Paul Kushner
Apple Cider Sangria is a festive and refreshing drink that combines crisp white wine with the comforting sweetness of apple cider. Caramel vodka adds a dessert-like richness, while apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries bring color, aroma, and seasonal flavor. Light yet flavorful, this sangria is perfect for autumn celebrations, holiday parties, or cozy nights when you want a pitcher-ready cocktail that serves a crowd. Easy to prepare ahead of time, it allows the fruit and spices to infuse the liquid, creating a drink that is both crisp and warming, fruity and spiced.
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Tasting Notes
Apple Cider Sangria brings a seasonal twist to the traditional Spanish-inspired drink, combining fruit, spice, and crisp refreshment. White wine provides a bright, dry base that balances the sweetness of apple cider and caramel vodka. The cider introduces natural apple flavor, while the vodka adds richness with a caramel finish that makes the drink feel layered and smooth. Fresh fruit apples, oranges, and cranberries infuses the sangria with tartness and sweetness, while cinnamon sticks add a spiced aroma. Served chilled, this sangria is crisp, slightly sweet, and festive, making it perfect for autumn and winter gatherings.
Equipment and Glassware
This Apple Cider Sangria requires only simple preparation tools, making it easy to serve for a group. A large pitcher is essential for holding the wine, cider, vodka, fruit, and spices while allowing them to meld together. A long-handled spoon ensures the ingredients are gently mixed without bruising the fruit. A sharp knife and cutting board are needed for slicing apples and oranges. For serving, wine glasses or stemless tumblers highlight the sangria’s golden color and floating fruit. A ladle can be useful for portioning into glasses without spilling. Minimal tools are needed, making this cocktail approachable and convenient.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of white wine
- 16 oz apple cider
- 4 oz caramel vodka
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 apple sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen cranberries
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, add the cinnamon sticks, sliced apples, sliced oranges, and frozen cranberries.
- Pour in the white wine, apple cider, and caramel vodka. Stir everything together gently to combine the flavors.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your seasonal Apple Cider Sangria!
Pro Tips
- Choose a dry white wine to keep the sangria balanced.
- Use fresh apple cider for brighter fruit character.
- Refrigerate for several hours to let the flavors fully meld.
- Frozen cranberries double as ice cubes without diluting the drink.
- Slice apples and oranges thin for better infusion and presentation.
- For a stronger drink, add more caramel vodka to taste.
- Stir again just before serving to evenly distribute the fruit and spices.
When to Serve
Apple Cider Sangria is perfect for autumn celebrations, holiday gatherings, and festive dinners. Its balance of wine, cider, and spiced fruit makes it versatile enough for both casual parties and formal occasions. Serve it at Thanksgiving to complement seasonal dishes or at Christmas for a colorful and flavorful drink centerpiece. Its refreshing yet warming quality also makes it suitable for fall evenings with friends. Because it can be made in advance and scaled up easily, this sangria works beautifully for entertaining larger groups without needing last-minute preparation.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- White Wine: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay from brands like Kim Crawford or Barefoot.
- Caramel Vodka: Smirnoff Kissed Caramel, Stolichnaya Salted Karamel, or Van Gogh Dutch Caramel.
- Apple Cider: Martinelli’s, R.W. Knudsen, or fresh orchard-pressed.
- Cranberries: Ocean Spray frozen cranberries for easy use.
- Cinnamon Sticks: McCormick or Simply Organic for consistent spice.
Similar Cocktails
- Caramel Apple Sangria
- Apple Juice Maple Cocktail
- Snow White’s Poison Apple
- Autumn Harvest Rum Punch
- Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Punch
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of white wine
- 16 oz apple cider
- 4 oz caramel vodka
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 apple sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen cranberries
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, add the cinnamon sticks, sliced apples, sliced oranges, and frozen cranberries.
- Pour in the white wine, apple cider, and caramel vodka. Stir everything together gently to combine the flavors.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your seasonal Apple Cider Sangria!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For an extra festive touch, rim your glasses with cinnamon sugar before serving.
- Feel free to use sparkling apple cider for a bubbly twist on this sangria.
- Let the sangria chill for several hours or overnight for even more flavor infusion from the fruit and spices.
This was wonderful. The cinnamon, apple and orange slices gave a nice bouquet. Absolutely delicious and I will be adding it to my fall favorites.