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Tangy Apple Cider Sangria with Spiced Fruit

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  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 Minutes
  • Total Time: 15 Minutes
  • Yield: 8 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner Recipes

Description

Tangy Apple Cider Sangria is a vibrant, spiced fruit drink. My personal recipe for a refreshing fall sip, perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Base Liquids:
  • 4 cups (960ml) fresh apple cider
  • 1 (750ml) bottle dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) brandy or applejack
  • Spiced Fruit Medley:
  • 2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced (e.g., Honeycrisp, Granny Smith)
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • 23 cinnamon sticks
  • 12 whole star anise pods
  • Sweetener & Sparkle:
  • 12 tablespoons maple syrup (to taste)
  • 12 cups sparkling water or club soda, for serving
  • Optional Garnishes:
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Gather Your Fruit:: First things first, let’s get those apples, oranges, and any other fruit you’re using ready. I usually grab two types of apples—maybe a Honeycrisp for sweetness and a Granny Smith for that tangy kick. Slice them up, not too thin, not too thick, because we want them to hold their shape and soak up all that Tangy Apple Cider Sangria goodness. The smell of fresh apples and oranges already makes my kitchen feel like autumn, honestly!
  2. Combine the Liquids:: Next, find your biggest pitcher or a charming glass dispenser. Pour in your fresh apple cider, that crisp white wine, and a good splash of brandy or applejack. Give it a gentle swirl. This is where the magic starts to happen, as these base flavors begin to mingle. I once used a tiny pitcher and ended up spilling half of it trying to mix everything – rookie mistake! Make sure you have enough room for all the fruit too.
  3. Add the Spiced Fruit Medley:: Now for the fun part: toss in all your sliced apples and oranges. Add your cinnamon sticks and, crucially, just one or two star anise pods. Seriously, don’t overdo it with the anise, trust me on this one. You want a subtle whisper of its unique flavor, not a shout. I also like to add a handful of fresh cranberries here for extra tartness and a pop of color!
  4. Sweeten and Stir:: Give the Tangy Apple Cider Sangria a good stir with a long spoon. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust the sweetness. If your cider isn’t super sweet or you like things a bit more on the sweeter side, drizzle in a tablespoon or two of maple syrup. Stir again until it’s all dissolved. You want to balance that tangy apple with just enough sweet warmth.
  5. The Chill-Out Session:: This is the most important step for your Tangy Apple Cider Sangria, don’t skip it! Cover your pitcher and pop it into the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, but honestly, overnight is even better. This time allows all those beautiful flavors to truly meld together, letting the fruit soak up the liquid and the spices infuse everything. It’s like a flavor party waiting to happen, I didn’t expect it to make such a difference!
  6. Serve Your Tangy Apple Cider Sangria:: When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, ladle in your Tangy Apple Cider Sangria, making sure each glass gets plenty of that spiced fruit. Top it off with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a lovely effervescence. I sometimes garnish with a fresh apple slice or a sprig of rosemary. It looks so inviting, and the smell is just divine. Enjoy that beautiful autumn sip!