As the leaves turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, my mind immediately drifts to cozy evenings and festive gatherings. There’s something truly magical about fall, isn’t there? And what better way to embrace the season than with a delightful drink that captures all its essence? That’s where my Spiced Apple Cider Sangria comes in. It’s the ultimate fall party cocktail. This recipe is a warm hug in a glass, bursting with fruity goodness and those comforting seasonal spices I adore. It reminds me of my uncle’s bustling Texas restaurant, where every dish was a celebration. He taught me that food, and drinks, bring people together. This sangria does just that.

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

This Spiced Apple Cider Sangria is a true autumn delight. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy fall days. You’ll adore its warm, fruity flavor profile. It’s the ideal sangria for any autumn get-together. Seriously, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Effortlessly simple to make.
Bursting with delicious fall flavors.

Perfect for any seasonal gathering.
Always a hit with guests!

Gather Your Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Alright, let’s get down to business! To create this delightful Spiced Apple Cider Sangria, you’ll need a few key players:

1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup brandy or applejack
1/4 cup orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau works beautifully)

1 apple, thinly sliced
1 pear, thinly sliced
1 orange, thinly sliced

2 cinnamon sticks
5-6 whole cloves
Ice

Sparkling water or ginger ale (optional, for serving)

Having everything prepped makes the process so smooth. I always slice my fruit first. It’s like getting all your ducks in a row before you start painting. This ensures a beautiful sangria.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

When it comes to the white wine, a dry, crisp variety really shines here. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are my go-to choices because they don’t overpower the other flavors. If you can’t find applejack, brandy is a fantastic substitute. Don’t have orange liqueur? A splash of fresh orange juice with a tiny bit of extra sugar can work in a pinch, though it won’t have quite the same punch. Feel free to swap out the apple and pear for other fall fruits like firm plums or even some tart cranberries for a pop of color and flavor. I once added some persimmon slices, and it was divine!

Crafting Your Spiced Apple Cider Sangria: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part – bringing all those wonderful ingredients together! Making this Spiced Apple Cider Sangria is incredibly straightforward. First, grab a large pitcher. Pour in your dry white wine. Then, add the apple cider. Next, pour in the brandy or applejack. Don’t forget the orange liqueur. Give it a gentle stir to combine these liquids.

Next, it’s time for the fruit! Add your thinly sliced apple, pear, and orange to the pitcher. These fruits will infuse their lovely flavors into the sangria. Now, toss in those fragrant cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. They add that signature warm, spiced aroma we all love in fall drinks.

Stir everything together very gently. We don’t want to bruise the fruit too much. Once everything is nicely mixed, cover the pitcher. Pop it into the refrigerator. This is where the magic happens. Let it chill for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better! This long chill time is super important. It lets all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully.

When you’re ready to serve, grab your glasses. Fill them up with ice. Pour the chilled sangria over the ice. Make sure you get some of that gorgeous fruit into each glass. If you like a little fizz, top it off with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale. Give it one last little stir. Now, you’re ready to sip and savor this fall favorite!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Want to take your sangria up a notch? If you like it a bit sweeter, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey works wonders. Feel free to toss in some extra seasonal fruits too! Cranberries or pomegranate seeds add a lovely tartness and festive color. Remember, that chilling time is key. It truly lets the spices and fruits work their magic. Don’t rush it!

Essential Equipment for Making Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe! Just a few common kitchen items will do the trick.

A large pitcher for mixing and chilling.
A sharp knife for slicing your fruit.
A cutting board.

Measuring cups and spoons.
Serving glasses.

Serving and Enjoying Your Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Now for the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving this beautiful Spiced Apple Cider Sangria! Grab your favorite glasses. Fill them generously with ice. Ladle that delicious, fruit-filled sangria over the ice. Make sure everyone gets a bit of that lovely fruit. If you’d like a little sparkle, add a splash of ginger ale or sparkling water. It adds a lovely effervescence. Give it a gentle stir. Now, sit back, relax, and savor every sip of this fall perfection!

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria Variations

Feel free to get creative with your sangria! For a different twist, try adding a handful of fresh cranberries or bright pomegranate seeds. They add a wonderful tartness and festive color. You could also experiment with different spices, like a star anise or a sliver of fresh ginger. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the alcohol and use a good quality apple cider as your base. It’s still wonderfully flavorful!

Storing and Reheating Your Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Finished your pitcher of Spiced Apple Cider Sangria? No worries if you have leftovers! Just cover the pitcher tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Pop it back into the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight! This sangria is meant to be served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Got questions about this fantastic fall cocktail? I’ve got you covered!

Can I make this Spiced Apple Cider Sangria ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making it ahead allows all those wonderful spices and fruits to really meld together. It tastes even better the next day. Just prepare it up to 24 hours in advance.

What kind of wine is best for Spiced Apple Cider Sangria?

A dry white wine is your best bet. Think Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry Riesling. You want something crisp that won’t compete with the apple cider and spices. Avoid anything too sweet!

How long does Spiced Apple Cider Sangria last in the fridge?

This fall party drink is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days. After that, the fruit can get a bit too soft, and the flavors might change. Always keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this Fall Cocktail?

Yes, you certainly can! Simply omit all the alcoholic ingredients. Use a good quality, unfiltered apple cider as your base and add a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale for fizz. It’s still a delicious and festive drink for everyone!

Nutritional Information for Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Here’s a general idea of what you’re sipping on. Each serving of this Spiced Apple Cider Sangria is approximately 250-300 calories. Please remember these numbers are estimates. They can change based on the specific wine, cider, and liqueurs you use. The alcohol content also plays a big role!

Fall’s 1 Spiced Apple Cider Sangria A True Delight

Author: Alexander Knight

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Spiced Apple Cider Sangria is the perfect fall cocktail to share with friends at your next gathering. It’s warm, fruity, and full of seasonal flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup brandy or applejack
1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
1 apple, thinly sliced

1 pear, thinly sliced
1 orange, thinly sliced
2 cinnamon sticks

5-6 whole cloves
Ice
Sparkling water or ginger ale (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, brandy, and orange liqueur.
Add the sliced apple, pear, and orange to the pitcher.

Toss in the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.
Stir everything together gently.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice.
Pour the sangria over the ice, making sure to get some of the fruit into each glass.
Top with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale if desired.

Stir and enjoy!

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness by adding a touch of maple syrup or honey if you prefer.
Feel free to add other seasonal fruits like cranberries or pomegranate seeds.