Ingredients
Scale
- Liquid Foundation:
- 1 (750ml) bottle dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 4 cups (960ml) unfiltered apple cider
- 1/2 cup (120ml) brandy
- Fresh Harvest:
- 2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- Warm Spice Medley:
- 4–5 cinnamon sticks
- 2–3 whole star anise
- Optional Enhancements:
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (if desired, for extra sweetness)
- Extra apple slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Gather Your Fruit:: First things first, let’s get those apples and oranges prepped. I usually slice my apples into thin wedges, about a quarter-inch thick – not too chunky, or they won’t soak up the goodness. The oranges, I just slice into rounds, peel and all. Toss them into your biggest pitcher or a large bowl. Don’t forget to add those fresh cranberries right in there too! I swear, the sight of all that colorful fruit just makes me happy, even before the liquid goes in.
- Add the Spices:: Now for the magic! Drop in your cinnamon sticks and star anise. This is where the whole kitchen starts to smell like autumn, I’m telling you. Don’t be shy, but don’t go overboard either. I once thought ‘more is more’ with star anise, and let’s just say it tasted a bit like licorice candy. Learn from my mistakes, hon! Just a few pieces are enough to infuse that warm, inviting spice into your drink.
- Pour in the Liquids:: Next, carefully pour in the apple cider, dry white wine, and brandy. Give it a gentle stir with a long spoon. I love seeing the colors swirl together, and honestly, the anticipation starts building right here. Make sure everything is well combined. This is the base of your delicious Autumn Spiced Apple Cider Sangria, so make sure you use good quality liquids!
- The Chill-Out Session:: This step is probably the most crucial, and where I always get impatient! Cover your pitcher and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better, if you can manage it. This chilling time allows all those amazing flavors from the fruit and spices to really meld and infuse into the liquids. I know, waiting is hard, but trust me, it’s worth it for a truly flavorful Autumn Spiced Apple Cider Sangria. I once only chilled it for an hour, and it tasted… disconnected.
- Taste and Adjust:: Before serving, give your sangria a little taste. Sometimes, if my cider isn’t super sweet, I’ll add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of brown sugar dissolved in a bit of warm cider. You want it balanced, not overly sweet. This is your chance to really make it perfect for your palate. Remember, your kitchen, your rules!
- Serve It Up:: When you’re ready, give it another good stir and ladle the sangria into glasses. Make sure each glass gets a generous scoop of the boozy, spiced fruit. You can garnish with a fresh apple slice or an extra cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy. It looks so festive and smells even better. This drink just screams autumn gathering!
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 0 Minutes
- Category: Dinner Recipes