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Apple Cider Sangria

This Apple Cider Sangria recipe is my new favorite autumn cocktail! With a combination of dry white wine and a hint of sparkling apple cider, it’s full of warming fall flavors while still refreshing. A delicious Halloween or Thanksgiving cocktail idea!

smoky apple cider sangria with cinamon, apple slices, and rosemary on a wood board

What is Apple Cider Sangria?

Apple Cider Sangria is a fruit-infused wine cocktail that draws cozy flavors from cinnamon and spiced cider. Fruit slices infused the drink with irresistible flavor.

As we transition from summer into fall, I love brainstorming new recipes for a new season. I am not quite ready for pumpkin flavors but can almost always get on board with anything apple, like these apple hand pies. The fresh cocktail recipe will be equally at home now, at a Halloween party, or on your Thanksgiving table. While we are all still social distancing, fun recipes like this are an easy way to welcome the autumn season right from the comfort of home.

Ingredients Needed for Apple Cider Sangria

To make this apple cider sangria you’ll need:

  • White wine
  • Apple cider
  • Fresh apples and pears
  • Fall spices like cinnamon and ginger
  • Orange Juice or Cointreau

Making sangria is simple: you’ll simply combine all ingredients in a pitcher and let sit for a few hours.

side view of autumn cocktail on butcher block

What kind of wine is best for apple cider sangria?

For this apple cider sangria, you’ll want to make sure the dry white wine that is fairly acidic – I would avoid something like a Chardonnay as that will be too sweet when combined with the cider. A dry Pinot Grigio would work, but my personal favorite is Grüner Veltliner, as it already has notes of apple which pair wonderfully here. If you live near Trader Joe’s, they have it! If you’re not used to buying different types of wine, I’d recommend asking an associate at Total Wine or Wine & Sprits if they have recommendations.

How far in advance should sangria be made?

For the best flavor results, it’s best to let this cocktail sit for a couple of hours before serving. I do offer a single-serve option below, which honestly is still delicious and does not require any rest time.

wine glass of apple cider sangria with a rosemary branch

I hope you enjoy this Apple Cider Sangria! If you’re looking for more cocktail recipes, try one of these next:

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smoky apple cider sangria with cinamon, apple slices, and rosemary on a wood board

Apple Cider Sangria


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  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Apple Cider Sangria recipe is my new favorite summer-to-autumn cocktail! With a combination of dry white wine and a hint of sparkling apple cider, it’s full of warming fall flavors while still refreshing. A delicious Halloween or Thanksgiving cocktail idea!


Ingredients

Units Scale

To coat the glass rims (optional):

  • 1 TBS cinnamon + 4 TBS coarse sugar, mixed onto a small saucer plate

For large batch cocktail:

  • 1 bottle dry white wine (I like Grüner Veltliner)
  • 2 cups apple cider, sparkling or not
  • 2 apples of choice, sliced thinly (I used one tart and one sweet)
  • 1 pear, sliced thinly (optional)
  • 1 TBS freshly grated ginger (optional)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice, or shot of orange liqueur like Cointreau
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Rosemary and cinnamon sticks for garnishing

For single cocktail:

  • 1 glass dry white wine (12 fluid oz)
  • 3 TBS apple cider, sparkling or not
  • A few slices of apple and pear
  • Pinch of grated ginger, optional,
  • 3 TBS orange juice, or shot of orange liqueur like Cointreau
  • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Rosemary and cinnamon sticks for garnishing

 


Instructions

  1. If rimming your glasses, mix cinnamon and sugar onto a small plate. Rub some water around the edge and then carefully overturn the glass onto the saucer plate to coat the rim in cinnamon sugar.
  2. To make the large batch: in a big pitcher or bowl with ladle, combine white wine, cider, sliced fruit, ginger if using, orange juice or liqueur, and cinnamon. For best flavor, let sit at least an hour before serving (this is optional).
  3. To make the single cocktail, simply combine the listed smaller quantities of all ingredients as before.
  4. Serve the cocktails over ice, garnished with a cinnamon stick and sprig of rosemary. For a smoky touch, carefully light the end of the rosemary with a match and let burn for a couple of seconds before blowing out.

Notes

I used sparkling apple cider but I’m sure regular would also be delicious. I would avoid cider that is already spiced.

For a nonalcoholic version, sub wine for more apple cider.

  • Prep Time: 5
  • Category: Cocktail
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 169
  • Sugar: 15.4 g
  • Sodium: 10.1mg
  • Fat: .2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 21.5g
  • Fiber: 1.9g
  • Protein: .4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Pin Apple Cider Sangria:

This Apple Cider Sangria recipe is my new favorite summer-to-autumn cocktail! With a combination of dry white wine and a hint of sparkling apple cider, it's full of warming fall flavors while still refreshing. A delicious Halloween or Thanksgiving cocktail idea!

Portrait of Emily Meyers, founder of Garlic Head

About the Author

Emily (Frigon) Meyers is the founder of Garlic Head, a plant-based recipe website for all eaters who want to easily, affordably, and sustainably incorporate more vegetables into their diets while saving time and money. She is a lifelong vegetarian and 10+ year vegan. Garlic Head does not focus on labels - it focuses on creating food that everyone can enjoy.

Emily earned a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University along with degrees in Economics, Spanish, and Global Sustainability from the University of Pittsburgh. She has been featured on numerous podcasts and websites including The Food Institute, VegNews, Buzzfeed, and the Boston Globe.

Meet Emily here.

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