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

Tangy Apple Cider Sangria Recipe is your cozy autumn drink. Whip up this fruity, spiced sangria for friends or a quiet evening. So simple, so good!

# Recipe Info:

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

# Ingredients:

→ Sangria Base

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

→ Fresh Fruit Medley

04 - 1 large orange, thinly sliced
05 - 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and chopped
06 - 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

→ Flavor Enhancers

07 - 4-5 cinnamon sticks
08 - 2-3 star anise pods (optional)

→ Optional Garnishes

09 - Sparkling water or ginger ale (for serving)
10 - Extra cinnamon sticks or apple slices

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get all your ingredients out on the counter. I always do this because I can't tell you how many times I've started a recipe only to realize I'm missing something crucial halfway through. For this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe, make sure your white wine is chilled, and your apples and oranges are washed and ready. There's something so satisfying about seeing all the vibrant colors laid out, anticipating the deliciousness to come. This step always makes my kitchen feel like a little autumn workshop.
02 - Next, slice your orange into thin rounds and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. I like to leave the apple skins on for extra color and texture, but that's just me! This is where I usually get a little messy, with apple bits flying. Don't stress about perfection here; rustic is the vibe. Just try to keep them somewhat uniform so they infuse evenly. I've definitely had an "oops" moment with an apple slice too thick to fit in a glass, so learn from my trials!
03 - Now for the good stuff! In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in your chilled dry white wine, apple cider, and brandy (or applejack). Give it a gentle stir. I love how the kitchen starts to smell like a cozy orchard at this point – a mix of sweet apples and a hint of warmth from the brandy. It's a simple step, but it's where the magic truly begins to meld. You'll see the colors swirl together, getting ready to soak up all that fruity goodness!
04 - Toss in your sliced oranges, chopped apples, cranberries, and those lovely cinnamon sticks. If you're using star anise, now's the time to add those too. Gently stir everything together. This is where the Apple Cider Sangria Recipe really starts to look like a festive drink. I once added too many cranberries and it became super tart, so maybe go easy if you're not a big fan of pucker-power. You want a balance of flavors, not a fruit overload!
05 - Cover the pitcher and pop it in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours. Honestly, overnight is even better if you can swing it. This chilling time is crucial because it allows all those amazing flavors to meld and deepen. I've been impatient and served it too soon, and while it was okay, it just didn't have that rich, complex taste. Trust me on this: patience is a virtue here! It's worth the wait for a truly flavorful sangria.
06 - When you're ready to serve, give the sangria a final gentle stir. Ladle it into glasses, making sure each glass gets a generous scoop of the fruit. If you want, you can add a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale to each glass for a little fizz, but it's also wonderful as is. The final result should look vibrant, smell wonderfully autumnal, and taste like a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spiced. It's always a hit, and watching people's faces light up when they take that first sip? Pure joy!

# Notes:

01 - Always chill for at least 4 hours; the flavors truly need that time to get cozy, I learned this the hard way trying to rush it.
02 - An airtight container in the fridge keeps it fresh for 2-3 days, but fruit might soften after day two.
03 - Try swapping brandy for spiced rum if you're out; it gives a lovely, warmer kick.
04 - Serve with extra cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for a beautiful, inviting presentation.

# Equipment Needed:

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

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

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

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