If you're looking for a Fall-spiced, chilly-weather cocktail, Apple Cider Sangria is a fall cocktail that's a hit every time. Infused with warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, plus the sweetness of seasonal fruits, and just the right amount of booze, this drink definitely delivers all the cozy vibes.
You will love the versatility of this cocktail. It's delicious with red or white wine, and you can even use champagne or prosecco to make it extra bright and bubbly! It's the perfect make-ahead drink for holiday parties, potlucks, or even Thanksgiving! And speaking of Fall gatherings, since you are already planning the menu, consider adding apple crisp pie, apple dip, and apple crumble cake to the list!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED FOR APPLE CIDER SANGRIA
- Fresh Fruit | To turn this Apple Sangria Recipe into an actual cocktail, you will want to have some apples and oranges on hand. You can use any color apple you'd like. We suggest leaving the peel on your fruit for extra color and flavor.
- White Wine | As mentioned above you can use white wine, red wine, or even sparkling wine for this recipe! However, our vote is for white wine. But not just any white wine, a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a Chardonnay. White wine allows the cider to shine in this sangria. If you too are partial to white wine, we recommend adding our white wine sangria to your cocktail lineup.
- Apple Cider | Well, we certainly can't have apple sangria without apple cider, now can we? You'll typically find apple cider on a display near the produce area or you might need to try the juice aisle. Be sure not to confuse apple cider with apple juice; apple cider has a stronger apple flavor than juice, best suited for this cocktail. And if this is the flavor you're here for, be sure to try our spiked apple cider as well!
- Ginger Liqueur | Ginger Liqueur is sweet and spicy (like ginger), and can turn any fall cocktail into a uniquely delicious experience. Our go-to is Domaine de Canton.
- Brandy (optional) | For a more traditional sangria, you'll want to have both wine and brandy present in this cocktail. Apple brandy (or even cognac) will add an extra touch of booziness to the drink, but feel free to leave this ingredient out if you're opting for a lighter sipping experience!
- Cinnamon Sticks | Nothing says fall quite like the sweet, warm notes of cinnamon. Add a few cinnamon sticks to your sangria and let it sit for a few hours or overnight for the ultimate fall-flavored cocktail!
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CIDER SANGRIA
Now that you've got all of your ingredients handled, all that's left is to bring them together!
You will need either a large pitcher or a drink dispenser. Add your sliced fruit and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher first. Then in goes the white wine, brandy, ginger liqueur, and apple cider.
Stir everything together and transfer to the refrigerator to build flavor. Be sure you plan ahead! You'll need to leave your apple sangria refrigerated for at least three hours or up to overnight.
HOW TO SERVE APPLE CIDER SANGRIA
Want to know some optional but fun ways to serve this fall cocktail and make it even more festive? We've got you covered, friend!
GARNISH THE GLASSWARE
When it comes to most cocktails, the garnish goes either on the side of a glass (like in our spiked hot chocolate) or on a pick placed in the glass. However, when it comes to garnishing sangria, the fruit goes inside of the glass! If you have any leftover apple or orange slices, place a few in your glassware before serving. Another lovely added touch for a garnish is a cinnamon stick, and if you happen to have some on hand, star anise. Star anise is beautiful and lends gorgeous fall vibes to any cocktail, however, it can put off a strong scent and flavor so if you have an aversion to licorice it is best to avoid this garnish altogether!
ADD A CINNAMON SUGAR RIM
A cinnamon sugar rim will most definitely take your Apple Cider Sangria to new heights of deliciousness and up the irresistible factor tenfold. To add a cinnamon sugar rim to a glass, you must first whip up some cinnamon sugar! You can easily do this by combining ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon together on a small plate. Wet the rim of your glass by using a lemon wedge with a slice cut in the middle of it, and running the wedge along your glass. Turn your glass upside down and swirl it in the cinnamon sugar. The juice from the lemon will keep the cinnamon sugar in place, and voila! You officially have a cinnamon sugar rim to impress your guests!
If you need more instruction beyond this, be sure to check out our post on how to add a sugar rim to a glass. We also love a good sugar rim on our cranberry mimosas.
SERVE WITH OR WITHOUT ICE
You can serve this cocktail neat or with ice depending on your neck of the wood's current temperature status. Your sangria should be chilled before serving time, but if you happen to live in a place that does not necessarily cool off come the fall (like we do here in Texas), you may want to consider adding ice to your glass!
HOW LONG WILL IT KEEP?
Because of the fruit in the sangria, it will only keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. To keep longer, strain out the fruit and store in the fridge for up to 6 days.
6 MORE COCKTAIL RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Bloody Mary Bar
- Irish Coffees
- Hot Toddy With Rum
- Pomegranate Martini
- Mudslide Cocktails
- Fall Cocktail
Bloody Mary Bar
Irish Coffees
Hot Toddy With Rum
Pomegranate Martini
Mudslide Cocktail
Fall Cocktail Recipe
This Apple Cider Sangria recipe is perfectly balanced between sweet and boozy, with just the right amount of Fall spices. What a win!
- 2 apples, sliced
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 4-6 cinnamon sticks
- 1 (750 ml) bottle dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup Canton ginger liqueur
- ½ cup brandy (optional)
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Add all of the ingredients to a pitcher or drink dispenser and stir. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours.
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To serve, garnish glasses with any extra fruit and cinnamon sticks. Pour neat or over ice, and enjoy responsibly!
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