Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate cozy, crowd-pleasing drink, look no further than this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall. Featuring crisp apples, warming spices, and a splash of white wine, it's the perfect sip for autumn parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or a relaxing night by the fire. The blend of apple cider and sangria brings out the best fall flavors in one glass. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall
- Super easy to make ahead—just chill and serve when ready!
- Perfectly balanced flavors: sweet, tart, and gently spiced.
- Great for a crowd, from holiday parties to cozy nights in.
- Customizable with your favorite fall fruits and spices.
- Looks stunning with vibrant fruit slices—an instant table centerpiece!
Ingredients for Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall
- 1 (750 ml) bottle crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 cups fresh apple cider
- ½ cup brandy
- ¼ cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec)
- 2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 medium orange, thinly sliced
- 1 medium pear, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (to taste)
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (for topping, optional)
- Ice, for serving
Directions: How to Make Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Wash and core the apples and pear, then slice them thinly. Slice the orange into rounds. Add all the fruit and pomegranate seeds to a large pitcher.
Step 2: Combine the Liquids
Pour the white wine, apple cider, brandy, and orange liqueur over the fruit. Add the cinnamon sticks and maple syrup. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Chill
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, to let the flavors meld and the fruit infuse the sangria. The longer it sits, the better!
Step 4: Serve Your Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall
When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice. Pour the sangria over the ice, making sure to include plenty of fruit slices. Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling water for a festive fizz, if desired. Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks or apple slices for a pretty presentation.
Notes for the Best Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall
- Use fresh apple cider for the most flavorful results—avoid using apple juice as it’s usually sweeter and less complex.
- If you want a less boozy version, reduce the brandy or skip the orange liqueur.
- To make ahead, prepare the sangria up to 24 hours in advance but add club soda or sparkling water just before serving to keep it bubbly.
Variations on Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall
- Red Wine Twist: Swap white wine for a fruity red wine for a deeper flavor and a beautiful jewel-toned sangria.
- Ginger Sangria: Add ¼ cup ginger liqueur and a few slices of fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
- Non-Alcoholic: Replace wine and liquor with sparkling apple cider and extra fruit for a family-friendly mocktail.
Required Equipment for Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall
- Large pitcher (at least 2 liters/quarts capacity)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
- Glasses for serving
Storage Instructions for Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall
Store leftover sangria (without club soda) covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may soften but will continue to infuse more flavor. If adding club soda, do so just before serving to maintain carbonation. Discard after 48 hours for best taste and food safety.
Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations
- Pair with sharp cheeses, charcuterie, or roasted nuts for a festive appetizer spread.
- Serve alongside savory fall dishes like roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or Thanksgiving turkey.
- For dessert, try it with spiced apple cake or pumpkin pie for a harmonious finish.
Pro Tips for Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall
- Choose a dry white wine—too much sweetness can overpower the delicate fall flavors. For wine recommendations, see this guide.
- Chill all ingredients before mixing so your sangria is icy cold right from the start.
- For a beautiful touch, use a mix of red and green apples for extra color contrast in your pitcher.
FAQ: Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall
- Can I make this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall ahead of time?
- Absolutely! It's even better after a few hours in the fridge, so prep it a day ahead if you like.
- What kind of apple cider should I use?
- Use unfiltered, fresh apple cider for the richest flavor. Check out this article for tips on apple cider vs. apple juice.
- Can I use different fruits?
- Yes! Try cranberries, grapes, or even figs for a twist—just aim for firm, seasonal fruits that hold up well.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine
- ½ cup brandy
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup club soda (optional, for serving)
Instructions
-
1In a large pitcher, combine apple cider, white wine, and brandy.
-
2Add sliced apples, orange slices, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon stick to the pitcher.
-
3Stir well to combine all ingredients.
-
4Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
-
5To serve, pour sangria into glasses filled with ice and top with club soda if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!