Tangy Apple Cider Sangria: My Fall Gathering Favorite (Print Version)
Craft a delightful Apple Cider Sangria for your next gathering. Sweet apples, crisp cider, and a splash of warmth make this drink a seasonal joy.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Seasonal)
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Fruity Foundations
01 -
2 large fresh apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix), cored and thinly sliced
02 -
1 large orange, thinly sliced
03 -
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
→ Liquid Layers
04 -
4 cups (1 liter) good quality apple cider, chilled
05 -
1 (750ml) bottle dry white wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc), chilled
06 -
1/4 cup brandy or applejack
→ Spice & Sparkle
07 -
2-3 cinnamon sticks
08 -
2 star anise pods (optional)
09 -
1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
→ Garnish Goodness
10 -
Extra apple slices or cinnamon sticks for serving (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get those apples and oranges ready. I usually core and slice my apples into thin wedges, and the oranges get sliced into rounds. Don't worry about perfection here; rustic is charming! I always try to pick out the prettiest fruit, imagining how it'll look bobbing in the pitcher. It's so satisfying to see all those vibrant colors laid out, promising a delicious Apple Cider Sangria.
02 -
Grab your biggest pitcher or a charming glass dispenser. Pour in the apple cider, white wine, and that little splash of brandy or applejack. Give it a gentle swirl—you're just introducing everyone, you know? I remember one time, I got a little too enthusiastic and splashed cider everywhere. Oops! Just take it easy, hon, and enjoy the lovely aroma already starting to fill the air. This is the base for our fantastic Apple Cider Sangria.
03 -
Now, carefully drop in your sliced apples, oranges, and the fresh cranberries. Tuck in those cinnamon sticks and, if you're using it, a couple of star anise pods. This is where the magic really starts to happen, as all those fresh flavors begin to mingle. I sometimes get impatient and want to drink it right away, but trust me, this Apple Cider Sangria needs time to get cozy.
04 -
Cover your pitcher and pop it in the fridge. This is crucial! You want to let all those beautiful flavors meld together for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. I've tried to serve it after just an hour, and it just wasn't the same. The fruit needs time to soak up the liquids, and the spices need to infuse. Patience is a virtue, especially for an exceptional Apple Cider Sangria.
05 -
Right before you're ready to serve, pull that gorgeous pitcher out of the fridge. Give it a gentle stir. Now, add your sparkling water or club soda. This is where you get that lovely effervescence that makes sangria so refreshing! I always add it at the last minute so it stays bubbly. It's a small detail, but it really makes a difference in the texture of this Apple Cider Sangria.
06 -
Ladle your Apple Cider Sangria into individual glasses, making sure each one gets a good mix of that fruit. You can add a few fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick to each glass for an extra touch. It looks so inviting, doesn't it? The smells are just incredible—sweet, spicy, and so perfectly autumnal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
# Notes:
01 -
Always chill for at least 4 hours; rushing it dulls the flavors.
02 -
Don't use sweet wine; a dry white lets the cider shine, trust me on this one.
03 -
Fresh, unfiltered apple cider makes *all* the difference in the final taste.
04 -
For extra flair, chill your glasses beforehand—it makes each sip extra crisp!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large pitcher or dispenser
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 0g