Sparkling Fall Sangria

Sparkling Fall Sangria brings together the crisp flavors of autumn fruit with the festive sparkle of wine. Bourbon and apple cider add warmth, while a spiced simple syrup creates a balanced blend of sweetness and seasonal spice. Lemon juice adds brightness, and soda water keeps it light and refreshing. Finished with a caramel and cinnamon sugar rim, each glass is as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Garnished with fresh apples and cranberries, this sangria is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing drink that feels both seasonal and celebratory.

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Tasting Notes

The Sparkling Fall Sangria balances crisp fruit, warming spice, and refreshing effervescence. Sparkling wine brings a lively, celebratory character, while bourbon grounds the drink with smooth, oaky depth. Apple cider adds orchard sweetness, complemented by lemon juice, which provides a clean citrus lift. A spiced simple syrup made with pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon rounds out the flavors, tying everything together with a warm seasonal note. Soda water lightens the drink, ensuring it remains refreshing despite its richness. Garnished with apple slices and cranberries, each glass offers a combination of sweetness, brightness, and spice perfect for autumn gatherings.

Equipment and Glassware

Preparing this Sparkling Fall Sangria requires a few simple tools. A large pitcher or beverage dispenser is ideal for combining and serving, especially when making enough for a group. A saucepan is necessary for preparing the spiced simple syrup, while a wooden spoon is useful for stirring ingredients together without losing carbonation. A jigger ensures accuracy when measuring spirits and lemon juice. For presentation, wine glasses or stemless tumblers work best, allowing room for both ice and garnish. Small plates are helpful when preparing the caramel and cinnamon sugar rim, which gives each glass a festive seasonal finishing touch.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle sparkling wine
• 8 oz bourbon
• 32 oz apple cider
• 28 oz soda water
• 8 oz water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• Caramel for rimming
• Cinnamon sugar for rimming
• Apple and cranberries for garnish

Instructions

• In a large pitcher or beverage dispenser, slowly pour in the sparkling wine, cooled spiced simple syrup, soda water, apple cider, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
• To rim the glasses, first dip the rim of each glass into caramel, then into cinnamon sugar, coating the rim evenly.
• Fill the rimmed glasses with ice, if desired, and pour the sparkling fall sangria over the top and garnish with slice apple and cranberry.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your Sparkling Fall Sangria!

Pro Tips

• Chill all ingredients ahead of time to keep the sangria crisp.
• Use dry sparkling wine to prevent the drink from becoming overly sweet.
• Cool the spiced simple syrup completely before mixing to preserve carbonation.
• Rim glasses just before serving to keep caramel and sugar fresh.
• Use large ice cubes to slow dilution and maintain flavor.
• Add fruit garnish directly to glasses for a polished presentation.
• If serving a crowd, prepare extra syrup separately for adjusting sweetness.

When to Serve

The Sparkling Fall Sangria is perfect for festive autumn occasions where seasonal flavors meet celebratory sparkle. Its combination of warming spice and refreshing fizz makes it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or harvest parties. It pairs well with hearty meals, cheese boards, and fall desserts, offering a versatile drink that complements a wide range of dishes. Its appearance, enhanced by caramel-rimmed glasses and colorful fruit garnishes, makes it a centerpiece-worthy cocktail for larger gatherings. Whether served at a casual get-together or formal holiday dinner, it brings crowd-pleasing refreshment.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Sparkling Wine: Freixenet Cava, La Marca Prosecco, or Mionetto Brut for crisp balance.
• Bourbon: Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, or Elijah Craig for smooth depth.
• Apple Cider: Fresh local cider when available, or Martinelli’s as a reliable option.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice & Cinnamon: McCormick, Frontier Co-Op, or Penzeys for consistent flavor.
• Caramel for Rimming: Ghirardelli caramel sauce or homemade caramel for best quality.
• Garnishes: Fresh Honeycrisp apples and organic cranberries for vibrant seasonal character.

Similar Cocktails

• Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz
• Bourbon Pear Cider
• Bourbon Caramel Milkshake
• Smoked Cinnamon Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
• Pear Bourbon Smash