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