Amazing Apple Cider Sangria: 1 Pitcher Joy

Picture this: the crisp air, the cozy sweaters, and the warm glow of fairy lights. You’re ready to host, and you want something special, something that just screams ‘fall fun’! That’s where this incredible apple cider sangria comes in. It’s seriously the easiest way to wow your friends and family. You know how I found my happy place in the kitchen after years of feeling totally out of my element? This is one of those recipes that made me feel like a pro, even when I was just starting out. It’s all about simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical, perfect for sharing those cozy moments. Trust me, this batch cocktail is your new go-to for effortless entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Sangria

Seriously, if you’re looking for a go-to fall drink, this is it! Here’s why this apple cider sangria is going to be your new best friend:

• So easy to make! You just dump everything in a pitcher and let it chill. No fancy techniques required.
• Crowd-pleaser guaranteed. That mix of sweet apple cider, crisp wine, and a hint of spice? Everyone loves it.
• Perfect for fall entertaining. It just tastes like autumn in a glass, ideal for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving get-togethers, or just a cozy night in.
• Looks gorgeous! With the colorful fruit and cinnamon stick, it’s stunning in a pitcher.
• Flavor melds beautifully. The longer it sits, the tastier it gets!
• Super adaptable. We can tweak it with bourbon or sparkling cider, too!

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Ingredients for Your Perfect Apple Cider Sangria

Okay, let’s talk about what makes this apple cider sangria so darn good. It’s all about the simple, cozy fall flavors coming together. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

You’ll want one whole bottle, that’s 750ml, of a nice dry white wine. Think Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – nothing too sweet is best here. Then, grab a cup of good old apple cider. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just make sure it tastes like apples!

For that extra warmth and depth, we need about a quarter cup of brandy. And to give it a little citrusy zing and sweetness, another quarter cup of orange liqueur, like Triple Sec or Cointreau. Trust me, these liquors really make a difference in a fall sangria!

Now for the pretty stuff and the flavor infusion:

• 1 crisp apple, cored and sliced super thin
• 1 ripe pear, cored and sliced thin
• 1 juicy orange, sliced up
• 1 cinnamon stick – this is key for that cozy fall smell!

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Crafting Your Apple Cider Sangria: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get this party started! Making this amazing apple cider sangria is honestly one of the easiest things you’ll do all week, I promise. It’s basically a one-pitcher wonder. First off, grab your biggest, prettiest pitcher – the one you love to use for entertaining. Pour in that whole bottle of crisp white wine, then add your apple cider and the brandy and orange liqueur. Give it a gentle stir so everything starts to get friendly.

Next, it’s time for the fruit! Toss in your thinly sliced apple, pear, and orange. Don’t forget that cinnamon stick – it’s like the secret handshake for fall flavors! Just nestle it in there. Now, the *most important* part, and I mean it: cover that pitcher up tight and pop it in the fridge. You *can* drink it after a few hours, but trust me, letting it chill overnight is where the magic really happens. All those flavors — the wine, the cider, the fruit, the spices — they get to really mingle and get to know each other. It makes all the difference in the world for that perfect fall sangria flavor.

When you’re ready to serve, just scoop plenty of ice into your glasses, ladle in that delicious sangria, and maybe top it off with a little splash of sparkling water if you want some bubbles. So simple, so good!

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Tips for the Best Apple Cider Sangria

Okay, so you’ve got the basic idea down, but let me give you a few pointers to make sure your apple cider sangria is absolutely perfect. First off, for the wine, stick to something dry like a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc. You don’t want anything too sweet because the apple cider already brings a good amount of sweetness, and we don’t want it to be *too* much, you know? And for the fruit, make sure your apples and pears are ripe but still a little firm, so they don’t turn to mush in the pitcher. That cinnamon stick? It totally makes the whole drink smell like fall, so don’t skip it!

The biggest tip I can give you is to really let it chill. At least 4 hours is good, but overnight is truly where it’s at for this fall sangria recipe. That time allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Now, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can totally switch it up! For a bourbon apple sangria, just add about a quarter cup of your favorite bourbon right in with the other liquors. It adds this amazing warm, slightly smoky depth. Or, if you love bubbles, make a sparkling cider sangria by topping off each glass with a splash of bubbly cider or club soda just before serving. It gives it a nice fizz!

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Variations on Your Fall Sangria Recipe

Now, this apple cider sangria is fantastic as is, but sometimes it’s fun to play around, right? If you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve *got* to try a bourbon apple sangria. Just add about a quarter cup of your favorite bourbon directly into the pitcher when you’re mixing everything else. It gives it this wonderfully warm, cozy depth that’s just *perfect* for a chilly evening.

Or maybe you want a bit more sparkle? Easy peasy! Just turn it into a sparkling cider sangria. When you serve it up, give each glass a little splash of sparkling cider or even just some club soda. It adds a lovely fizz and makes it feel extra festive!

Feel free to get creative with the fruit, too. A handful of cranberries tossed in looks gorgeous and adds a nice tartness. Even some pomegranate seeds would be amazing! And for spices, a star anise or a couple of whole cloves floating in there would be lovely for an extra layer of warmth.

Serving and Storing Your Apple Cider Sangria

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Serving this gorgeous apple cider sangria is super simple. I love using big, clear pitchers and wine glasses so you can see all that pretty fruit and the lovely amber color. Make sure you have plenty of ice – a good amount in each glass keeps it perfectly chilled. I usually pop in a fresh slice of apple or orange and maybe a little cinnamon stick right into the glass as a garnish. It just makes it feel extra special!

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pour it back into the pitcher or a clean bottle, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 2-3 days and honestly, the flavors just get even better. So you can totally make it ahead and have it ready to go!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Sangria

Sharing Your Pure Cooking Joy

I just love hearing from you guys! When you make this apple cider sangria, please tell me all about it! Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you, or maybe share a photo on Instagram and tag me. It makes my day knowing you’re finding that pure cooking joy in your own kitchen!

Apple Cider Sangria

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A festive fall sangria made with apple cider, white wine, brandy, and seasonal fruit. Perfect for entertaining.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 min
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Drinks
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 pear, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 cup sparkling water or club soda (optional, for serving)
• Bourbon (optional, for a twist)

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Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, brandy, and orange liqueur.
2. Add the sliced apple, pear, orange, and cinnamon stick to the pitcher.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. To serve, pour the sangria into wine glasses filled with ice.
6. If desired, top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda.
7. For a bourbon twist, add 1/4 cup of bourbon to the pitcher when you add the brandy.

Notes

• For a sweeter sangria, use a sweeter apple cider.
• You can substitute rosé wine for white wine.
• Feel free to add other fall fruits like cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
• Chill glasses before serving for an extra refreshing drink.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg