Description
Spiced Apple Cider Sangria is an easy fall drink! My simple recipe brings warm spices and crisp apples for cozy sips. Perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- Liquid Base:
- 1 (750ml) bottle dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 4 cups unfiltered apple cider
- 1/2 cup brandy or Calvados
- Fruit & Spice:
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1 large orange, thinly sliced
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 5–6 whole cloves
- Sweetener & Boosters:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or to taste)
- Sparkling water or club soda (optional, for serving)
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cranberries
- Rosemary sprigs
- Extra apple slices or cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Gather Your Goodies:: First things first, get all your ingredients out and ready. This is where I usually realize I’m missing a cinnamon stick or two, so a quick rummage through the spice cabinet is usually in order! Slice your apples and oranges into thin rounds or wedges. Don’t worry too much about perfection; rustic is charming, right? You want them thin enough to really soak up the Spiced Apple Cider Sangria goodness. I love seeing all the vibrant colors on my cutting board, it just makes me happy.
- Combine the Liquids:: Grab your biggest pitcher or a large bowl – you’ll need plenty of space for all that deliciousness. Pour in your dry white wine, followed by the unfiltered apple cider. Then, add that splash of brandy or Calvados. I always take a deep breath here, the smell of the apple cider and brandy together is just pure autumn bliss, honestly. Give it a gentle swirl; you’re starting to build the base for your amazing Spiced Apple Cider Sangria.
- Add the Spices:: Now for the aromatics! Drop in your cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves. I usually just eyeball it, but for this Spiced Apple Cider Sangria, a couple of cinnamon sticks, two star anise, and maybe 5-6 cloves are perfect. This is where the magic really starts to happen, as these spices will slowly infuse their warmth into the liquid. It’s going to smell incredible, I promise!
- Sweeten to Taste:: Next, pour in your maple syrup. Start with about half of what the recipe calls for, give it a stir, and then taste. You can always add more! I tend to like my Spiced Apple Cider Sangria on the less sweet side, letting the natural apple and spice flavors shine, but hey, you do you! Stir it all together until the syrup is fully dissolved. This step is super important for balancing the flavors.
- Introduce the Fruit & Chill:: Gently add your sliced apples and oranges to the pitcher. Give everything a good, loving stir to make sure the fruit is submerged and mingling with all those lovely liquids and spices. Now, here’s the hardest part: cover your pitcher and pop it into the fridge. I know, I know, it’s tempting to dive right in, but for the best Spiced Apple Cider Sangria, you really need to let it chill for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. Trust me on this one!
- Serve It Up:: When you’re ready to serve, pull that beautifully infused Spiced Apple Cider Sangria out of the fridge. If you like a little sparkle, pour some into a glass and top it off with a splash of sparkling water or club soda. Garnish with a fresh apple slice, a cinnamon stick, or even a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy. The fruit will be plump and flavorful, the liquid a gorgeous amber, and the aroma… oh, the aroma! Enjoy your homemade taste of fall!