Fall Sangria with Apple Cider: A Seasonal Sip (Print Version)

Fall Sangria with Apple Cider brings crisp autumn flavors to your glass. This vibrant, spiced drink is perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet evening.

# 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 - 1 (750ml) bottle dry red wine (Merlot or Pinot Noir)
02 - 4 cups fresh apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
03 - 1/2 cup brandy or applejack

→ Fresh Fruit & Spices

04 - 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), thinly sliced
05 - 1 large orange, thinly sliced
06 - 1 pear (Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced
07 - 3-4 cinnamon sticks
08 - 2-3 star anise pods

→ Optional Additions

09 - 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
10 - 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (to taste)

→ Serving Garnish

11 - Extra apple slices and orange wheels

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those beautiful apples, oranges, and pears ready. I always give them a good wash, then slice them thinly. I usually leave the skins on for extra color and nutrients, honestly. As I'm slicing, I can already start to imagine all those crisp, sweet, and tangy flavors mingling together. Don't worry if your slices aren't perfectly uniform; this is homemade, not a Michelin-star restaurant! Just get them into a large pitcher or a big bowl.
02 - Now for the fun part! Pour in your bottle of dry red wine – I usually go for a Merlot, it's just so smooth. Then, add the fresh apple cider; I swear by the unfiltered kind, it has so much more character. Next up, a good splash of brandy or applejack. This is where the magic really starts to happen, adding a lovely warmth to our Fall Sangria with Apple Cider. Give it a gentle stir; you don't want to bruise the wine, if that's even a thing, but you know what I mean!
03 - Time for those autumn aromatics! Drop in your cinnamon sticks and a few star anise pods. Oh, the smell! It instantly makes my kitchen feel like a cozy fall haven. If you like a touch more sweetness, this is the moment to drizzle in a bit of maple syrup or add a spoonful of brown sugar. I always taste it first, then add sweetener if needed. You want to enhance, not overpower, the natural fruit flavors. Stir it all in gently, letting those spices sink into the liquid.
04 - This step is crucial, hon! Cover your pitcher or bowl and pop it in the fridge. You need to let this Fall Sangria with Apple Cider chill for at least 4 hours, but honestly, overnight is even better. This allows all those gorgeous fruit and spice flavors to really meld and deepen into the wine and cider. I know it's hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth every minute. I once tried to rush it for a last-minute gathering, and while it was good, it just didn't have that full, rich flavor.
05 - After its long, luxurious chill, pull your Fall Sangria with Apple Cider out of the fridge. Give it a good stir and, most importantly, a taste! This is your chance to adjust. Does it need a little more sweetness? A bit more brandy for a kick? Or maybe a squeeze of fresh orange juice to brighten things up? This is where you make it truly yours. I often find I add just a touch more maple syrup if my apples were particularly tart. Don't be shy; your kitchen, your rules!
06 - When you're ready to serve, give the Fall Sangria with Apple Cider one last stir. Ladle it into glasses, making sure each one gets a generous helping of the wine-soaked fruit. For an extra touch, I love adding a fresh apple slice, an orange wheel, or a few fresh cranberries to each glass. It looks so festive and inviting! The aroma alone, with the cinnamon and apple, is just heavenly. This drink just screams autumn, and it's always a hit!

# Notes:

01 - Always let it chill for at least 4 hours, or honestly, overnight. The flavors really meld.\nYou can prep all the fruit a day ahead, but don't add it to the liquid until you're ready to chill. Keeps the fruit firm!\nIf you don't have brandy, a good quality applejack or even spiced rum works surprisingly well. I tried a splash of dark rum once, and it added a fun, unexpected warmth.\nServe it in clear glasses so everyone can see those beautiful fall colors and fruit slices. A little extra cinnamon stick for garnish? Always a good idea.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pitcher or bowl
02 - sharp knife
03 - cutting board
04 - ladle

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250-300
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 0g

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