Apple Cider Sangria Recipe: Fall Flavors in a Glass (Print Version)

This Apple Cider Sangria Recipe brings together crisp apple cider, fruit, and wine for a delightful fall drink. Easy to make for gatherings!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Liquids

01 - Dry White Wine: 1 (750ml) bottle, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
02 - Apple Cider: 4 cups, fresh and unfiltered
03 - Brandy or Apple Brandy: 1/2 cup

→ Fresh Fruits & Aromatics

04 - Fresh Apples: 2, mixed varieties (e.g., Honeycrisp, Granny Smith), sliced
05 - Fresh Oranges: 1, sliced into rounds
06 - Cinnamon Sticks: 3-4

→ Sweeteners & Spices

07 - Maple Syrup (or Honey): 1-2 tablespoons, to taste (optional)

→ Garnish & Optional Boosters

08 - Sparkling Water or Club Soda: for serving
09 - Extra apple slices or orange peel: for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those beautiful fruits ready for our Apple Cider Sangria Recipe. Wash your apples and oranges really well. I usually give them an extra scrub because, you know, they're going right into our drink! Slice the apples into thin wedges or small cubes – whatever floats your boat, honestly. I prefer wedges; they look prettier floating around. Then, slice your oranges into thin rounds. I always try to pick the prettiest ones, but sometimes I'm just grabbing whatever's in the fruit bowl. Don't worry if they're not perfect, it's all part of the charm!
02 - Now for the liquid magic. Grab your biggest pitcher or a nice glass dispenser. Pour in the dry white wine, followed by the fresh apple cider. Then, add that splash of brandy. Oh, and those cinnamon sticks! Just drop them right in. I sometimes give it a little stir and take a deep breath – the smell of the apple cider and cinnamon already starts to make my kitchen feel like autumn. This is where the magic really begins for our Apple Cider Sangria Recipe.
03 - Next up, it’s time for the fruit party! Gently add your sliced apples and oranges to the pitcher. I usually layer them in, trying to make it look all pretty, but honestly, sometimes I just dump them in. It'll taste amazing either way, I promise! Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the fruit is mingling with the liquids and spices. This Apple Cider Sangria Recipe is all about those infused flavors, after all.
04 - This is a crucial step for any Apple Cider Sangria Recipe: taste it! Take a small spoonful and see what you think. Is it sweet enough for you? If not, drizzle in a little maple syrup or honey, a tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition until it’s just right. I usually prefer mine a bit less sweet, but my partner always adds an extra splash. It's totally up to your preference, so trust your taste buds!
05 - Here’s the part that requires a little patience, but it’s so worth it. Cover your pitcher and pop it in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours. Even better, let it chill overnight! This allows all those wonderful flavors from the fruit, cider, wine, and spices to really meld together. I once served it right away because I was too excited, and honestly, the flavors hadn't really developed. Lesson learned for this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe!
06 - When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice (if you like, I sometimes skip it to avoid dilution). Ladle in the Apple Cider Sangria, making sure each glass gets a generous amount of fruit and a piece of cinnamon stick. Top each serving with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for that delightful effervescence. Garnish with an extra apple slice or orange peel if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy the vibrant colors and incredible aroma!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip the chilling time; it truly makes the flavors sing.
02 - Always taste before adding sweetener, as cider sweetness varies a lot.
03 - For the freshest taste, try to use unfiltered apple cider from a local orchard.
04 - Serving with frozen cranberries instead of ice keeps it cold without diluting the flavors.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pitcher or drink dispenser
02 - cutting board
03 - knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 200-250 (estimated per serving)
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-30g
Protein: 0g

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