Spiced Apple Cider Sangria: A Comforting Fall Drink (Print Version)
Craft a warming Spiced Apple Cider Sangria. My easy recipe blends crisp apples, citrus, and spices for a delightful, make-ahead fall 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 -
6 cups (1.4 L) unfiltered apple cider
02 -
1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
03 -
1/2 cup (120ml) brandy or apple brandy
→ Fresh Produce
04 -
2 medium oranges, thinly sliced
05 -
2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Gala), thinly sliced
→ Flavor Boosters
06 -
4-5 cinnamon sticks
07 -
3-4 whole star anise
08 -
1 teaspoon whole cloves
09 -
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, to taste)
→ Garnish & Toppings
10 -
Extra apple slices
11 -
Orange twists or slices
12 -
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab your apples and oranges. Give them a good wash, then slice them into nice, thin rounds or wedges. I usually go for half-moon slices for the oranges and thinner slices for the apples so they can soak up all that delicious liquid. This is where my counter often gets a bit sticky, honestly, but it's part of the process! Seeing all those vibrant colors laid out, you just know something good is coming.
02 -
Now for the liquids! Pour your apple cider, white wine, and brandy (or apple brandy) into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Give it a gentle stir. I always take a little sniff here; that blend of apple and wine already smells so promising. Just make sure your pitcher is big enough, because it's going to fill up quickly once we add the fruit and spices. I once tried to use a vase, oops, it was a disaster!
03 -
Next, carefully drop in your cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves. I love how these spices immediately start to release their aroma, even before they've had time to steep. This is where the magic really starts for this cider concoction. Don't be shy, but also don't overdo it with the star anise – it's strong!
04 -
Gently add your sliced apples and oranges to the pitcher. Give everything a good stir to make sure the fruit is submerged and starts to mingle with the liquids and spices. It's so pretty to see all the colors swirling together! I sometimes add a few extra apple slices just because I love how they look when they're bobbing around.
05 -
At this point, give this drink a little taste. If you feel it needs a touch more sweetness, drizzle in some maple syrup, a tablespoon at a time, until it hits your sweet spot. Remember, the flavors will develop further as it chills, so don't over-sweeten right away. You can always add more later, but you can't take it out!
06 -
This is the hardest part: patience! Cover your pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling time allows all those beautiful spices and fruit flavors to truly infuse into the liquid, making this drink truly spectacular. Trust me, the wait is worth it for that deep, rich flavor. When you pull it out, it'll smell absolutely heavenly!
# Notes:
01 -
Chill time is absolutely critical for the flavors to meld beautifully; I learned this the hard way!
02 -
This sangria stores wonderfully in the fridge for a few days, actually getting better with time.
03 -
Feel free to swap out fruits like pears or cranberries for a different twist; I've tried it and it works!
04 -
Serving in clear glasses with extra fruit makes it look extra inviting, honestly.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large pitcher or punch bowl
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
stirring spoon.
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 250-300
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 0g