Apple Cider Sangria
There is no prep work required for this Apple Cider Sangria! You simply need to pour and stir for the perfect boozy holiday drink recipe!
Apple cider sangria is a delightful autumnal twist on the classic sangria recipe. The addition of apple cider infuses the drink with the warm and comforting flavors of Fall! This seasonal drink is perfect for Autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with an effortless refreshing and flavorful drink.
One of the best things about apple sangria is how easy it is to customize. You can add different fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even pomegranate seeds to the mix. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, you can add some honey or sugar to the recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try making a sparkling apple sangria. Instead of using white wine, use sparkling wine or champagne to give your sangria an extra bubbly kick.
What You’ll Need
As always, this is a quick overview of the ingredients you will need to make this recipe. For the complete, printable recipe simply scroll to the recipe card below.
- Liquids: Apple Cider, Pinot Grigio or similar dry white wine, Apple Brandy and Ginger Beer
- Sweetener: as written this recipe uses honey simple syrup which adds amazing flavor, but a traditional simple syrup will also work.
- Fruit: Apples in any variety as well as pomegranate seeds.
- Garnish: Star anise can be used to add a beautiful and interesting garnish to this drink.
How to Make Apple Cider Sangria
- Combine apple cider, white wine, apple brandy, honey simple syrup, sliced apples, and pomegranate seeds in a large pitcher and stir. Refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 1-2 hours.
- When ready to serve, top with ginger beer, pour into glasses, and garnish with star anise.
Serve
When it comes to serving apple sangria, you can get creative with your presentation. Serve it in a large pitcher with some sliced fruit on top or in individual glasses with a sugar rim. You can also add some frozen grapes or berries to the pitcher to keep the drink cold without watering it down. Apple sangria is a great drink to serve at any party or gathering.
It’s refreshing, fruity, and perfect for sipping. Plus, it’s easy to make in large batches, so you can serve it to a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. With its fruity flavors and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit with your guests. Cheers to a great season filled with good drinks and even better company!
Storage
To store the Sangria pour into an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. You can leave the fruit in the sangria, or remove it if you wish. Some of my favorite beverage containers include this option with a spigot, or this carafe with a lid.
Thanksgiving Cocktails
This sangria is perfect for Thanksgiving because it requires no prep work, feeds a crowd and pairs perfectly with traditional Thanksgiving foods. Some other amazing cocktails for the holiday season include this Rosemary Gin Fizz, Moscow Mule, and Raspberry Red Sangria.
Tips and Tricks
- You don’t need to make this ahead of time, I found it was just as delicious when I first made it as when I drank it again after a few hours in the fridge. If serving immediately, I would chill as many ingredients as you can beforehand so it’s nice and cold for your guests.
- You can also garnish with cinnamon sticks, candied ginger, or fresh rosemary/thyme as well.
- This is a very boozy drink even though it doesn’t taste like it.
- The flavor profile of this sangria is sweet and refreshing, it tastes like fizzy apple juice with lovely ginger undertones. It really tastes like Fall in a cup!
- Note that I used apple cider, not sparkling apple cider or apple cider vinegar. I bet you could use sparkling apple cider if serving immediately, though.
Recipe FAQ
I have not made this drink without alcohol. If you prefer a non alcoholic drink that will feed a crowd I would try this Pineapple Punch recipe.
No, I used regular apple cider for this recipe.
Pinot Grigio or a similar dry white wine.
Other Party Recipes
- Sparkling Wine Floats: You only need 2 ingredients for these Fruit Sorbet and Sparkling Wine Floats! Make them kid-friendly with sparkling grape juice for a fun treat.
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- Slow Cooker Lil Smokies: This easy Lil Smokies recipe uses the crock pot for a no-fuss appetizer.
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: This cheesy slider recipe is a quick, easy meal that can be served as a dinner or an appetizer at your next party or potluck!
- The Best Mild Salsa Recipe: Just 7 simple ingredients are needed for this easy dip that’s perfect for tacos, eggs, and more!
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider, chilled
- 1 bottle pinot grigio, 750 ml, chilled
- 1 cup apple brandy
- ½ cup honey simple syrup OR simple syrup, see below
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 ½ cups ginger beer
- Star anise for garnish
Instructions
- Combine apple cider, white wine, apple brandy, honey simple syrup, sliced apples, and pomegranate seeds in a large pitcher and stir.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 1-2 hours.
- When ready to serve, top with ginger beer, pour into glasses, and garnish with star anise.
