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Apple Cider Sangria For Fall Gatherings

Apple Cider Sangria

This festive Apple Cider Sangria combines crisp apple cider, aromatic wine, and fresh autumn fruits with warming spices for a crowd-pleasing fall cocktail that’s both sophisticated and simple to prepare.
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Total Time 10 minutes
Course Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle 750ml red wine (Pinot Noir or Cabernet work well)
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider unfiltered for best flavor
  • 1/2 cup brandy or apple brandy
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup adjust to taste
  • 2 apples preferably one tart like Granny Smith and one sweet like Honeycrisp, cored and sliced
  • 1 orange sliced into rounds
  • 1 pear cored and sliced
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda added just before serving
  • Optional garnish: additional apple slices cinnamon sticks, or fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the fruit: Wash all fruit thoroughly. Core and slice the apples and pear into thin wedges (leave the skin on for color and texture). Slice the orange into rounds, then halve the rounds. Set aside a few apple slices for garnish if desired.
  • Combine the base ingredients: In a large pitcher, pour in the wine, apple cider, brandy, and maple syrup. Stir gently until the maple syrup is fully incorporated.
  • Add fruit and spices: Add the prepared fruit slices to the liquid. Drop in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
  • Infuse the flavors: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the fruit to infuse the liquid and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Finish and serve: Just before serving, add the sparkling water or club soda to add a light effervescence. Stir gently to combine.
  • Garnish each glass: Pour the sangria into glasses, making sure to include some of the fruit in each serving. Garnish with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or rosemary sprigs for an aromatic touch.

Notes

  • This sangria actually improves with time – making it perfect for preparing a day ahead of your gathering.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine with grape juice and omit the brandy.
  • If you prefer a sweeter sangria, increase the maple syrup gradually to taste.
  • White wine can be substituted for red – Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work particularly well.
  • The spices can be placed in a small cheesecloth bag for easy removal before serving.
  • Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain the bubbles.