Apple Cider Sangria is the ideal fall party drink! It’s light, refreshing, and packed with seasonal flavors of apple, cinnamon, and zesty citrus. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back dinner at home, setting up a festive brunch, or enjoying a night with friends, this sangria is a fun and easy way to elevate your gathering.
Serve a glass of fall sangria with Spicy Cheese Cracker Snack Mix, Brown Sugar Bacon, and Peanut Butter Dip With Fruit for a delicious sweet and savory appetizer board.
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When the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change, I can’t wait to bring out a cozy sweater and enjoy the seasonal flavors of fall. One of the ways I do that is to make a pitcher of Apple Cider Sangria. It’s one of my go-to fall cocktails because it’s easy to make and captures all the season’s best flavors. I love serving it when I’m hosting friends for a cozy dinner or just hanging out at home for movie night.
Why This Apple Cider Sangria Will Be Your Go-To Fall Drink
- It’s light, refreshing, and packed with seasonal ingredients like apple, cinnamon, and zesty citrus.
- This sangria is a fun and easy way to elevate any gathering.
- It’s the kind of recipe that you can whip up ahead of time, which means more time hanging out with your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apple cider: Adds that sweet, spiced apple flavor I love during fall.
- Apple brandy: A smooth, boozy kick that complements the cider perfectly. You can use bourbon or whiskey if you don’t want to use sweet alcohol.
- White wine: Choose a dry or semi-dry white wine to balance the sweetness.
- Lemon slices: Adds a fresh burst of citrus that brightens the drink.
- Apples: Slice them up for a pop of color and extra flavor. I like to use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, but use whatever you like.
- Ginger ale: Gives the sangria some sparkle and fizz when you’re ready to serve.
- Cinnamon sticks (optional): A nice touch for stirring and adding a little spice when serving.
Can I Make This Non-Alcoholic?
Sure! Here’s how to make this a family-friendly, delicious mocktail:
- Replace the white wine with sparkling white grape or apple juice for a similar light and fizzy effect.
- Substitute the apple brandy with extra apple cider or use apple juice concentrate for a more intense flavor.
How To Make Apple Cider Sangria
- Combine the apple cider, brandy, white wine, lemon slices, and apple slices in a large pitcher. Give everything a good stir to make sure the flavors start to blend.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or up to a full day, allowing the flavors to get acquainted.
- Just before serving, pour in the ginger ale and stir again. Serve the sangria over ice, and add a cinnamon stick to each glass for a little fall garnish.
Donya’s Tips For The Best Sangria
- Make ahead: One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be prepped the day before. Letting it chill in the fridge gives the flavors time to deepen, making every sip extra delicious.
- Choose the right wine: I use a dry or semi-dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or Pinot Grigio. You want something light to balance the sweetness of the apple cider.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to add other fall fruits like pears or oranges, or toss in some cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color.
- Chill it: Start with cold cider and wine so that the sangria is nice and refreshing from the beginning.
What To Serve With Apple Cider Sangria
When I entertain friends on the weekends, I serve this beautiful golden cocktail over ice in a large wine glass or tumbler with Spinach Artichoke Dip and Roasted Nuts. It’s the perfect sipper for a holiday party with Crock Pot Bourbon Meatballs, Honey Pistachio Goat Cheese, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Sour Cream Sausage Balls.
Try These Festive Drinks
If you tried this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup apple brandy
- 1 750ml white wine
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 3 apples, sliced
- 16 ounces ginger ale
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks – optional
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider, apple brandy, white wine, lemon and apple slices. Stir to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, add the ginger ale and stir. Pour over ice, add a cinnamon stick for garnish and enjoy.
Notes
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- Replace the white wine with sparkling white grape or apple juice for a similar light and fizzy effect.
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- Substitute the apple brandy with extra apple cider or use apple juice concentrate for a more intense flavor.
Nutrition
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