This easy apple cider sangria is a delicious fall cocktail or a crowd. It's not too sweet, simple to make in advance with just a few ingredients, and perfect for Thanksgiving or other holidays!
While I'm usually a straight up wine drinker, something about the holidays always makes me want a festive cocktail! And if you're hostessing, an easy make-ahead cocktail that looks pretty can be a great way to get the party started (and let guests serve themselves!) while you enjoy the company.
Why You'll Love This Sangria
This apple cider sangria is perfect for fall and winter holidays with its warming spices like cinnamon and star anise, and not-too-sweet flavor. With just a few ingredients, it is easy to mix up in advance and serves a crowd, making your life easier during the busy holiday season.
The Ingredients
- Apple cider - I like the unfiltered kind that's usually sold in the produce department.
- White wine - Use a dry, light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.
- Brandy
- Apples - Any variety will do, but I like Honeycrisp best!
- Spices - Whole cinnamon sticks and star anise.
- Sparkling water (Or club soda or seltzer water)
How To Make It
- Dice the apples and add them to a pitcher with the cinnamon sticks and star anise.
- Add the apple cider, wine and brandy. Give it a stir and refrigerate for anywhere from a couple of hours to 2 days.
- Add the sparkling water just before serving. Give it a stir and pour over ice!
FAQ
Yes! I recommend it, actually. Mixing sangria in advance allows the flavors to blend and the apples to soak up the boozy goodness. I usually make it about 24-36 hours in advance. Make sure to leave out the sparkling water until just before serving so it doesn't go flat!
A light, dry white wine is best for sangria. For this particular case, I like one that's not too grassy and not too buttery, such as Pinot Grigio or Vouvray.
Admittedly, I don't know much about brandy. For such spirits in the context of sangria, I aim to buy not the absolute cheapest bottle, but not an expensive brandy for sipping after dinner. Ask the person at the liquor store to help you! Apple brandy would probably be delicious!
Yes. I've made this with other spirits instead of brandy. I've used Crown Maple, or even vodka.
That's okay, leave it out. It will be just as delicious! You could throw in a few whole cloves if you want.
More delicious fall cocktails
- Pear Collins Cocktail
- Easy Apple Cider Margaritas
- Sparkling Pear and Pomegranate Sangria
- Tequila Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!
PrintEasy Apple Cider Sangria
This easy apple cider sangria is a delicious fall cocktail or a crowd. It's not too sweet, simple to make in advance with just a few ingredients, and perfect for Thanksgiving or other holidays!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: cocktails
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 honey crisp apples, diced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 (750 ml) bottle dry white wine (pinot grigio works well)
- 3 cups apple cider
- ½- 1 cup brandy
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
Instructions
- Add diced apples, cinnamon sticks and star anise to a large pitcher.
- Add wine, apple cider and brandy. Stir and chill anywhere from a couple of hours to 2 days.
- Add the sparkling water just before serving.
- Serve over ice, garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a pretty touch!
Notes
- I used plain brandy (not an expensive bottle!) but apple would be delicious too.
- If you can't find star anise, feel free to leave it out. It will still be delicious. You could also substitute a few whole cloves.
- You can use another spirit in place of brandy, such as Crown maple or vodka.
Keywords: easy apple cider sangria, apple cider wine cocktail
This post was originally published November 2015 and has been updated.
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