Fruity Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Weekend Brunch (Print Version)

Discover my fruity Apple Cider Sangria Recipe, a bright, spiced drink perfect for brunch. Simple steps for a refreshing autumn beverage.

# Recipe Info:

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

# Ingredients:

→ Liquid Base

01 - 1 (64 oz) bottle good quality apple cider
02 - 1 (750 ml) bottle dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
03 - 1 cup brandy or apple brandy
04 - 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled

→ Fresh Fruits & Aromatics

05 - 2 crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
06 - 1 large navel orange, thinly sliced
07 - 3-4 cinnamon sticks

→ Optional Extras

08 - 1/4 cup maple syrup (for extra sweetness, optional)
09 - Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)

→ Garnish & Serving

10 - Ice
11 - Extra apple slices or orange wedges (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples and oranges washed and sliced. I usually go for thin half-moons for the apples, and full rounds for the orange. Honestly, this is where my kitchen usually gets a bit messy, with apple cores and peels everywhere – but that's part of the fun, right? Toss the apple slices, orange rounds, and cinnamon sticks into your biggest pitcher. You want them to have plenty of room to mingle for this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe.
02 - Now for the good stuff! Pour in the apple cider, your chosen dry white wine, and the brandy or apple brandy. Give it a gentle stir with a long spoon, just enough to mix everything without bruising the fruit too much. I always take a moment here to breathe in the scents – the crisp apple, a hint of citrus, and that warm spice. It’s the smell of autumn happiness, honestly, for this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe.
03 - This is a critical step for a truly flavorful Apple Cider Sangria Recipe, so don't skip it! Cover the pitcher and pop it in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours. Overnight is even better if you can swing it. This chilling time allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together. I've been impatient and served it too soon, and it just wasn't the same. Trust me, the wait is worth it.
04 - Right before you're ready to serve, pull that gorgeous pitcher out of the fridge. Give it another gentle stir. Now, pour in the sparkling water or club soda. You want that lovely effervescence for a truly refreshing Apple Cider Sangria Recipe. I always add this at the last minute because, oops, I learned that fizzy drinks go flat if you add the bubbles too early.
05 - Take a little sip! This is your chance to make this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe perfect for your taste. Does it need a little more sweetness? A splash more brandy? Sometimes I add a tiny bit of maple syrup if my cider isn't sweet enough, or a touch more brandy if I'm feeling extra festive. It's your creation, so make it yours!
06 - Grab your prettiest glasses! Fill them with ice, then ladle in your Apple Cider Sangria Recipe, making sure each glass gets a generous scoop of those delicious, soaked fruits and a cinnamon stick. Garnish with a fresh apple slice or an orange wedge if you’re feeling fancy. It looks so inviting, and honestly, the fruit is half the fun!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skimp on the chilling time; it makes all the difference in flavor.
02 - Avoid over-stirring your sangria, you don't want to bruise the fruit.
03 - Adjust the sweetness to your liking based on the apple cider you use.
04 - For an extra festive touch, try adding a sprig of fresh rosemary to each glass.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pitcher (about 2-quart capacity)
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - long spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250 Calories
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 0g

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