Apple Cider Sangria

6 servings
15 min

Apple Cider Sangria is lightly sweetened and full of the fall flavors you love. It’s a perfect brunch cocktail, but just as easy to sip for happy hour.

Usually we think about making sangria in the summer months, but this fall or winter sangria is perfect for those crisp days when the leaves start falling. It combines white wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and apple cider with fresh fruit for the perfect party cocktail.


You’ll love that this recipe makes a big pitcher of sangria that serves six. Plan on making this recipe ahead and refrigerating for at least two hours before serving. This allows time for the flavors to develop. If you plan on adding club soda, add it to individual glasses just before serving.


Not only does this Apple Cider Sangria taste amazing, it also looks festive in the glass with the cranberries and pomegranate arils. Plus, you can totally customize it to your liking. You can easily create a Caramel Apple version or even add a Cinnamon Apple twist depending on your mood.


Ready to whip up a batch of sangria?

FAQS:

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?Yes, you could use apple juice instead, but the flavor will be a bit different. Apple cider is unfiltered and has a tangier flavor than filtered and pasteurized apple juice. Most apple juice also has added sugar, which will make the sangria sweeter, but you could look for unsweetened apple juice.

What orange liqueur should I use?You can use whatever you have on hand for this recipe: Cointreau, Triple Sec, Grand Marnier are a few you may have in the liquor cabinet.

What’s the best white wine to use for sangria?A dryer, crisp wine is best in sangria. Choose something like a Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Vinho Verde. Definitely choose a wine that you would enjoy on its own, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive bottle.


FALL OR WINTER SANGRIA INGREDIENTS:

  • White wine: Choose a crisp, dryer white wine.
  • Brandy: Adds flavor and a little extra “punch” to the sangria.
  • Orange liqueur: Adds citrusy flavor to the recipe.
  • Fruit of your choice: I used apples, cranberries, and pomegranate arils.
  • Apple cider: Great for that fall flavor.
  • Cinnamon sticks: Adds fall spice.


HOW TO PREPARE APPLE CIDER SANGRIA:

  • Begin by coring and slicing your apples and segmenting the pomegranate. Add the apples, cranberries (if using), and pomegranate arils to a large pitcher or punch bowl. Note: You’ll need a serving container that can hold at least 2 quarts.
  • Pour in the bottle of wine, orange liqueur, brandy, and apple cider. Give all the ingredients a good stir.
  • Technically, the sangria is ready to serve, but I like to refrigerate it for at least two hours to let the flavors fully incorporate.
  • If you like to add a bit of bubbly to your sangria, top individual glasses with club soda when serving.
Core and slice the apples.
Cut the top off the pomegranate, then slice along the segments.
Gently pull the fruit apart to expose the arils.
Add all the fruit to a pitcher or punch bowl.
Pour in the wine.
Add brandy…
…the orange liqueur…
…and finally the apple cider.
Give the ingredients a good store, and refrigerate before serving.

EASY PARTY FOOD TO SERVE WITH SANGRIA:


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INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS AND OPTIONAL ADD INS:

  • Pinot Grigio: If you like a sweeter sangria, try a sweeter wine such as a Riesling.
  • Apples: Try replacing one of the apples with a pear.
  • Make it caramel apple sangria by adding caramel extract.
  • Make it cinnamon apple sangria by adding fireball whiskey or cinnamon schnapps in place of the brandy.
  • Add extra fall flavor with Spiced Simple Syrup.


RECIPE NOTES:

  • Either frozen or fresh cranberries can be used in this recipe. Frozen cranberries added to individual glasses will help keep the sangria cold without the need for ice.
  • Many grocers sell pomegranate arils in the refrigerated produce section saving you time seeding a whole pomegranate.
  • If desired, add club soda to individual glasses just before serving to add some sparkle to the sangria.


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Recipe details
  • 6  servings
  • Prep time: 15 Minutes Cook time: 0 Minutes Total time: 15 min
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Ingredients

  • 1 bottle white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/4 cup brandy 2 ounces, 50 ml
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur 2 ounces, 50 ml
  • 2 small apples
  • 1 cup cranberries (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 4 sticks cinnamon (plus more for optional garnish)
  • 1 cup club soda (optional)
Instructions

Begin by coring and slicing your apples and segmenting the pomegranate. Add the apples, cranberries (if using), and pomegranate arils to a large pitcher or punch bowl. Note: You’ll need a serving container that can hold at least 2 quarts.
Pour in the bottle of wine, orange liqueur, brandy, and apple cider. Give all the ingredients a good stir.
Technically, the sangria is ready to serve, but I like to refrigerate it for at least two hours to let the flavors fully incorporate.
If you like to add a bit of bubbly to your sangria, top individual glasses with club soda when serving.
Tips
  • Pinot Grigio: If you like a sweeter sangria, try a sweeter wine such as a Riesling.
  • Apples: Try replacing one of the apples with a pear.
  • Make it caramel apple sangria by adding caramel extract.
  • Make it cinnamon apple sangria by adding fireball whiskey or cinnamon schnapps in place of the brandy.
  • Add extra fall flavor with Spiced Simple Syrup.
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