Fall entertaining just got a major upgrade with this apple cider sangria!
Crisp white wine and sweet-tart apple cider meld with warming autumn spices and fresh fruits. Add a splash of brandy for the perfect boozy kick.
I made a big batch yesterday, and letting it sit overnight brought all the flavors to life.
It’s perfectly spiced, fruity, and irresistibly delicious. Trust me, your friends and family will rave about it!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Sangria
Festive Presentation: The colorful medley of apples, pears, and cranberries combined with warming spices creates a visually stunning drink.
Delightful Taste: Dry white wine, fresh apple cider, and seasonal fruit create a lively libation, capturing the essence of autumn.
Perfect for Entertaining: This big batch cocktail was made to entertain! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, brunch with friends, parties, and more.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make this boozy beverage up to 24 hours in advance. It’s the easiest party prep!
Ingredients
- Dry White Wine: A crisp, light wine balances the sweetness. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio both work well.
- Fresh Apple Cider: It adds a sweet and tart autumn flavor.
- Sparkling Water: For the fizz! You can also use ginger ale for added sweetness and spice.
- Brandy: It adds a warm, boozy touch. Apple brandy complements the cider perfectly, but regular brandy works, too.
- Maple Syrup: It sweetens the sangria naturally.
- Apple, Pear, Orange, and Fresh Cranberries: They infuse the sangria with fresh, fruity, festive flavors and vibrant colors.
- Cinnamon Sticks, Star Anise, and Nutmeg: They enhance the sangria with warm, aromatic notes.
How to Make Apple Cider Sangria
Sangria isn’t just for summer, it’s for autumn too! This seasonal delight marries cozy fall vibes with your favorite happy hour drink. And, like other sangria recipes, it’s a cinch to make.
1. Pour. Pour the white wine, apple cider, brandy, and maple syrup into a pitcher. Stir well.
2. Add the ingredients. Add the sliced apple, pear, orange, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and grated nutmeg. Stir gently.
3. Let it chill. Chill the sangria for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
4. Top with sparkling water or ginger ale. Stir gently to combine.
5. Serve in glasses filled with ice. Include some fruit in each serving. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin slice of orange or apple if desired. Serve and sip!
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Sangria
If you want your sangria to dazzle, follow these tips.
- Don’t go sweet. Avoid overly sweet wines to prevent the sangria from becoming cloying. I find Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best.
- Fresh is best. Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. It’s naturally sweet compared to processed options.
- Mix the apple varieties. Combine sweet apples (like Honeycrisp) with tart ones (like Granny Smith) for a balanced flavor.
- Hold off on the fizz. Pour the sparkling water or ginger ale just before serving to maintain its effervescence. For a festive twist, use Prosecco instead of sparkling water.
- Sweeten to taste. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup. You can also sweeten the drink with sugar or simple syrup.
- Rim the glass. Rim the glass in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, festive touch.
- Try a twist. For a red sangria, substitute white wine with a light red, like Pinot Noir. For an extra punch, add 1/4 cup of spiced rum. For a non-alcoholic version, combine apple cider with sparkling water and omit the wine and brandy.
How to Store
I recommend removing the fruit if you plan on storing the sangria for longer than 24 hours. Otherwise, it will become mushy.
To Store: Pour the sangria into an air-tight container, such as a mason jar or a covered pitcher. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Apple Cider Sangria
6
servings10
minutes250
kcalThis apple cider sangria is the perfect fall tipple! With hints of nutmeg, orange, pear, apple, and cinnamon, it’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients
- Sangria Base:
1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
2 cups fresh apple cider
1 cup sparkling water (or ginger ale for sweetness)
1/2 cup brandy (apple or regular)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- Fruits:
1 large apple, thinly sliced (choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
1 pear, thinly sliced
1/2 orange, thinly sliced (reserve a few slices for garnish)
1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional, for color)
- Spices:
2 cinnamon sticks
2-3 star anise (optional)
A pinch of ground nutmeg or 1 whole nutmeg (grated)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the wine, apple cider, brandy, and maple syrup. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the sliced apple, pear, orange, and cranberries. Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and a touch of grated nutmeg. Stir gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for more robust flavors). This allows the fruit and spices to infuse the drink fully.
- Before serving, add the sparkling water or ginger ale for a fizzy twist. Stir gently to combine. Pour into glasses filled with ice, including some fruit in each serving. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin slice of orange or apple if desired. Serve and enjoy!
