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Cozy Spiked Apple Cider Sangria: Best Easy Fall Recipe

cozy spiked apple cider sangria - featured image

This cozy spiked apple cider sangria is the perfect fall drink, combining dry red wine, apple cider, bourbon, and warm spices for a soul-soothing beverage that’s quick to prepare and perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (e.g., Tempranillo or Merlot)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) apple cider (unfiltered)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple brandy or bourbon
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 apples (e.g., Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced (peel on)
  • 1 pear (e.g., Bosc or Anjou), cored and thinly sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole star anise
  • 4 whole cloves
  • Ice cubes (for serving, optional)
  • Sparkling water or ginger ale (for serving, optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples, orange, and pear. Core the apples and pear, then slice into thin rounds or half-moons (about 1/4-inch thick). Slice the orange into thin rounds, peel on. Toss the apple and pear slices with the fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, apple cider, apple brandy or bourbon, and maple syrup. Stir gently until the maple syrup is fully dissolved.
  3. Add the sliced apples, pear, orange, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves to the pitcher. Stir gently to distribute.
  4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the pitcher from the fridge and give it a gentle stir. Taste and adjust sweetness with more maple syrup or lemon juice if needed.
  6. Fill individual glasses with ice (if using). Pour the sangria into glasses, including some fruit pieces. Top with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale if desired. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
  7. Serve immediately. Best enjoyed within 24 hours.

Notes

For best results, let the sangria chill overnight. Use a dry red wine to balance the sweetness. Avoid ground spices as they will make the sangria cloudy. The fruit will continue to soften, so it’s best within 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall sangria, spiked apple cider, easy sangria recipe, fall cocktail, apple cider cocktail