Description
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria brings autumn’s best sips. This vibrant sangria recipe, packed with fresh fruit and bubbly cider, is perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- Liquid Base:
- 1 (750ml) bottle dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 4 cups good quality apple cider (unfiltered, if possible)
- 1/2 cup brandy or applejack (optional)
- Fresh Fruit Medley:
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 large navel orange, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- Flavor Boosters:
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 2–3 whole star anise (optional)
- Garnish & Chill:
- 1–2 cups sparkling water or club soda, chilled
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Slice and Dice:: First things first, get your fruit ready. Wash those apples and oranges well, then slice them up. I usually go for half-moon slices for the oranges and thin wedges for the apples. Pop the cranberries in a bowl. This is where the kitchen can get a little messy, with fruit peels everywhere, but it’s part of the fun, right?
- Combine the Liquids:: Grab your biggest pitcher or a charming glass dispenser. Pour in your chosen dry white wine, followed by the good quality apple cider. If you’re using brandy or applejack, now’s the time for a generous splash. Give it a gentle swirl—you want to combine them, not create a whirlpool! I once poured too fast and splashed cider everywhere, oops.
- Infuse with Fruit and Spice:: Carefully add your sliced apples, oranges, and fresh cranberries to the liquid mixture. Nestle in your cinnamon sticks and, if you’re using them, the star anise. It already smells amazing, doesn’t it? This is where the magic really starts to happen, as those flavors slowly begin to mingle and become one.
- The Waiting Game (Chill Time!):: Cover your pitcher and pop it into the fridge. I always aim for at least 4 hours, but honestly, overnight is even better. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to truly marry. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it. I’ve been impatient before, and the taste just wasn’t as rich.
- The Sparkling Finish:: When you’re ready to serve, fill your glasses with plenty of ice. Pour in the fruit-infused sangria, filling the glass about two-thirds full. Now for the *sparkle*: top each glass off with a generous splash of sparkling water or club soda. That fizz is everything! It brightens the whole drink and makes it so refreshing.
- Garnish and Enjoy:: Give it a little stir and garnish each glass. I love adding an extra apple slice, a few fresh cranberries, and maybe a small cinnamon stick for presentation. The aroma alone is half the experience! Take a moment to admire your handiwork before taking that first delightful sip of your homemade Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria.