Cozy Autumn Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Festive Sipping

Mixing vibrant apple cider sangria creates a delightful autumn cocktail that blends seasonal flavors with festive cheer.

Crisp apples and warm spices dance together in this refreshing drink.

Wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike will adore its complex profile.

Cinnamon sticks and fresh fruit slices add visual appeal to the glass.

Each sip tells a story of cozy gatherings and relaxed celebrations.

Seasonal ingredients come together in perfect harmony, promising a memorable beverage experience.

You can easily impress guests with this simple yet sophisticated drink that captures the essence of fall.

Apple Cider Sangria You’ll Sip Again

• Craft a festive drink that captures the essence of autumn with a delightful blend of apples, spices, and wine.
• Prepare this sangria ahead of time, allowing flavors to develop, making party hosting a breeze with minimal last-minute preparation.
• Adapt the recipe by adding sparkling water, experimenting with different fruits, or adjusting alcohol content to suit personal preferences and guest tastes.
• Impress friends and family with a sophisticated beverage that looks and tastes complex but requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques.

What’s in Apple Cider Sangria

• Apples: Crisp base fruit for sangria sweetness.
• Pear: Soft complementary fruit for depth of flavor.
• Orange: Bright citrus component for zesty notes.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Optional colorful garnish and fresh burst.

• White Wine: Primary liquid for sangria foundation.
• Brandy or Rum: Optional spirit for extra warmth and complexity.

• Apple Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, Star Anise: Warm autumn-inspired flavor boosters.
• Sparkling Water: Optional light fizz to enhance drink's texture.

Steps to Make Apple Cider Sangria

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Fruits

Wash all fruits thoroughly under cool running water.

Carefully core and chop apples and pear into small, bite-sized cubes.

Slice the orange into delicate, thin rounds that will look beautiful floating in the sangria.

Step 2: Select Wine and Spirits

Choose a crisp white wine that complements the apple flavors.

Decide if you want to add brandy or rum for an extra kick of warmth and depth to your sangria.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Pitcher

• White wine
• Apple cider
• Chopped apples
• Chopped pear
• Orange slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Star anise

Pour the wine and apple cider into a large pitcher.

Gently add the chopped fruits and whole spices.

Step 4: Infuse the Flavors

Stir the mixture softly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Cover the pitcher completely with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal.

This resting time allows the fruits and spices to release their incredible flavors into the drink.

Step 6: Prepare to Serve

Remove the pitcher from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir to redistribute the fruits and spices.

Step 7: Create Individual Servings

Fill glasses with ice cubes.

Pour the sangria over the ice, making sure each glass gets a beautiful mix of liquid and fruit pieces.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

For extra sparkle, splash in some sparkling water.

Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Add an extra cinnamon stick as a festive garnish if desired.

Step 9: Enjoy Responsibly

Raise your glass and savor the delightful blend of autumn-inspired flavors.

Perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home!

Sangria Tips and Tricks

• Chop fruits into uniform small cubes to ensure even flavor distribution and easier drinking.
• Refrigerate sangria overnight to allow spices and fruits to deeply infuse the wine, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain carbonation and provide a light, refreshing twist to the traditional sangria.
• Sprinkle pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and tangy sweetness, making the drink visually appealing and adding extra texture.
• Serve over plenty of ice to keep the sangria chilled and maintain its crisp, refreshing quality throughout enjoyment.

Keep Apple Cider Sangria Fresh

• Transfer leftover sangria to an airtight container or sealed pitcher. Keep chilled for up to 3 days, ensuring fruits remain submerged in liquid to maintain flavor and freshness.
• Pour sangria into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Remove and discard macerated fruits after 24-48 hours to prevent soggy texture. Replace with fresh fruit slices when ready to serve again.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as alcohol and delicate flavors will diminish. Gently stir and add fresh ice before serving to revive the drink's vibrant taste.

What to Pair with Apple Cider Sangria

• Pair with Warm Cheese Board: Create a rustic spread featuring aged cheddar, creamy brie, and gouda that complements the sangria's sweet and spicy apple notes.
• Elevate with Seasonal Appetizers: Serve mini autumn-inspired bruschetta topped with caramelized onions, roasted butternut squash, and a drizzle of honey to match the drink's complex flavors.
• Match with Cozy Dessert: Bake individual apple galettes or cinnamon-spiced pear tarts that echo the sangria's warm spices and fruity undertones.
• Complement with Savory Charcuterie: Arrange prosciutto, salami, and spiced nuts on a wooden board to balance the drink's sweetness and provide a rich, salty contrast.

Fun Spins on Apple Cider Sangria

• Mocktail Version: Replace white wine and brandy with non-alcoholic white grape juice and apple juice for a family-friendly beverage.
• Spiced Autumn Sangria: Add extra warming spices like ground nutmeg and cardamom for deeper seasonal flavor profile.
• Tropical Fruit Swap: Substitute apples and pear with mango, pineapple, and passion fruit for a tropical-inspired sangria variation.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sparkling water, fresh herbs like mint, and reduce added sweeteners for a lighter, more refreshing drink suitable for health-conscious individuals.

FAQs

• What type of wine works best for this sangria?

A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal because they have light, fresh flavors that complement the apple cider and fruits perfectly.

• Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?

Yes, simply replace the wine with additional apple cider or white grape juice, and skip the brandy or rum to create a delicious mocktail version.

• How long can I keep the sangria in the refrigerator?

You can store the prepared sangria in a sealed pitcher for up to 3 days. The fruit will continue to infuse flavor, but try to consume it within that timeframe for the best taste.

• Is it necessary to use both cinnamon sticks and star anise?

While not mandatory, these spices add depth and warmth to the sangria. If you don’t have one, you can still use the other, but they work beautifully together to create a more complex flavor profile.

Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crisp autumn nights come alive with this Apple Cider Sangria, blending seasonal spirits into a festive cocktail. Warm spices and fresh apple slices mingle with white wine, creating a delightful drink perfect for gathering friends and sharing memorable moments together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Fresh Produce:

• 2 medium apples (chopped)
• 1 pear (chopped)
• 1 orange (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)

Liquids and Spirits:

• 1 bottle (750 milliliters/25.4 fluid ounces) white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
• Sparkling water (optional, for added fizz when serving)

Spices and Garnishes:

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise
• Ice cubes (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse all fruits under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue.
2. Precisely dice apples and pear into uniform half-inch cubes to ensure consistent flavor distribution.
3. Create elegant, thin orange rounds using a sharp knife for visual appeal and easy drinking.
4. Pour chilled white wine into a large glass pitcher, creating the sangria’s liquid base.
5. Gently cascade apple cider into the wine, blending the two liquids with a soft stirring motion.
6. If desired, introduce a measured splash of brandy or rum to enhance the cocktail’s depth and complexity.
7. Carefully tumble the prepared apple and pear cubes into the liquid mixture.
8. Artfully arrange orange slices throughout the pitcher for balanced citrus infusion.
9. Delicately nestle whole cinnamon sticks into the sangria, allowing them to slowly release warm, spicy undertones.
10. Gracefully drop star anise into the liquid, contributing an exotic and aromatic layer.
11. Use a long-handled spoon to tenderly merge all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
12. Securely seal the pitcher with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to preserve freshness.
13. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, preferably overnight at 40°F, enabling ingredients to harmonize and intensify.
14. Before serving, give the sangria a gentle stir to redistribute settled ingredients.
15. Fill glasses with fresh ice cubes to maintain optimal temperature.
16. Pour sangria over ice, intentionally including fruit pieces in each serving.
17. Optional: Add a splash of sparkling water for effervescent brightness.
18. Elegantly garnish with scattered pomegranate seeds and an additional cinnamon stick for visual and flavor intrigue.
19. Present and savor responsibly, celebrating the sophisticated blend of seasonal flavors.

Notes

• Always wash fruits meticulously to remove any pesticide residues or dirt that might affect the sangria’s flavor.
• Cut fruits uniformly to ensure balanced flavor distribution and an appealing visual presentation in each glass.
• Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sweet apple cider and fruity notes.
• For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine and brandy with sparkling apple juice or white grape juice, maintaining the same fruity essence.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Steeping
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg