There’s something magical about fall flavors—the crispness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the hint of citrus in the air. What better way to celebrate the season than with a glass of Autumn Apple Cider Sangria? This refreshing yet cozy drink combines the best flavors of fall in one pitcher, perfect for entertaining friends, hosting a weekend brunch, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home.
As someone who loves seasonal drinks, I can tell you that this sangria is one of my favorites. It’s lighter than mulled wine, fruit-forward, and bursting with autumn spices. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can make it ahead of time and adjust it for sweetness or alcohol strength depending on your audience. Whether you’re sipping by the fireplace or serving it at a festive gathering, this sangria brings all the joy of fall in every sip.
Why You’ll Love Autumn Apple Cider Sangria
- Perfect for Fall Gatherings – A crowd-pleasing drink for parties and family dinners.
- Fruity & Refreshing – Combines crisp apple cider, fresh fruit, and white wine.
- Customizable – Adjust the fruit, spices, or alcohol content to your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep hours in advance for easy entertaining.
- Festive & Beautiful – The colorful fruit slices make it as pretty as it is delicious.
Key Ingredients
To make this autumn sangria, you’ll need:
- Apple cider – The star of the drink, preferably fresh or unsweetened.
- White wine – A crisp and fruity variety, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Brandy or apple liqueur – Adds warmth and depth (optional).
- Fresh apples – Thinly sliced for flavor and garnish.
- Pears or oranges – Optional, for extra fruitiness.
- Cinnamon sticks – For aromatic spice.
- Cloves or star anise – Optional, for added warmth.
- Sparkling water or soda – To add a refreshing fizz before serving.
- Maple syrup or honey – To adjust sweetness if needed.
How to Make Autumn Apple Cider Sangria
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Wash and thinly slice apples, pears, and oranges. Remove any seeds to keep the drink smooth and easy to sip.
Step 2: Combine Liquids
In a large pitcher, pour the apple cider, white wine, and brandy (if using). Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Add Fruit & Spices
Add the prepared fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, and optional cloves or star anise to the pitcher. Give it a gentle stir.
Step 4: Sweeten
Taste the sangria and add maple syrup or honey if you’d like it sweeter. Stir until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve
Just before serving, pour in sparkling water or soda for a refreshing fizz. Serve over ice in glasses and garnish with extra fruit slices or cinnamon sticks.
What to Serve With Autumn Apple Cider Sangria
This sangria pairs beautifully with a variety of fall-inspired dishes:
- Cheese & charcuterie board – Apples, cheddar, brie, and prosciutto complement the sangria perfectly.
- Pumpkin Bread or Muffins – Try Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread or Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.
- Savory bites – Roasted nuts, stuffed mushrooms, or crostini.
Tips for Perfecting Autumn Apple Cider Sangria
- Use fresh, crisp apple cider – The better the cider, the more vibrant the sangria.
- Slice fruit thinly – Ensures flavors infuse quickly.
- Let it chill long enough – At least 2–4 hours to allow the spices and fruit to mingle.
- Adjust sweetness carefully – Start with a little maple syrup; you can always add more.
- Add sparkling water last – Preserve the fizz by adding it right before serving.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigeration – Keep leftover sangria in a sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Do not freeze – The alcohol content and fruit texture make freezing impractical.
- Prep ahead – Mix the sangria (without sparkling water) a day before your gathering; add the fizz before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?
Yes! Simply replace the wine and brandy with additional apple cider, sparkling water, or a non-alcoholic sparkling cider.
Can I use red wine instead of white wine?
Absolutely! Red wine creates a richer, deeper flavor, more like traditional sangria.
How long can I let the fruit sit in the sangria?
2–4 hours is ideal. Overnight is okay, but the fruit may become mushy.
Can I make a spiced version?
Yes! Add extra cinnamon sticks, star anise, or a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Autumn Apple Cider Sangria is the ultimate fall drink—fresh, fruity, and warmly spiced. It’s perfect for entertaining, casual get-togethers, or just sipping on a cozy autumn afternoon. By making it at home, you get to control the sweetness, spice, and alcohol content, creating a drink that’s perfectly suited to your taste.
Serve it chilled over ice, garnish with fresh fruit, and watch how this sangria becomes a seasonal favorite at your gatherings. Cheers to fall in a glass!
Autumn Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pitcher, combine white wine, apple cider, and brandy. Stir to mix.
- Add sliced apples, orange, pear, and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher. Stir well.
- Refrigerate sangria for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop.
- Serve in glasses over ice. Top with sparkling water if desired.