While sangria might conjure up thoughts of summer days, it only takes a few tweaks to transition this punch to fall. Traditionally, sangria is made with red wine, orange juice, liquor (typically brandy or rum) and a mix of fresh fruit. In this apple cider sangria recipe, we combine fresh apple cider, white wine, brandy, cinnamon and fresh fruit to make the perfect drink for a crisp and cool autumn day.
How to Make Apple Cider Sangria
Susan Bronson for Taste of Home
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Ingredients
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2/3 cup pomegranate arils
- 2 cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2-1/2 cups fresh apple cider
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 750-ml bottle white wine (sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio)
- 1 can ginger beer, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Add the fruit
Susan Bronson for Taste of Home
In a pitcher, combine the chopped apple and pomegranate arils. Top with two whole cinnamon sticks.
Editor’s Tip: Look for pre-packaged pomegranate arils in the refrigerated produce section in most grocery stores, or opt to save some money by buying a whole pomegranate and removing the seeds yourself.
Step 2: Pour in the liquid ingredients
Susan Bronson for Taste of Home
Add the orange juice, apple cider, brandy and white wine to the pitcher. Stir a few times with a long-handled spoon.
Step 3: Chill in the refrigerator
Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Susan Bronson for Taste of Home
Pour sangria into your preferred glassware, being sure that each serving gets some of the fresh fruit. (Depending on your pitcher spout, you may need to spoon some fruit into each glass.) Top each serving with a splash of ginger beer to add a little fizz and warm spice flavor. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and serve.
Editor’s Tip: Stemless wine glasses are ideal for serving sangria. Planning to serve your apple cider sangria around a bonfire? We love these wine tumblers for outdoor drinking.
Apple Cider Sangria Variations
- Switch up the fruit: Other options for fresh fruit in apple cider sangria include diced pears, quartered lemon, lime or orange wedges and frozen cranberries.
- Use red wine: This sangria can also be made with red wine instead of white wine. Spanish reds like garnacha or rioja work well in this recipe, as would a red blend.
- Rim each glass with cinnamon sugar: Combine cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Rub the rim of each glass with an orange wedge. Then dip or roll the edge of the glass in the cinnamon sugar.
Tips for Making Cider Sangria
What’s the best white wine for sangria?
A crisp, dry white wine is best in this recipe. Look for white wines with tasting notes that include apple, pear or citrus flavors. Sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio and albariño are all delicious options. Sangria is not the place to use your finest wine; nor should you use the cheap stuff. A mid-price white wine that you enjoy drinking on its own is great to use in this recipe.
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
It really is best to use apple cider. It has a richer, more apple-y flavor and is less sweet than apple juice.
What are the best apples to use for this sangria?
While this recipe calls for Honeycrisp apples, you can use your favorite variety. Granny Smith, gala and Golden Delicious are all tasty choices.
How long does apple cider sangria last?
Any leftover sangria should be kept in the refrigerator and is best consumed within 2-3 days.
Can you make apple cider sangria ahead of time?
Yes! Apple cider sangria can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Our Favorite Fall Drinks
Mulled Wine
This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don't omit this essential step. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Pumpkin Milk ShakesMy son loved this festive milkshake growing up—it's nicely spiced and tastes like pumpkin pie. I like cutting off both ends of a licorice twist and serving it as a straw.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Apple Amaretto SoursAn amaretto sour has always been one of my favorite cocktails. This version has a special touch that makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season. —Amber Forbes, Roper, North Carolina
Homemade Cranberry JuiceThis refreshing and sweet homemade cranberry juice has a mild tartness level. Its jewel red color looks very attractive served in glassware. —Carol Domes, Whitehorse, Yukon
Honey CoffeeFor a soothing pick-me-up, sip this pleasantly sweet coffee, inspired by the taste of a traditional Spanish latte. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Pie LatteI can't wait for fall to arrive so my favorite coffee shops will bring back pumpkin lattes. The rest of the year, I have to make my own version. With the right amount of spice, it tastes just like the popular version found at gourmet coffee shops.—Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
For another delicious and classy martini drink, look no further than an
espresso martini.
Spiced Apple Cider Jelly ShotsThese spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home
Hot Buttered Cider MixPut the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry Orange MimosasMimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Pumpkin Spice LatteEach sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Holiday Wassail PunchThis festive and fruity punch is made with five kinds of juices plus cinnamon and allspice for a unique, well-balanced flavor.—Jennifer Stout, Blandon, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker Chai TeaA wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado
Hot Holiday CiderThis slightly tart apple cider is perfect for a holiday open house. It fills the room with a wonderful aroma. —Cindy Tobin, West Bend, Wisconsin
This
Martha Stewart Thanksgiving cocktail is another signature drink with apple cider that tastes delicious.
Creamy Caramel MochaYou can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Orange & Coffee MartiniWith its pretty jeweled color and complementary orange-coffee flavor, this impressive martini lends an elegant, upscale feel to any party.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Fluffy Hot ChocolateThis is our daughter's favorite hot chocolate recipe. It may look like ordinary cocoa, but a touch of vanilla sets it apart from the rest. And the melted marshmallows give it a frothy body you won't get from a cocoa packet. —Jo Ann Schimcek, Weimar, Texas
Slow-Cooker Apple CiderThere's no last-minute rush before the party when you simmer this slow-cooker apple cider. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
Coffee MilkIt's the official state drink of Rhode Island, and once you taste it, you'll understand why it has so many fans! —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Cranberry FizzWith just five basic ingredients, this wonderfully tangy punch couldn't be much simpler to stir together. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California
Hot Almond N Cream DrinkJust a few sips of this drink, with its rich almond flavor, will warm you up in a hurry. I'm the food service manager for a Christian camp and it's a favorite each year at our Christmas party. —Kaye Kirsch, Bailey, Colorado
Pumpkin Pie MartinisMy friends start requesting this cocktail in the fall and continue to ask for it throughout the holidays. Every delectable sip is like a taste of pumpkin pie! —Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, IL
Warm Spiced Cider PunchThis is a nice warm-up punch. I like to serve it when there is a nip in the air. The aroma of the apple cider, orange juice and spices as the punch simmers in the slow cooker is wonderful. —Susan Smith, Forest, Virginia
Cinnamon Mocha CoffeeMost store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Champagne CocktailThis amber champagne cocktail is a bubbly twist on the traditional old-fashioned. Try it with extra dry champagne. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Honey Spiced LatteWe combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spiced Apricot CiderYou'll need just a few ingredients to simmer together this hot spiced beverage. Each delicious mugful is rich with apricot flavor.—Connie Cummings, Gloucester, New Jersey
Coffee with Cinnamon and ClovesA quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan
Pumpkin Pie SmoothiesMy pie-flavored smoothie is loaded with fruit. The spices make it all come together. —Karen Sikora, Dayton, Nevada
Spiced Hot Apple CiderDuring cool-weather season, my husband and I take this soul-warming drink outside by the fire pit. Our house smells amazing while the cider is simmering! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
Cranberry-Orange SangriaLetting this sangria sit in the fridge overnight improves the fruitiness, making it the perfect make-ahead drink for a holiday party. It's also nice with a splash of brandy. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Mocha Mint CoffeeThis doctored-up coffee benefits from hints of mint, cocoa and cinnamon. The marshmallows on top are a playful addition that brings out the youngster in anyone. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Slow-Cooker Mulled WineFor a festive holiday drink or something to keep you cozy during those cold winter months, you'll love this warming slow-cooker mulled wine.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Pie ShotsGrown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple CiderSpiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cappuccino PunchWhen I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho
Mocha Morning DrinkWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Apple Spiced TeaWhen was the last time you stopped for afternoon tea? After you try this sweetly spiced drink, you’ll make it a regular event. —Susan Westerfield, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Chilly Coffee PunchFor a twist on the usual fruit punch, try a flavored coffee with ice cream, brought together just before serving. — Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Hot Spiced WineMy friends, family and I enjoy this spiced wine during cold-winter gatherings. This warm drink will be a special treat for anyone who enjoys dry red wines. —Noel Lickenfelt, Bolivar, Pennsylvania
Caramel Apple FloatWho doesn't love the flavors of caramel, apples, and vanilla ice cream together? If I'm feeling fancy, I drizzle caramel syrup around the inside of my glass before adding the apple cider and ginger ale. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Sparkling Cranberry KissI love the tartness of cranberries in cold beverages, and this recipe is easily doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. —Shannon Arthur, Wheelersburg, Ohio
Harvest Apple CiderI simmer this comforting cider in my slow cooker every fall. —Lesley Geisel, Severna Park, Maryland
Spiced CoffeeI’ve found that those who aren’t necessarily coffee fans often change their tune when they get a whiff of this chocolaty coffee drink. I like to serve
up a big batch at parties. —Joanne Holt, Bowling Green, Ohio
Vanilla Almond Hot CocoaTreat your family to this comforting, homemade cocoa as you decorate the tree or open holiday gifts. Vanilla and almond extracts make it taste even more special. —Vicki Holloway, Joelton, Tennessee
Homemade Irish CreamAdd some creamy goodness to your cup of joe with a splash or two of this homemade Irish cream. —Marcia Severson, Hallock, Minnesota
Double Chocolate MartiniIs it a beverage or a dessert? Don't let its looks fool you: This chocolate martini recipe is potent but good! —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Hot Cranberry CiderAdding colorful appeal to a wintertime meal is a easy—just turn to this tasty cider. The cranberry juice gives it lots of flavor, too. —Anna Mary Beiler, Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Mexican Hot ChocolateThis delicious, not-too-sweet Mexican hot chocolate is richly flavored with cocoa and delicately seasoned with spices. The whole-stick cinnamon stirrers come in handy, as the old-fashioned chocolate mixture settles if not stirred before drinking. The blend of cinnamon and chocolate flavors is wonderful! —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Mocha PunchI first tried this smooth, creamy punch at a friend's Christmas open house. It was so special and distinctive I didn't leave until I had the recipe. Having a frosty glass of this chocolate punch is almost like sipping a chocolate shake. —Yvonne Hatfield, Norman, Oklahoma
Spiced Apricot TeaWarm up a chilly winter morning by serving cups of this hot, fruity tea. It’s wonderful with scones, muffins or other breakfast treats. —Mary Houchin, Lebanon, Illinois
Viennese CoffeeThis isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
