Tangy Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall Gatherings (Print Version)

This Apple Cider Sangria Recipe blends crisp apples, warm spices, and a hint of brandy. A simple, vibrant drink for any autumn moment.

# Recipe Info:

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

# Ingredients:

→ Sangria Base

01 - 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
02 - 4 cups unfiltered apple cider
03 - 1/2 cup brandy or apple brandy

→ Fresh Add-ins

04 - 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
05 - 1 large orange, thinly sliced
06 - 1/2 cup fresh cranberries

→ Aromatic Spices

07 - 3-4 cinnamon sticks
08 - 2 star anise (optional)

→ Sweetener & Serving

09 - 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
10 - Sparkling water or ginger ale, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples and oranges washed and sliced. I usually go for thin half-moon slices for the apples and full rounds for the oranges. It makes them look so pretty floating in the pitcher! I always end up with a few extra slices, which, let's be real, usually get munched on while I'm chopping. Don't forget those cranberries; just a quick rinse is all they need. This step always makes my kitchen smell fresh and bright, which is a nice change from yesterday's garlic escapades.
02 - Grab your biggest pitcher or a charming punch bowl. Pour in the apple cider, then the dry white wine, and finally, that lovely brandy. Give it a gentle swirl. I remember one time, I poured them in too fast and made a mini-splash zone on my counter. Oops! Just take your time; there's no rush here. You want everything to combine nicely, setting the stage for the flavors to meld.
03 - Now, carefully add your sliced apples, oranges, and cranberries to the liquid mixture. Toss in the cinnamon sticks and, if you're using them, the star anise. This is where the Apple Cider Sangria starts to look and smell truly magical. I always arrange the fruit a bit so it looks artful, even if it's just for me. It’s like creating a little edible still life. The cinnamon aroma starts to waft up, and honestly, that's half the enjoyment.
04 - Give the Apple Cider Sangria a little taste. If it needs a touch more sweetness, stir in a tablespoon or two of maple syrup or honey until it's just right for you. Cover the pitcher and pop it in the fridge. This is the hardest part for me – waiting! It needs at least 2 hours to chill and let the flavors really get to know each other. Overnight is even better, believe me. I've tried to cheat the chill time, and it just doesn't hit the same.
05 - Once it's perfectly chilled and the flavors have had their little party, give the Apple Cider Sangria a gentle stir. The fruit will have infused the liquid beautifully, and everything will look so inviting. Sometimes, I fish out a piece of fruit to taste-test, just to make sure it's doing its job. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it! This step ensures all those settled spices and fruit bits are evenly distributed.
06 - Pour the Apple Cider Sangria into glasses, making sure each glass gets a generous scoop of fruit and a piece of cinnamon stick. Top each serving with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale for that delightful fizz. This is where you see your creation come to life! The vibrant colors and the inviting aroma just make everyone smile. It’s such a satisfying moment to see the finished drink, knowing all those lovely flavors are ready to be enjoyed.

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip the chill time! Honestly, letting the flavors meld for a few hours (or even overnight!) makes all the difference. I tried serving it right away once, and it just wasn't the same; the fruit hadn't fully infused the cider.
02 - You can prep the fruit and spices the day before, then just combine everything with the liquids right before your guests arrive. It’s a real time-saver when things get chaotic, which they always do in my kitchen!
03 - Tried a splash of ginger ale instead of sparkling water for a bit more zing, and it was a surprisingly good twist. Just add it right before serving so it doesn't go flat.
04 - Serve this Apple Cider Sangria in a big, clear pitcher so everyone can see those gorgeous fruits and spices. It just looks so inviting, and makes my kitchen feel a little less messy.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pitcher or punch bowl
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 200-250
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-30g
Protein: 0g

Back