Apple Cider Sangria

This Festive Apple Cider Sangria is the ultimate autumn cocktail, perfectly capturing the crisp, cozy flavors of the season in a glass. This easy, big-batch recipe combines crisp white wine, fresh apple cider, and a touch of brandy with slices of fresh apple, orange, and warm cinnamon sticks. It’s a light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful drink that’s perfect for any fall gathering.

Ideal for a crowd, this is the perfect make-ahead cocktail for a Thanksgiving dinner, a Halloween party, or a simple get-together on a cool autumn evening. It’s a beautiful, festive, and dangerously delicious drink that will have all of your guests asking for the recipe.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a Crowd: A simple, big-batch recipe that’s perfect for entertaining.
• Easy to Make Ahead: The flavors get even better as it chills, making it the ideal party prep drink.
• Packed with Fall Flavors: The perfect balance of crisp apple, warm spices, and bright citrus.
• Beautiful & Festive: Looks stunning in a pitcher and is a guaranteed show-stopper.

Ingredients

• 1 (750 ml) bottle Dry White Wine (like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay)
• 4 cups Fresh Apple Cider
• 1 cup Brandy or Caramel Vodka
• 2 Honeycrisp or Gala Apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 Orange, thinly sliced
• 3-4 Cinnamon Sticks
• Optional: 1-2 Star Anise
• For Serving: Club soda, ginger ale, or Prosecco

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Fruit: Wash and thinly slice the apples and orange.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the bottle of white wine, apple cider, and brandy.
3. Add Fruits and Spices: Add the sliced apples, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, and star anise (if using) to the pitcher.
4. Stir and Chill: Stir everything together gently. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve: To serve, fill glasses with ice and some of the fruit from the pitcher. Pour the sangria over the ice, leaving a little room at the top. Top off with a splash of club soda, ginger ale, or Prosecco for a bit of fizz.

Tips & Variations

• Pro Tip: Don’t skip the chilling time! Letting the sangria sit for at least 4 hours is crucial for the fruit and spices to infuse the wine and cider, creating a deep and complex flavor.
• Add Cranberries: For a more festive, holiday look and a touch of tartness, add 1 cup of fresh cranberries to the pitcher.
• Different Wine: While a crisp white is classic, a dry Rosé would also be delicious and add a beautiful color.
• Make it Non-Alcoholic: For a family-friendly version, simply substitute the wine and brandy with sparkling apple cider and a splash of orange juice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How far in advance can I make sangria?
  • You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. Wait to add any bubbly toppers like club soda until you are ready to serve.
• What is the best kind of apple to use?
  • A firm, crisp apple like a Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji is best as it will hold its shape and texture in the liquid without getting mushy.
• Can I use spiced rum instead of brandy?
  • Yes, spiced rum would be a fantastic substitute and would complement the warm spice flavors of the sangria beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this apple cider sangria in large wine glasses to show off the beautiful fruit. Make sure each glass gets a few pieces of the booze-soaked fruit from the pitcher. For an extra touch, garnish each glass with a fresh, thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

Abby

Fall Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

This fresh and cozy Fall Spiced Apple Cider Sangria combines red or white wine with apple cider, orange, cinnamon, and brandy. Perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday parties!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 glasses

Course: Cocktail, Drinks

Cuisine: American, Fall

Calories: 138

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 750ml bottle wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or white like Pinot Grigio)
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 3 sticks cinnamon
• 2 apples, chopped (Honeycrisp recommended)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/2 cup brandy

Equipment

• Large pitcher
• Sharp knife
• Cutting Board
• Spoon for stirring

Method

 

1. Chop the apples and slice the orange, then add them to a large pitcher.
2. Add cinnamon sticks, brandy, wine, orange juice, and apple cider. Stir to combine.
3. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (longer is better) to let the flavors meld.
4. Pour into glasses. Optionally, rim glasses with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Notes

🍂 For a cinnamon sugar rim, mix 3 tbsp sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon, wet the glass rim, and dip before serving.
🍂 Try adding pear or pomegranate seeds for extra flavor and color.
🍂 Chill for at least 3 hours for best results — overnight is even better.