Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria: A Fall Favorite (Print Version)
Craft a refreshing Apple Cider Sangria recipe, perfect for autumn gatherings. My personal tips for a truly memorable, fruit-filled drink!
# 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, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Base Liquids
01 -
4 cups (about 1 liter) fresh apple cider (unfiltered, please!)
02 -
1 (750ml) bottle dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
03 -
1/2 cup brandy
→ Fresh Fruits
04 -
1 large orange, thinly sliced
05 -
2 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), cored and chopped or thinly sliced
06 -
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
→ Flavor Enhancers
07 -
2-3 cinnamon sticks
→ Optional Sparkle
08 -
1-2 cups club soda or sparkling water, for topping
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those apples and oranges sliced up. I like to core the apples and then cut them into thin wedges or small chunks – whatever feels easiest that day, honestly. For the orange, thin rounds look the prettiest, I think. Toss them all into your biggest pitcher or a nice, big punch bowl. This is where the Apple Cider Sangria starts to look inviting and colorful, setting the stage for deliciousness.
02 -
Pour in the fresh apple cider, followed by your chosen dry white wine. Then, that little secret splash of brandy goes in. Give it a gentle stir, making sure everything is well combined. I always take a deep breath here, because the smell of the apple and wine together? *Chef's kiss*. This base is crucial for your Apple Cider Sangria, so take a moment to appreciate it.
03 -
Now, drop in the cinnamon sticks and those lovely cranberries. If you’re using frozen cranberries, they’ll help chill things down faster, which is a bonus! I find the cranberries add such a nice tart contrast to the sweetness of the Apple Cider Sangria. It’s starting to really smell like autumn in here, which I just adore!
04 -
This is the hard part for me because I'm so impatient! Cover your pitcher and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This time allows all those wonderful flavors to really get to know each other and create a truly cohesive Apple Cider Sangria. Don't skip this, I beg you; it's where the magic happens and the flavors deepen.
05 -
When you’re ready to enjoy, give the Apple Cider Sangria another gentle stir. If you're feeling fancy, you can fish out the old fruit and add some fresh slices for presentation, but I usually just leave it all in – less fuss, more fun! Spoon some fruit into each glass – that’s the best part, right? It’s almost time to enjoy your hard work.
06 -
Final touch! Top each serving with a splash of club soda or sparkling water right before handing it out. This adds a lovely effervescence and brightens everything up. The fizz makes this Apple Cider Sangria feel extra special, like a little celebration in a glass, and really elevates the whole experience. Don't add it too early, or it'll go flat!
# Notes:
01 -
Always use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor in your Apple Cider Sangria.
02 -
Let it chill for at least 4 hours; this really lets the flavors meld beautifully.
03 -
If you're out of brandy, a splash of applejack works surprisingly well for a similar warm note.
04 -
For extra flair, rim glasses with cinnamon sugar before pouring your Apple Cider Sangria.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large pitcher (at least 2-liter capacity)
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 1g