpkin flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Liquids
In a large pitcher, pour the red wine, cranberry juice, and brandy. Stir in your pumpkin mixture until fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Fruit
Drop in your apple cubes, orange slices, and cranberries. Stir well to let the fruit soak up all the flavors.
Step 4: Chill and Infuse
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
The longer it chills, the richer and deeper the flavors become.
Step 5: Serve with Sparkle
When ready to serve, give the sangria a good stir.
Pour into glasses filled with ice and top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a light, fizzy finish.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig for that cozy, festive touch.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Pumpkin Sangria
- Seasonal & Festive: Combines the best fall flavors — tart cranberries and smooth pumpkin.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for parties since it tastes even better the next day.
- Beautiful Presentation: The rich red-orange hue and floating fruit make it table-worthy.
- Customizable: You can adjust sweetness, add white wine instead, or even make it non-alcoholic.
- Warm or Cold Option: Serve chilled, or heat gently for a cozy mulled version.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry-Pumpkin Rebel Sangria pairs wonderfully with fall comfort foods like:
- Maple Pecan Pumpkin Donuts — for a sweet brunch pairing.
- Sweet Apple Butter BBQ Sliders — the tangy-sweet combo works beautifully.
- Roasted Pear & Gorgonzola Flatbread — adds a savory contrast to the sangria’s sweetness.
- Spooky Pickle Charcuterie Board — a fun appetizer board for any autumn gathering.
Serve it in large wine glasses or mason jars for a rustic vibe, and don’t forget those festive garnishes!
Delicious Cranberry-Pumpkin Rebel Sangria
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix the Base
- In a large pitcher, whisk together red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, pumpkin purée, and brandy until smooth.
- Add Flavor & Fruit
- Stir in maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and the sliced fruits (cranberries, orange, apple).
- Chill & Infuse
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Serve
- Pour into glasses filled with ice. Top with sparkling water or ginger ale if desired. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or orange slices.
Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Sangria
- Choose Your Wine Wisely: Dry red wines like Merlot or Shiraz balance the sweetness best.
- Sweetness Control: Taste before chilling — adjust maple syrup or honey as desired.
- Pumpkin Texture Tip: Strain the sangria through a fine mesh if you prefer a smoother drink.
- Spice it Up: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise to the pitcher for deeper spice notes.
- Make it Sparkle: Add a splash of sparkling cider instead of club soda for extra fall flair.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sangria a day in advance and store in the fridge overnight.
- Storage: Keep covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Tip: You can freeze leftover sangria into ice cubes for future cocktails.
FAQs
Absolutely! Replace the wine and brandy with cranberry juice, apple cider, and a splash of sparkling water.
It’s better to stick with plain pumpkin puree — pumpkin pie mix contains added sugar and spices that may overpower the drink.
Use a clear glass pitcher or a large punch bowl with a ladle. Add fresh fruit slices just before serving for a fresh look.
Conclusion
This Delicious Cranberry-Pumpkin Rebel Sangria is more than a drink — it’s a celebration of fall in a glass.
With its blend of tart cranberry, smooth pumpkin spice, and bold red wine, it’s the ultimate autumn cocktail for cozy nights, festive gatherings, or just unwinding after a long day.
Raise your glass to the flavors of the season — because pumpkin deserves to shine beyond the pie.
For more festive, comforting, and creative fall drinks and dishes, visit The Next Recipes — your home for all things delicious and seasonal.
