Apple Cider Sangria is a festive and refreshing fall-inspired cocktail that combines the fruity warmth of apple cider with the bright citrus notes of orange juice and liqueur, all rounded out by a smooth bottle of red wine. Enhanced with fresh fruit slices and optionally served with a cinnamon sugar rim, this seasonal sangria is perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or cozy evenings with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sangria offers a delightful fusion of fall flavors in a chilled, easy-to-make beverage that is ideal for entertaining. It’s both vibrant and comforting, with the natural sweetness of apple cider, the tartness of citrus, and the complexity of red wine. The cinnamon sugar rim adds an extra touch of seasonal flair, making every sip as festive as it is flavorful. With minimal prep and a big-batch format, it’s also incredibly convenient for hosting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Honeycrisp apple, sliced
-
Fresh orange, sliced
-
Apple cider
-
Orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
-
Orange juice
-
Red wine (Pinot Noir recommended)
-
Granulated sugar (optional, for garnish)
-
Ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
-
Cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)
Directions
1. Prepare the Fruit:
Slice the apple and orange into thin rounds or wedges. Place them into the bottom of a large pitcher.
2. Mix the Sangria:
Add apple cider, orange liqueur, orange juice, and the full bottle of red wine to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
3. Chill:
Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the fruit to infuse into the liquid. For stronger flavor, chill up to 24 hours in advance.
4. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Rim (Optional):
In a shallow dish, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Rub an orange slice around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
5. Serve:
Fill glasses with ice, then pour in the chilled sangria.
Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick or an extra fruit slice if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Approximate Calories per Serving: 150 kcal
Variations
-
White wine version: Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a lighter, fruitier sangria.
-
Sparkling sangria: Add a splash of club soda or sparkling apple cider just before serving for a fizzy twist.
-
Spiced version: Add a few whole cloves or star anise to the pitcher for a warm spiced flavor.
-
Brandy boost: Add ¼ cup of apple brandy or regular brandy for extra depth and richness.
-
Cranberry addition: Stir in ½ cup of fresh cranberries or cranberry juice for a tart complement to the apple cider.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover sangria in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. As it continues to chill, the flavors may deepen, though the fruit may become overly soft after extended time. Stir gently before serving again.
This beverage is meant to be served chilled, so reheating is not applicable.
FAQs
Can I make this sangria a day in advance?
Yes, in fact, it’s even better when prepared a day ahead. The flavors become more pronounced as the ingredients meld.
What type of red wine is best?
A light to medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot works well. Avoid very bold or tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Is the cinnamon sugar rim necessary?
It’s optional, but it adds a festive touch and a nice sweet-spicy contrast with the tart and fruity sangria.
Can I use fresh apple cider?
Yes, fresh or unfiltered apple cider is ideal for a richer, more authentic apple flavor.
Can I make this alcohol-free?
Yes, substitute the wine and orange liqueur with sparkling grape juice and additional apple cider or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Should I peel the fruit before adding it?
No, there’s no need to peel the apples or oranges. The peel adds flavor and color to the sangria.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes, pears, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds also work beautifully in fall sangria.
Does the sangria need to be strained before serving?
Not at all. The fruit adds flavor and looks great in the glass. You can use a ladle or pour carefully to manage the amount of fruit in each serving.
What can I serve with apple cider sangria?
This sangria pairs well with autumn appetizers like baked brie, spiced nuts, or savory tarts.
How long does the sangria last?
For best taste and texture, enjoy within 2 days. After that, the fruit may start to break down and become mushy.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Sangria is the quintessential autumn drink—bright, warming, and effortlessly festive. With its crisp fruit, citrusy notes, and mellow red wine base, it’s perfect for cozy fall nights or lively seasonal gatherings. Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy a delicious, crowd-pleasing cocktail that highlights the best flavors of fall in every glass.
Print
Apple Cider Sangria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Drink
- Method: Mix & Chill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Fall-Inspired Apple Cider Sangria blends red wine, fresh fruit, and spiced apple cider for the perfect autumn cocktail. With a cinnamon sugar rim and a festive look, this sangria is a crowd-pleasing favorite for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
-
1 Honeycrisp apple, sliced
-
1 fresh orange, sliced
-
3 cups apple cider
-
1/2 cup orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
-
1/2 cup orange juice
-
1 bottle red wine (Pinot Noir recommended)
-
1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for garnish)
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
-
Cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fruit:
-
Add sliced apple and orange to the bottom of a large pitcher.
-
-
Mix the Sangria:
-
Pour in apple cider, orange liqueur, orange juice, and red wine.
-
Stir gently and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
-
-
Make the Cinnamon Sugar Rim (Optional):
-
Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
-
Rub an orange slice around each glass rim, then dip into the cinnamon sugar.
-
-
Serve:
-
Fill glasses with ice and pour in the chilled sangria.
-
Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.
-
Notes
-
Chill overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
-
Use a crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for best results.
-
Sangria can be made ahead for parties—just add ice and garnishes before serving.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *