Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Sangria

Festive Presentation: The vibrant combination of apples, pears, and cranberries with fragrant autumn spices not only tastes incredible but looks beautiful in any glass. Perfect for both casual and elegant occasions!

Delightful Taste: The balance of dry white wine, fresh apple cider, and seasonal fruits delivers a refreshing sip that embodies the flavors of fall.

Perfect for Entertaining: This sangria is designed for sharing! It makes a generous batch ideal for holiday gatherings, brunches with friends, or any festive celebration.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this delightful drink up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop—making your party prep that much easier!

Ingredients

• Dry White Wine: A crisp, light wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully.
• Fresh Apple Cider: This will bring a sweet and tart autumn flavor to your drink.
• Sparkling Water: For that refreshing fizz! Ginger ale can also be used for added sweetness.
• Brandy: A splash adds warmth and kick. Apple brandy enhances the cider flavor, but regular brandy is just as effective.
• Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetness that complements the cider.
• Apple, Pear, Orange, and Fresh Cranberries: These fruits infuse the sangria with fresh flavor and appealing color.
• Cinnamon Sticks, Star Anise, and Nutmeg: These spices elevate the drink with aromatic warmth.

How to Make Apple Cider Sangria

Sangria isn’t just a summer drink; it’s perfect for fall too! This recipe is quick and simple, allowing you to enjoy a cozy beverage while kicking back with friends and family.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pour: Start by pouring the dry white wine, fresh apple cider, brandy, and maple syrup into a large pitcher. Give it a good stir to combine.

2. Add the Fruits: Toss in the sliced apples, pears, and oranges, along with fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and freshly grated nutmeg. Stir gently to mix everything together.

3. Let It Chill: For the best flavor, let your sangria chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours; overnight is even better!

4. Top Off: Just before serving, add sparkling water or ginger ale, stirring gently to combine.

5. Serve: Fill glasses with ice, pour in the sangria, and ensure that each glass gets some of the delicious fruit. Feel free to garnish with additional orange or apple slices and a cinnamon stick for that festive touch. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Sangria

If you want to impress your guests, keep these tips in mind when preparing your sangria:

• Choose Your Wine Wisely: Avoid overly sweet wines to keep the drink refreshing. Opt for dry options like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Fresh is Best: Select fresh, unfiltered apple cider for richer flavor that genuinely captures the essence of fall.
• Mix It Up: Use a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, for added depth in flavor.
• Save the Fizz: Add sparkling water or ginger ale just before serving to maintain its effervescence; using Prosecco for a festive touch works wonderfully too!
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less maple syrup or sweetening the drink with simple syrup if desired.
• Rim with Spice: For a fun twist, rim your glasses with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra burst of flavor.
• Add a Twist: For a red sangria version, swap the white wine for a light red like Pinot Noir. Or try adding a dash of spiced rum for an intriguing flavor combination!

How to Store

To ensure that your sangria remains delicious, it’s best to remove the fruit if you’re planning to store it for more than 24 hours—this will prevent the fruit from getting mushy.

Storage Instructions: Pour any leftover sangria into an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a covered pitcher, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.