Easy Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Fall Parties

Introduction

Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice and bonfires—it’s also about breaking out the good booze and celebrating the season with friends. And if you’re looking for a drink that captures the crisp snap of an October afternoon, apple cider sangria is your new best friend.

This sangria is the perfect intersection of wine, fruit, and spice. It’s light enough for afternoon sipping but complex enough to feel like a real cocktail. The star is fresh apple cider—sweet, unfiltered, and brimming with fall flavor. Add a good bottle of white wine, some brandy for warmth, and a mix of fresh fruits, and you’ve got a pitcher of fall in liquid form.

What makes this drink shine is its balance. It’s not overly sweet, not too boozy, and it’s endlessly adaptable. Want it spicier? Add cinnamon sticks. Need a bubbly kick? Top it off with sparkling water or prosecco. Make it ahead of time, serve it in a mason jar or fancy stemware—it fits in everywhere from hayrides to holiday tables.

So whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a pitcher to a potluck, or just want to sip something seasonal while watching the leaves fall, this sangria delivers. Let’s get pouring.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with fall flavor: Apple cider, cinnamon, and fresh fruit.
• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes better the longer it sits.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, brunches, or girls’ nights.
• Customizable: Add your favorite fruits, spices, or spirits.
• Simple ingredients: No mixology degree needed.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750ml) white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 cups apple cider (non-alcoholic, unfiltered preferred)
• 1/2 cup brandy (or bourbon for a stronger twist)
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Sparkling water or prosecco (to top off, optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the fruit: Slice apples and oranges thinly. Leave skins on for color.
2. Combine in a pitcher: Add wine, apple cider, brandy, fruit, cinnamon sticks, and maple syrup if using.
3. Stir gently to mix. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Serve chilled: Pour into glasses with fruit, top with sparkling water or prosecco if desired.
5. Garnish: Add extra apple slices, orange wheels, or a cinnamon stick for flair.

Tips & Variations

• Use red wine for a richer, bolder sangria.
• Add pears or cranberries for more fall fruit notes.
• Make it non-alcoholic by skipping wine and brandy—use more cider and a splash of sparkling juice.
• Serve warm by gently heating and serving in mugs for a mulled effect.

Note

Don’t skip the chill time. Sangria gets better as the flavors meld, so plan ahead.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in mason jars with cinnamon stick stirrers.
• Pair with charcuterie, sharp cheeses, or apple desserts.
• Bring to Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving for an easy signature drink.
• Ladle from a hollowed-out pumpkin for a dramatic effect.

Nutrition Information (Per 6 oz serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 18g
• Alcohol: ~11%
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 5mg

User Reviews/Comments

Maddie S. – “Made this for a fall brunch and everyone wanted the recipe. Light, fruity, and so festive.”

Trevor H. – “Used bourbon instead of brandy and it was killer. Will definitely make again.”

Nicole L. – “Let it sit overnight and the flavor was unreal. Apples soaked up everything.”

Janelle K. – “Served this at Friendsgiving and it was gone before the turkey hit the table.”

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! In fact, it’s best made 8–24 hours in advance. It gives the flavors time to blend and the fruit to soak up all the good stuff.

What kind of wine should I use? A dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well. You can also try rosé for a fruitier twist or red wine for a bolder version.

Can I use hard cider instead of apple cider? You can, but it will add more alcohol and a different flavor profile. If you want to keep it light and smooth, stick with regular cider.

How do I make this sangria less sweet? Skip the maple syrup and use a drier wine. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Can I reuse the fruit? The fruit will be pretty boozy, but it’s great chopped into a fruit salad or spooned over ice cream.

Conclusion

Apple cider sangria is what happens when fall gets a little tipsy. It’s everything good about the season—crisp apples, warm spice, bright citrus—all swimming in a smooth, sippable drink that’s as easy as it is elegant.

Perfect for parties, lazy weekends, or just making any ordinary fall day feel like a celebration, this sangria is your go-to pitcher drink from October through Thanksgiving. Serve it cold or warm, spiked or mild, dressed up or rustic—it never disappoints.

Want to know more about sangria’s Spanish roots and global variations? Dive into this Wikipedia article and get the full story.

Now go gather your apples, grab a bottle of wine, and pour yourself a glass of the season.

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