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    Home » Recipes » Drinks and Cocktails

    By Kaleigh McMordie - November 17, 2021

    Easy Apple Cider Sangria

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    glass of apple cider sangria with apple slices and cinnamon sticks in it with text overlay.

    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!

    two glasses of apple cider sangria garnished with cinnamon sticks and apple slices surrounded by a grey striped linen, cinnamon sticks and apples.

    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

    overhead view of ingredients needed to make apple cider sangria on a white background with a grey striped linen.
    • 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

    three image collage showing steps for making apple cider sangria in a pitcher.
    1. Dice the apples and add them to a pitcher with the cinnamon sticks and star anise.
    2. Add the apple cider, wine and brandy. Give it a stir and refrigerate for anywhere from a couple of hours to 2 days.
    3. Add the sparkling water just before serving. Give it a stir and pour over ice!

    FAQ

    Can I make it in advance?

    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!

    What is the best white wine to use for sangria?

    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.

    What brandy should I use?

    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!

    Can it be made without brandy?

    Yes. I've made this with other spirits instead of brandy. I've used Crown Maple, or even vodka.

    What if I can't find star anise?

    That's okay, leave it out. It will be just as delicious! You could throw in a few whole cloves if you want.

    two glasses of apple cider sangria on a wooden board with a grey striped linen and a cut apple.

    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!

    Print

    Easy Apple Cider Sangria

    apple cider sangria in a glass with apple slices and a cinnamon stick on a wooden board with a napkin and cut apple.
    Print Recipe

    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!

    • Author: Kaleigh
    • 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

    Scale
    • 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

    1. Add diced apples, cinnamon sticks and star anise to a large pitcher.
    2. Add wine, apple cider and brandy. Stir and chill anywhere from a couple of hours to 2 days.
    3. Add the sparkling water just before serving.
    4. 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

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @livelytable on Instagram and hashtag it #livelytable

    This post was originally published November 2015 and has been updated.

    « THE Best (Healthyish) Southern Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
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    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission off of your purchase with no extra cost to you. Please read my affiliate disclosure for more information.

    About Kaleigh McMordie

    Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD, is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian in Abilene, Texas, as well as a member of the Baby Led Weaning Dietitians Network. Kaleigh can be found at kaleighmcmordie.com.

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