If you’re craving a crisp, refreshing drink that’s perfect for autumn or any festive gathering, look no further than Apple Cider Sangria. This vibrant twist on the classic sangria blends the spicy sweetness of apple cider with fresh fruit and your choice of wine, crafting a delightful medley of flavors that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or a lively evening party, Apple Cider Sangria offers a delicious way to celebrate the season with every sip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seasonal Perfection: The warm spices and apple notes capture the essence of fall in every glass.
Easy to Customize: You can swap fruits, wines, and spices effortlessly to suit any taste or dietary need.
Refreshing and Light: Despite its rich flavors, Apple Cider Sangria remains refreshingly crisp and not too heavy.
Impressive Yet Simple: Looks like you put in hours, but it only takes minutes to prepare.
Ideal for Any Occasion: Perfect for brunches, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cider Sangria recipe shines with a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each add a unique flair—from the fruity base to the aromatic hint of spices. Gathering these essentials guarantees a well-balanced, tasty drink that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Apple Cider: Choose a fresh, preferably unfiltered cider to add natural sweetness and warmth.
White or Rosé Wine: A crisp, dry wine balances the sweetness and adds a touch of elegance.
Fresh Apples: Thinly sliced for texture and natural apple flavor bursts.
Citrus Fruits: Oranges and lemons bring a zesty brightness that lifts the sangria.
Spices: Cinnamon sticks or star anise infuse lovely autumnal aromas into the mix.
Sweetener (optional): Honey or maple syrup can be added for a touch of extra sweetness if desired.

Variations for Apple Cider Sangria

One of the best things about Apple Cider Sangria is its versatility. Feel free to mix and match ingredients or tweak proportions to find your perfect flavor profile. These variations help you tailor the recipe based on your pantry, preferences, or the occasion.

Spiced Pear Version: Add pear slices and a pinch of nutmeg for a fruit-forward twist.
Berry Blend: Toss in fresh cranberries or raspberries for a festive color and tartness.
Non-Alcoholic Option: Replace wine with sparkling water or apple soda for a mocktail version.
Ginger Kick: Incorporate fresh ginger slices or ginger ale for a spicy zing.
Red Wine Base: Use a light red wine such as Pinot Noir for a deeper, richer sangria.

5 Delightful Apple Cider Sangria Recipes to Try

How to Make Apple Cider Sangria

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Wash and thinly slice apples, oranges, and lemons. Remove any seeds and set aside. Fresh fruit is key to infusing natural flavors into your Apple Cider Sangria.

Step 2: Combine Liquids

In a large pitcher or bowl, pour in your apple cider and white or rosé wine. Stir gently to blend the crisp, fruity base that forms the heart of the sangria.

Step 3: Add Spices and Sweetener

Add cinnamon sticks or star anise, and if you like a sweeter sangria, a spoonful of honey or maple syrup. Stir again to dissolve the sweetener and release spice aromas.

Step 4: Mix in Fruit

Drop in the prepared fruit slices and gently stir. The fruit will soak up the flavors, making each glass colorful and inviting.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least two hours, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully. Serve chilled over ice with a slice of apple or orange as garnish.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Sangria

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh fruits and good-quality cider and wine for the best taste.
Chill Before Serving: Let the sangria rest in the fridge for a few hours to develop rich flavors.
Use Seasonal Fruits: Incorporate whatever apples and citrus fruits are freshest for enhanced vibrancy.
Don’t Over-Sweeten: Taste before adding sweetener—apple cider and wine already provide natural sweetness.
Serve with Ice: Adding ice cubes keeps the sangria cold without diluting too quickly.

How to Serve Apple Cider Sangria

Garnishes

Fresh apple slices, orange wheels, or cinnamon sticks make beautiful, aromatic garnishes that enhance both the look and flavor of your Apple Cider Sangria.

Side Dishes

This sangria pairs wonderfully with light appetizers like cheese platters, roasted nuts, or spiced pork sliders, complementing the fall flavors perfectly without overpowering the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Apple Cider Sangria in mason jars for casual gatherings or elegant stemware for special occasions. Floating edible flowers or adding a sugared rim can elevate the presentation to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Cider Sangria refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days to retain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

While freezing sangria isn’t recommended as it may affect texture and flavor, you can freeze the fruit separately for smoothies or other drinks later.

Reheating

This recipe is best served cold, so reheating is not ideal. Instead, stir well before serving leftovers chilled and add fresh ice if needed.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cider Sangria non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Simply replace the wine with sparkling water, apple soda, or non-alcoholic sparkling cider to enjoy a festive mocktail version.

What type of wine is best for Apple Cider Sangria?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé work beautifully to balance the sweetness of the apple cider and fruit.

Can I prepare Apple Cider Sangria in advance?

Yes, preparing it a few hours or even a day ahead allows flavors to meld and deepen, making it even more delicious.

How long will Apple Cider Sangria stay fresh?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, it remains fresh and tasty for up to 3 days.

What fruits other than apples can I add?

Oranges, lemons, pears, cranberries, and even berries are all excellent options to customize your sangria.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cider Sangria offers a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of the season with friends and family. Its blend of crisp apple cider, fresh fruits, and subtle spices creates a drink that’s as inviting as it is delicious. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the fun variations, this sangria is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a glass (or two) of homemade Apple Cider Sangria today!

Apple Cider Sangria

Print Recipe

Apple Cider Sangria is a crisp, refreshing drink that perfectly captures the essence of autumn with warm spices, fresh fruit, and a choice of wine. Ideal for festive gatherings, this easy-to-make sangria combines the sweetness of apple cider with citrus, spices, and fresh apples, resulting in a flavorful, light beverage perfect for any occasion throughout the fall season.

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Category: Beverages
Method: No cooking required
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids

4 cups fresh, preferably unfiltered apple cider
1 bottle (750 ml) dry white or rosé wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

Fruits

2 medium fresh apples, thinly sliced
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced

Spices & Sweetener

2 cinnamon sticks or 2 star anise
1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit: Wash and thinly slice the apples, orange, and lemon. Remove any seeds and set the fruit slices aside to use later in the sangria.
Combine Liquids: In a large pitcher or bowl, pour in the apple cider and white or rosé wine. Gently stir to blend the crisp, fruity base of the sangria.
Add Spices and Sweetener: Add the cinnamon sticks or star anise. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup until dissolved, releasing the aromatic flavors of the spices.
Mix in Fruit: Add the prepared apple, orange, and lemon slices into the mixture. Gently stir to combine, allowing the fruit to soak up the flavors and enhance the sangria’s color and taste.
Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled over ice, garnished with an apple slice, orange wheel, or cinnamon stick.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality apple cider and wine for the best flavor.
Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to develop deeper flavors.
Feel free to swap fruits according to season or preference—pears, cranberries, and berries work well.
Taste before adding sweetener, as apple cider and wine provide natural sweetness.
Serve with ice to keep the drink cold without rapid dilution.
Leftover sangria can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Freezing the sangria is not recommended, but fruit can be frozen separately for later use.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 10 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Apple Cider Sangria, Fall Drink, Autumn Beverage, Sangria Recipe, Holiday Drink, Festive Cocktail, Non-Alcoholic Option