With just one sip of this crisp, cinnamony Apple Cider Sangria, you’ll be ready for sweater weather and leaf-peeping.
Apple cider sangria combines the classic autumn taste of crisp apples with zesty, refreshing sangria. As a lifelong New Yorker, I know a bit about both. New York is the top-producing state for apple cider and one of the top states for apples. We also have a ridiculous amount of vineyards and I absolutely love wine. Furthermore, cider and sangria may go back to ancient Roman times, but sangria was first introduced to the States at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.
One of the greatest aspects of sangria is that it is completely versatile. The boozy, fruit, and vino mix can be dressed up for your theme or season. Of course, summer is sangria season with flavors like Sweet July Rosé Sangria and we can ring in the holidays with Mulled Wine Sangria. Most importantly, this apple cider sangria is perfect for a Friendsgiving brunch, pumpkin carving night, or an adult costume party.
When I think of fall my brain immediately goes to apple cider and coziness, which is exactly what this sangria gives us. Once the flavors meld you are left with apple, cinnamon, and a light lemony taste. While the sweetness and overall aroma will vary depending on the wine you choose, apple cider sangria is not overly sweet and has a refreshing fizz, compliments of the club soda.
The Best Amount of Time For Your Ingredients to Mingle
Our apple cider sangria calls for one to four hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. However, if you’ve made sangria before, you may have a different take on this. Personally, I think three hours is the perfect amount of time for apple cider sangria to chill before enjoying. Some will choose to leave it overnight, which will lead to the apples getting soft, but may result in a fruitier, darker sangria. It really comes down to preference. Be sure to add your club soda and ice AFTER chilling, otherwise you will be left with flat, watery sangria.
What is the Best Alcohol to Use to Make Apple Cider Sangria?
When choosing wine for your apple cider sangria look for something not too sweet. Do not overspend, but do not use cheap wine. My favorite is Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. It has delightful citrus and passionfruit notes that go well with the apple cider. I also like Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio with this sangria because it has a bit of an apple flavor and light body.
As for the brandy, E&J is a popular brand with a warm spice, which goes well in apple cider sangria. You can also splurge on Calvados, a French brandy, made from apples. Of course, if you do not have, or like brandy, a popular substitute in sangria is bourbon or vodka.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle 750 ml white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 2 1/2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 cup club soda
- 2 medium apples cored and chopped
- 1 medium orange sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, and brandy.
- Add the chopped apples, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher.
- Stir the mixture gently to combine the flavors.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, let it chill for 3-4 hours.
- Just before serving, stir in the club soda for a refreshing fizz.
- Serve the sangria over ice, making sure to include some of the fruit pieces in each glass.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
Apple cider sangria is best served in a crystal highball or a balloon goblet and garnished with thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick.
Apple cider sangria (without the club soda) can be stored for up to two days, refrigerated in an airtight container. You will want to refresh the fruit if it seems too soft.
Apple cider sangria contains about 138 calories per serving.
To make this cocktail sweeter, replace the club soda with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. If you prefer sangria even sweeter, you can add a simple syrup.
Apple Cider Sangria Variations
For those chilly fall nights, when you’re in need of a cozy beverage to enjoy with friends or family, Twist and Toast has plenty of suggestions.
- Spiced Apple Cider – Full of citrus and fragrant spices, you can’t go wrong with this warming mix
- Appletini – Keep the apple theme going with this sour and sweet concoction
- Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned – Who said pumpkin spice only belonged in lattes?
- Witches’ Brew – A spooky potion ideal for Halloween, or earlier…
Leave a Comment