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Perfect Apple Cider Sangria Easy Fall Recipe

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This perfect apple cider sangria for fall gatherings is everything you want in a seasonal drink. It’s crisp without being tart, sweet without being cloying, and boozy enough to warm you up but light enough to keep you going.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1/2 cup apple brandy or Calvados
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds (peel on)
  • 1 pear (Bosc or Anjou), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 3–4 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 2 thin slices fresh ginger (optional)
  • Ice cubes (or frozen apple cider cubes)
  • Sparkling water or ginger ale (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs or mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash and dry all fruit. Core the apples and pear, then slice into thin rounds or half-moons. Slice the orange into thin rounds, leaving the peel on. If using cranberries, rinse and set aside.
  2. Make the sweetener mixture: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup (or honey) with the fresh lemon juice. Stir until well combined.
  3. Layer the fruit in the pitcher: Start with apple and pear slices, then add orange rounds. Toss in cranberries if using.
  4. Add the spices: Drop in cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise (if using). Tuck between fruit slices.
  5. Pour in the liquid ingredients: Add apple cider first, then white wine, then apple brandy. Pour the maple syrup and lemon juice mixture over everything. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  6. Chill and let it meld: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Prepare for serving: About 30 minutes before serving, take the pitcher out of the fridge to take the chill off. Add frozen apple cider cubes if using.
  8. Serve and garnish: Fill glasses halfway with ice (or frozen cider cubes). Pour sangria over ice, making sure each glass gets some fruit. Top with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale if desired. Garnish with fresh rosemary or mint.
  9. Enjoy the leftovers: The fruit will become boozy and can be spooned over vanilla ice cream or yogurt the next day.

Notes

For best results, let the sangria rest overnight in the refrigerator. Use a dry white wine to avoid excessive sweetness. Slice fruit thinly (about 1/4 inch) for better absorption. Watch the cloves—3-4 is plenty. Make frozen apple cider cubes ahead of time to chill without diluting. Serve well-chilled but not ice-cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall sangria, easy sangria recipe, apple cider drink, fall cocktail, white wine sangria

Find it online: https://grubella.com/perfect-apple-cider-sangria-easy-fall-recipe/