Apple Cider Sangria
Apple cider sangria takes all the best flavors of the season—fresh apples, citrus, warm spices—and combines them into one incredibly refreshing and flavorful drink that’s both comforting and fun.
Equipment
- Large pitcher
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden Spoon or Stirring Stick
- Wine Glasses or Mason Jars
- Small Strainer (Optional)
- Ice cube tray
Ingredients
For the Sangria
- 1 bottle white wine 750ml, preferably a dry or semi-sweet variety like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 2 cups fresh apple cider
- 1/2 cup brandy or bourbon, if you like a little warmth
- 1/4 cup orange juice freshly squeezed if possible
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey optional, for added sweetness
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- 1 pear thinly sliced
- 1 orange thinly sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds optional, for color
- 2 –3 cinnamon sticks
For Serving
- Sparkling water or ginger ale to top off, optional
- Ice cubes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs optional garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
- Wash the apple, pear, and orange thoroughly.
- Slice the apple and pear into thin wedges or half-moons—leave the skin on for extra color.
- Cut the orange into thin rounds or wedges, depending on your serving style.
- Optional: Lightly crush the cranberries or pomegranate seeds with the back of a spoon to release more flavor before adding.
- Pro Tip: To prevent the apples from browning, you can toss the slices in a little lemon juice before adding them to the pitcher.
Step 2: Build the Sangria Base
- In a large pitcher, pour in the white wine.
- Add the apple cider, brandy (or bourbon), and orange juice.
- Stir in the maple syrup or honey if you’re using it—taste and adjust for sweetness.
- Pro Tip: If your apple cider is already sweet, you may not need extra sweetener at all. Add it gradually and taste as you go!
Step 3: Add Fruits and Spices
- Gently add the sliced apples, pears, and oranges to the pitcher.
- Drop in the cinnamon sticks and cranberries or pomegranate seeds, if using.
- Give everything a gentle stir to combine and coat the fruit with liquid.
- Pro Tip: Don’t over-stir! You want the fruit to stay intact so it looks pretty and doesn’t get mushy.
Step 4: Chill and Infuse
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- This gives the wine time to soak up all the fruity, spicy goodness.
- Pro Tip: For the most flavorful sangria, let it sit overnight. The longer it chills, the more developed the flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- When ready to serve, give the sangria a quick stir.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the sangria over, making sure to include some fruit in each glass.
- Top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale if you want a bubbly twist.
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig or extra orange slice if you're feeling fancy.
Notes
Nutritional Value Per Serving:
- Calories: 180–220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18–25g
- Sugar: 15–20g
- Alcohol: Moderate
- Fat/Protein: Minimal