Spiced Apple Cider Sangria (Print)

A festive sangria mixing apple cider, wine, warming spices, and fruit—ideal for autumn celebrations and cozy nights.

# Ingredients:

→ Spiced Syrup

01 - 1/2 cup water
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cinnamon sticks
04 - 4 whole cloves
05 - 2 star anise pods
06 - 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice (optional)

→ Sangria Base

07 - 1 (750 ml) bottle dry white wine
08 - 2 cups fresh apple cider
09 - 1/2 cup brandy
10 - 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)

→ Fruit & Garnish

11 - 2 medium apples, cored and sliced
12 - 1 medium orange, thinly sliced
13 - 1 medium pear, cored and sliced
14 - 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional)
15 - 1-2 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

→ To Serve

16 - 1 cup club soda or sparkling water, chilled
17 - Ice cubes

# Instructions:

01 - Combine water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Strain to remove spices.
02 - In a large pitcher, combine white wine, apple cider, brandy, orange liqueur, and 1/4 cup of the cooled spiced syrup. Add more syrup to taste as desired.
03 - Incorporate the sliced apples, orange slices, pear slices, and cranberries into the pitcher. Stir to thoroughly mix.
04 - Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
05 - Just before serving, gently stir in the chilled club soda or sparkling water.
06 - Pour over ice in individual glasses. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick or additional fruit slices, if preferred.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 25 minutes active time
  • Makes entertaining effortless with make ahead convenience
  • Perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors
  • Showcases seasonal autumn fruits beautifully
  • Adaptable to your sweetness preferences
02 -
  • Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance minus the club soda
  • Each serving contains approximately 210 calories
  • Perfect for both casual gatherings and more formal holiday parties
  • The spiced syrup can be made separately and stored for up to two weeks
03 -
  • The quality of your apple cider makes all the difference in this recipe. Skip the shelf-stable varieties and seek out fresh, refrigerated cider from local orchards when possible. The complex flavors of real pressed apples create a foundation that no amount of spices can replicate.
  • If you're feeling ambitious, try using a blend of different apple varieties in your fruit mix—tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp create a beautiful flavor contrast that elevates the entire drink.

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