It’s Thanksgiving week! A lot of you probably have your food menus planned, but have you thought about what beverages to serve? This Thanksgiving sangria is so easy to make and is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. It makes a huge pitcher, perfect for a crowd. This recipe comes to you in partnership with my friend Jen of Grape Juice Mom. She is a fellow West Point grad and veteran still serving on active duty in the Army. Jen is also an Army wife and mom of two who shares her love of inexpensive and delicious wine. Jen and I partnered together for the holidays to deliver you some delicious wine-based beverages. I tell her what I’m thinking about for a drink, and she give me the perfect wine to make it happen. Here’s a little bit about the wine we chose for the Thanksgiving sangria from Jen!
When Claire and I were brainstorming on the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail and she mentioned “Sangria”, I was thrilled! I’ve always been challenged with finding a great Sangria recipe. Traditionally and most frequently, Sangria recipes call for a bright, fruit-forward, light bodied red wine like a Merlot or Pinot Noir. However, the depth and richness of a full-bodied red wine is more appropriate with Fall and Thanksgiving. Ideally for a Sangria, we would want a fruit-forward, jammy, red wine that wasn’t too acidic or too spicy since all of the added fruits and spices will take care of that part. I also wanted to suggest a wine that is accessible nationwide and affordable. My recommendation: an Argentine Malbec!
Malbecs are full-bodied red wines that are frequently available for $10-15 or less at most wine shops and liquor stores. Argentina is the most common production region, however the traits that made this wine great for Sangria are consistent across regions. Typical Malbec aromas and tastes are black cherry, plum, blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry. Malbecs aren’t traditionally oaky, highly acidic, highly tannic or overly earthy. For these mild and complimentary traits, it’s the perfect wine for a full-bodied Sangria!
With all of Jen’s knowledge, you know that you’re picking a wine that’s perfect for Thanksgiving sangria. I highly recommend that you check out Jen’s website and follow her on Instagram for more great tips on picking the perfect kind of wine for any occasion. I hope this makes it onto your Thanksgiving table! Jen and I will be working together to give you another tasty beverage in time for Christmas!
- 1 bottle Malbec wine
- 2 cups apple cider
- ½ cup vodka
- ½ an orange, thinly sliced and quartered
- ½ a green pear, chopped
- ½ a honeycrisp apple, chopped
- ½ cup cranberries
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients. Stir well and then refrigerate until ready to serve.
- The sangria is best made the day before you plan to enjoy it, or given at least 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Stir before pouring into glasses. Spoon some of the fruit into each glass if desired.
- Enjoy!
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[…] case you missed it, be sure to check out the Thanksgiving sangria that Jen and I worked on together as well! Jen has been so great to work with. I tell her what […]