Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria

Looking for the perfect fall cocktail to impress your guests? This Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria is not only packed with seasonal flavors like cranberry, orange, and cinnamon, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, and you’ll have a warm, festive drink ready to serve in no time. Perfect for any fall or winter gathering!

When it comes to entertaining for the holidays, I’m all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor or fun. This Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria checks all the boxes. It’s packed with the cozy flavors of the season, like cranberries, oranges, and cinnamon, and the best part is that it’s made in a slow cooker, so you can focus on your guests while the sangria does its thing. Plus, the warm, spiced notes make it the perfect drink to serve on a chilly fall day.

Whether you’re hosting a full Thanksgiving feast or just gathering with friends, this sangria is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s festive, easy to prepare, and keeps your guests’ glasses full all night. 

I’m a big fan of sangria here on Inspired by Charm. So much so that I’ve developed multiple sangria recipes for each season. There’s something for everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a Crowd-Pleaser: This slow cooker sangria is perfect for gatherings. The warm, spiced flavors make it a seasonal hit, and since it serves a crowd, you can relax and enjoy the company while your guests sip on something delicious.
• Effortless Yet Impressive: With the help of a slow cooker, this sangria practically makes itself. The best part? It looks and tastes like you spent hours crafting the perfect drink when all you had to do was combine the ingredients and let it simmer.
• Packed with Seasonal Flavors: Cranberries, oranges, and cinnamon blend perfectly to capture the essence of fall. Every sip is a cozy reminder of the season, making it the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving celebration.
• Customizable Sweetness: Whether you like your drinks on the sweeter side or prefer something with a little less sugar, you’re in control. The simple syrup can be adjusted to match your taste, ensuring everyone loves the final result.

Looking for more seasonal libations? You’ve got it. Check out this collection of my favorite fall cocktail recipes and this collection of my best holiday cocktail recipes.

Ingredients

Before we dive right into making this Thanksgiving Sangria, let’s chat about the all-stars that make this cocktail a fall favorite.

• Spanish Rioja – This dry, light-bodied red wine is the base for the sangria, offering a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the seasonal spices and fruit.
• Brandy – A splash of brandy, especially apple brandy, adds warmth and depth to the drink, enhancing the rich flavors of the wine and spices.
• Cranberry Juice – The tartness of cranberry juice brings a bold, fruity note that complements the fall flavors and balances the sweetness of the sangria.
• Simple Syrup – Used to sweeten the sangria, this ingredient can be adjusted to taste, making sure the drink is just the right level of sweetness.
• Orange Slices – Fresh orange slices add a burst of citrus that brightens up the deep, rich flavors of the wine and spices.
• Fresh Cranberries – These add not only a pop of color but also enhance the cranberry flavor of the sangria, giving it an authentic fall touch.
• Cinnamon Sticks – These bring warmth and spice to the sangria, making it feel cozy and festive, perfect for cooler weather.
• Whole Peppercorns – A surprising ingredient that adds a hint of spice, giving the drink a unique depth of flavor without overpowering the other elements.

How to Make

I’ll walk you through the easy steps for making this tasty slow cooker sangria. For your convenience, I’ve provided a full ingredient list and recipe instructions at the bottom of this post. 

1. Add the wine, brandy, cranberry juice, simple syrup, orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and whole peppercorns to your Crock-Pot® 4-Qt Digital Slow Cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Set the temperature to high and cook the sangria for one hour. Then, set the temperature on low to keep it warm for up to 5 hours.
3. Serve in insulated mugs and garnish.

Garnished with fresh cranberries, oranges slices and cinnamon, this libation looks at delicious and bright as it tastes. It’s a classic recipe that you and your guests are going to love and server time and time again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best wine to use for this sangria? 

I recommend using a Spanish Rioja for its light-bodied flavor, which pairs perfectly with the spices and fruit. However, any dry red wine will work. A Pinot Noir is another excellent option if you prefer something different.

Can I adjust the sweetness? 

Yes! One of the great things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can adjust the amount of simple syrup depending on how sweet or tart you like your sangria. Start with less and add more if needed, tasting as you go.

Do I have to use a slow cooker? 

While a slow cooker is ideal for keeping the sangria warm for hours, you can also make this on the stovetop. Just simmer the ingredients over low heat for about 30 minutes, then transfer the mixture to a thermos or insulated pitcher to keep it warm.

What can I use instead of brandy? 

If you prefer to skip the brandy, you can replace it with another spirit like bourbon, rum, or even omit it entirely. Apple brandy adds a lovely fall flavor, but the sangria will still be delicious without it.

Can I add different fruits or spices? 

Definitely! This recipe is flexible, so feel free to experiment with other fall fruits like pears or apples. You can also try adding star anise or cloves for extra warmth and spice.

The flavors of this Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria are perfect for fall, and to be honest, the whole way through winter. I come back to this time and again as a signature cocktail for entertaining. I hope you love it! If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria

Loaded with cranberry flavor and seasonal spices, this Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Sangria is the perfect libation to warm you up from the inside out.

5 from 8 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: cocktail, cookie shot, cookie shot glass, dessert, recipe, holiday, sangria, thanksgiving, thanksgiving sangria

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute minute

Total Time: 16 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 173kcal

Ingredients

• 2 bottles Spanish Rioja (or another dry light-bodied red wine)
• 1 cup brandy (I used apple brandy.)
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup simple syrup*
• 1 orange sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 4-5 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns (in a sachet)

Instructions

• Add the wine, brandy, cranberry juice, simple syrup, orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and whole peppercorns to your Crock-Pot® 4-Qt Digital Slow Cooker. Stir to combine.
• Set the temperature to high and cook the sangria for one hour. Then, set the temperature on low to keep it warm for up to 5 hours.
• Serve in insulated mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Notes

*Simple Syrup – In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes. Allow the syrup to cool before using.

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 53IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg