Okay, darlings, gather ’round! Let’s chat about something that just screams autumn coziness – my absolutely delightful Apple Cider Sangria. The first time I ever made this, it was a total accident, you know? I had way too much apple cider leftover from a fall festival (those caramel apples were calling my name!), and a bottle of wine looking lonely in the fridge. I thought, “Why not?” and threw it all together with some fruit. The result? Pure magic in a glass! I still remember that first sip – the crispness of the apple cider, the warmth of the wine, and the little zing of the cinnamon. It was like fall in a glass, and everyone at the table went wild for it!

Now, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. The first few times I made it, I used the wrong kind of wine and it turned out way too tart. Lesson learned: you need something on the sweeter side to balance the apple cider. That “aha!” moment came when I finally used a crisp white wine and the flavors just POPPED. This Apple Cider Sangria has become a staple in our house. It’s perfect for everything from Thanksgiving dinner to cozy weeknight gatherings. In fact, this past year, it was the star of our Friendsgiving. Now, trying to find time to pull this off between school drop-offs, soccer practice, and running Delilita can be a juggling act, but this recipe is so quick and easy, it is always doable. That’s why I really appreciate being able to get everything I need at my local farmer’s market when the weather is nice.

This Apple Cider Sangria is now a cherished tradition, a taste of home, and a reminder of simpler times. It’s also one of my favorite recipes to share because it’s so forgiving. You can adapt it to your liking, swap out the fruit, or even add a little extra sparkle with some club soda. I know you are going to love this one! And I think if you are a fan of this kind of beverage, you’ll love my Pumpkin Cannoli Cake Roll that is a delicious fall-themed dessert option. Come on, let’s head into the kitchen and make this Apple Cider Sangria together. I promise, it’s easier than you think!

What You’ll Need for This Apple Cider Sangria

Alright, let’s get our ingredients together! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of my family-favorite Apple Cider Sangria:

1 bottle (750ml) crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Riesling – I always use something on the sweeter side for my Apple Cider Sangria to balance the tartness of the cider.
4 cups apple cider – When making Apple Cider Sangria, you can usually find the best quality cider at your local apple orchard or farmer’s market, especially during the fall.
1 cup apple brandy or spiced rum – This adds a little kick, but you can skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
1 large apple, cored and chopped – I love using Honeycrisp or Gala for their sweetness and crisp texture.
1 orange, sliced – Adds a lovely citrusy aroma and flavor.
1 pear, cored and chopped – Anjou or Bosc pears work beautifully.
1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen – For that festive fall touch!
2 cinnamon sticks – Here’s an Apple Cider Sangria trick I learned: gently crush the cinnamon sticks to release more of their flavor.
Optional: Club soda or sparkling water, to top off each glass before serving.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Sangria: white wine, apple cider, apple brandy, apple, orange, pear, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks

Shopping Tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal fruit sales! You can often find apples, pears, and cranberries at discounted prices during the fall. This is a great cost-saving tip when making Apple Cider Sangria for a crowd. Also, when it comes to the wine, don’t feel like you need to break the bank. A decent bottle in the $10-$15 range will work just fine. We are adding a lot of flavors here, after all!

Storage Tip: If you have leftover Apple Cider Sangria (though I doubt you will!), you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The fruit might get a little soggy, but the flavor will still be delicious. Just give it a good stir before serving. If you’re looking for an easy side dish to pair with this autumn beverage, try our Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells.

Let’s Make This Apple Cider Sangria Together

Okay, here comes the fun part! Let’s make this delicious Apple Cider Sangria together. Don’t worry, it’s super simple.

Combine the ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, apple brandy (or spiced rum), chopped apple, sliced orange, chopped pear, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. Don’t worry if your Apple Cider Sangria pitcher seems a little full, the fruit will settle as it sits.
Stir it all up: Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors. I learned the hard way with Apple Cider Sangria that a wooden spoon is best for this, as it won’t react with the acidity of the fruit and wine.
Chill out: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the fruit to infuse the sangria. In my kitchen, Apple Cider Sangria usually takes about 4 hours to reach peak flavor.
Serve with a sparkle: Just before serving, give the Apple Cider Sangria another good stir. If you like, top off each glass with a splash of club soda or sparkling water for a little fizz. While the Apple Cider Sangria is chilling, I like to prep my garnishes. A few extra slices of apple and orange always look beautiful.
Enjoy! Pour the Apple Cider Sangria into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with extra fruit and a cinnamon stick, if desired. Your Apple Cider Sangria should smell like a crisp autumn day with a hint of spice!

Sensory Note: As the Apple Cider Sangria chills, you’ll notice the colors of the fruit start to bleed into the liquid, creating a beautiful, festive hue. And when you open the fridge, that wonderful aroma will hit you – pure fall bliss!

Family Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can skip the overnight chilling and serve the Apple Cider Sangria after just a couple of hours. It won’t be quite as flavorful, but it will still be delicious! One thing that has saved me time while doing this is chopping all of the fruit while I’m preparing lunch and storing it in the fridge, so it’s ready to go later. That helps quite a bit! If you want more tips and tricks for using cinnamon in your cooking, check out this article on Cinnamon Apple Cider Sangria – Eat With Clarity.

How I Love to Serve This Apple Cider Sangria

My family loves this Apple Cider Sangria when I serve it with a big, cozy meal, especially around the holidays. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even a hearty vegetarian dish like my Butternut Squash Soup. The slight sweetness of the sangria complements the savory flavors of the food perfectly. This Apple Cider Sangria is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering. I also love to make it for potlucks or casual get-togethers with friends.

Presentation Tip: To make your Apple Cider Sangria extra special, serve it in pretty glasses with a few slices of fruit and a cinnamon stick. You can also add a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a festive touch. I always like to use mason jars for a rustic, farmhouse vibe.

Leftover Idea: If you have extra Apple Cider Sangria, you can use it to make a delicious sangria-infused fruit salad. Simply chop up some extra fruit and soak it in the leftover sangria for a few hours. It’s a refreshing and flavorful dessert. This would also be a good adult slushie if you freeze it!

Seasonal Variation: For a winter twist, try adding a few star anise to your Apple Cider Sangria. They add a warm, licorice-like flavor that is perfect for the holidays. Or, in the summer, you can swap out the apple cider for sparkling apple juice for a lighter, more refreshing version.

Guest Reaction: Friends always ask for this Apple Cider Sangria recipe whenever I make it. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I love seeing everyone’s faces light up when they take their first sip. It’s just so festive and delicious, it’s hard not to love!

Your Apple Cider Sangria Questions Answered

Alright, let’s dive into some common questions I get about this fabulous Apple Cider Sangria. I have made this sangria dozens of times and have definitely made my share of errors!

Q: Can I make this Apple Cider Sangria ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Letting the Apple Cider Sangria sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld together and the fruit to infuse the sangria with its deliciousness. The longer it sits, the better it gets!

Q: I don’t like white wine. Can I use red wine in this Apple Cider Sangria?

A: You know what I do when my Apple Cider Sangria isn’t quite right? Taste, taste, taste! While I prefer white wine for this recipe because it keeps the sangria light and crisp, you can definitely use red wine if that’s what you prefer. Just make sure to choose a lighter-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, and maybe add a little extra apple cider to balance the flavors. It will change the flavor profile, but it can still be delicious!

Q: Can I make this Apple Cider Sangria without alcohol?

A: Absolutely! Simply omit the apple brandy or spiced rum and substitute with more apple cider or sparkling apple juice. You can also add a splash of ginger ale or club soda for a little extra fizz. My kids love this non-alcoholic version! If your kids love the alcohol-free version of this recipe, they’ll go crazy for it.

Q: What kind of apples and pears are best for this Apple Cider Sangria?

A: I personally love using Honeycrisp or Gala apples and Anjou or Bosc pears because they are sweet, crisp, and hold their shape well. But you can really use any type of apple and pear that you like. Just make sure they are ripe but not too soft.

Q: My Apple Cider Sangria is too sweet. What can I do?

A: If your Apple Cider Sangria is too sweet, try adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to balance the flavors. You can also add a splash of dry white wine or club soda. I once accidentally used a super sweet apple cider, and a little lime juice saved the day!

Q: Can I add other fruits to this Apple Cider Sangria?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add any other fruits that you enjoy. Some other great options include grapes, plums, peaches, or even a handful of raspberries. I’ve even seen people add pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

Q: My Apple Cider Sangria is too strong! Help!

A: I know, we’ve all been there with Apple Cider Sangria. If your sangria is too strong, simply add more apple cider or sparkling water to dilute it. You can also add a few ice cubes to each glass to help mellow it out. This Apple Cider Autumn Sangria from Sally’s Baking has great tips for getting the perfect wine and alcohol ratio!

My Final Thoughts on This Apple Cider Sangria

This Apple Cider Sangria recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of all the wonderful fall gatherings we’ve shared with family and friends over the years. It’s a simple, delicious, and festive drink that always brings a smile to everyone’s face.

My Apple Cider Sangria Pro Tips:

Don’t skimp on the chilling time. The longer the sangria sits, the better the flavors will meld together.
Use high-quality apple cider. It makes a big difference in the overall flavor of the sangria.
Get creative with the fruit! Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

Here are a few Apple Cider Sangria variations we’ve tried and loved:

Cranberry-Orange Apple Cider Sangria: Add extra cranberries and orange slices for a tart and festive twist.
Spiced Apple Cider Sangria: Add a few cloves, star anise, and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm and cozy flavor.
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria: Top off each glass with sparkling apple cider for a lighter, more refreshing version.

My husband, Marco, loves the spiced version, while my daughter, Sofia, prefers the cranberry-orange one. I personally love them all! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this delicious beverage.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and make this Apple Cider Sangria your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find the perfect combination for your taste. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Apple Cider Sangria as much as my family and I do. Cheers to a happy and delicious fall! I highly suggest taking a look at this Apple Cider Sangria – Weekend Craft recipe to give you some inspiration on your Apple Cider Autumn Sangria, too.

Now go on, darling, get in the kitchen and create something magical! I just know you’re going to love this Apple Cider Sangria. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family and friends as it has to mine!

Apple Cider Sangria

Print Recipe

This Apple Cider Sangria is the perfect fall cocktail! Refreshing and festive, it’s great for parties or cozy nights in.

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Drinks
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups apple cider
1 cup red wine (such as Merlot or Beaujolais)
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup maple syrup (or to taste)
1 apple, cored and sliced
1 orange, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
Sparkling water or club soda, for topping (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large pitcher, combine apple cider, red wine, brandy, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine.
Add sliced apple, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries to the pitcher.
Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, stir the sangria and add ice to the pitcher.
If desired, top each glass with sparkling water or club soda.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Garnish with extra apple slices, orange slices, and cranberries for a festive look. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine and brandy with sparkling apple cider and apple juice.