Capture the essence of autumn in a glass with this irresistible Caramel Apple Sangria. This recipe beautifully blends the crisp, refreshing taste of fresh apples and white wine with the sweet, buttery notes of caramel vodka and apple cider. It’s a delightful twist on classic sangria, creating a festive and comforting beverage that tastes just like a gourmet caramel apple in liquid form.
Perfect for any fall gathering, this sangria is incredibly simple to assemble but delivers a complex and satisfying flavor that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, a Thanksgiving dinner, or just enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, this drink is the perfect way to celebrate the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled to serve at any party or holiday gathering.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors get even better as they meld, making it the ideal drink to prepare a day in advance.
- Full of Fall Flavors: It’s a delicious and festive tribute to autumn with its blend of apple, caramel, and spice.
- Beautiful Presentation: With floating apple slices and cinnamon sticks, this sangria looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 (750 ml) bottle Pinot Grigio or another crisp white wine, chilled
- 3 cups Apple Cider, chilled
- 1 cup Caramel Vodka
- 2 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks
- Optional: Club soda or ginger ale, for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Liquids: In a large pitcher, combine the entire bottle of Pinot Grigio, the apple cider, and the caramel vodka. Stir well.
- Add Fruit & Spices: Add the chopped apples and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher. Give it another gentle stir to mix everything together.
- Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully infuse and deepen.
- Serve: When you’re ready to serve, stir the sangria again. Pour into glasses filled with ice, making sure to get some of the wine-soaked apples in each glass.
- Garnish: If desired, top each glass with a splash of club soda or ginger ale for a bit of fizz. You can also garnish with a fresh apple slice or an extra cinnamon stick.
Tips & Variations
- Pro Tip: For an extra fancy touch, rim your serving glasses with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before pouring the sangria.
- Wine Choice: A dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc would also work well in this recipe. Avoid heavily oaked wines like Chardonnay.
- Add More Spice: For a warmer flavor, consider adding a few whole cloves or a star anise to the pitcher while it chills.
- Try a Different Spirit: Spiced rum can be substituted for caramel vodka to create a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this sangria ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This sangria is best when made at least 4 hours in advance, and it can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- What are the best apples to use for sangria?
- Firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith are best because they hold their shape and won’t get mushy in the liquid.
- Can this be made non-alcoholic?
- Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with sparkling white grape juice and the caramel vodka with 1/4 cup of caramel syrup (the kind used for coffee).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this caramel apple sangria at any fall event, from a casual bonfire to a formal Thanksgiving dinner. It pairs beautifully with cheese boards, appetizers, and classic autumn dishes like roasted pork or turkey.
Caramel Apple Sangria
This refreshing fall cocktail blends crisp apple cider, smooth caramel vodka, and white wine for the ultimate Caramel Apple Sangria. An easy 10-minute recipe perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Stir together the white wine, caramel vodka, and apple cider in a large pitcher until well mixed.
- Add the chopped apples to the pitcher or divide among individual glasses.
- Serve chilled or over ice. Enjoy!
Notes
Best served chilled or over ice. Use Pinot Grigio or a mild white wine of your choice. For a garnish, try adding cinnamon sticks or caramel-drizzled apple slices. Can be made a few hours in advance for flavors to meld. Keep refrigerated until serving.
