Apple Cider Sangria Recipe: Sweet & Spiced Autumn Sips (Print Version)

Apple Cider Sangria Recipe: Elevate your fall! This sweet & spiced autumn drink, bursting with crisp apple cider, is easy to make and perfect for any gathering.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Seasonal American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Liquids

01 - 6 cups (1.4 L) good quality apple cider
02 - 1 (750ml) bottle dry red wine (Merlot or Pinot Noir)
03 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy or applejack

→ Fresh Fruits & Spices

04 - 2 crisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
05 - 1 large orange, thinly sliced
06 - 3-4 cinnamon sticks
07 - 2-3 star anise (optional)

→ For Serving (Optional)

08 - 1-2 cups (240-480 ml) sparkling water or club soda

# Instructions:

01 - Get a big pitcher, hon. Pour in the apple cider, red wine, and your chosen spirit – brandy or applejack. Give it a gentle swirl to mix everything up. I always make sure my pitcher is sparkling clean first; no lingering coffee smells allowed in my Apple Cider Sangria Recipe!
02 - Now for the pretty stuff! Wash and slice your apples and oranges. I usually don't bother peeling the apples; the skin adds color and a nice bit of texture. Try to get them roughly the same size so they soak up flavor evenly. Don't be shy with the fruit; it's what makes sangria so fun.
03 - Toss the sliced fruit, those lovely cinnamon sticks, and the optional star anise into the pitcher. Give it another little stir, just to make sure everything's mingling nicely. This is where it starts to smell absolutely amazing, honestly! You can almost taste the autumn already.
04 - Now, the hardest part: waiting! Cover the pitcher and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better for this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe. I used to rush this step, and the flavors just weren't deep enough. Patience pays off, I promise; those ingredients need time to get acquainted.
05 - Before serving, give it a little taste. Is it hitting all the right notes? If it needs a bit more sweetness, a splash of maple syrup or simple syrup works. Sometimes I add another splash of cider if it feels too strong, or a tiny bit more brandy if I'm feeling extra festive.
06 - Pour into individual glasses, making sure each one gets some of that delicious, boozy fruit. If you like fizz, top it off with a splash of sparkling water or club soda right before serving. So refreshing and festive, you'll feel like a total pro!

# Notes:

01 - Chilling for at least 4 hours (or overnight!) is crucial for the flavors to meld, honestly.\nAlways use a dry, fruity red wine; heavy, oaky wines will overpower the apple cider, I learned that.\nFresh, crisp apples make all the difference, both in flavor and texture, so choose wisely.\nFor an extra special touch, make it a day ahead – the infusion is just next level, trust me!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pitcher
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250-300
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 0g

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