Fall Gin Sangria

Some drinks were made for long fall afternoons when the weather cools down and you’re looking for something easy to sip with friends. Fall Gin Sangria fits that moment perfectly. The mix of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, fruit, wine, and warm spice feels relaxed and comforting, the kind of holiday cocktail you make in a big pitcher and let everyone serve themselves. The first time I made it, I remember thinking how simple it was for a drink that tasted this layered. It turned into a favorite for day drinking during sweater weather.

This easy spritz recipe-style sangria combines light tea, apple slices, pears, and a touch of cinnamon syrup. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and full of fall flavor. I love it because it works for casual weekend gatherings and holiday parties without asking you to spend half the day preparing. You mix everything in one bowl, add fruit, chill it overnight, and the next day you have a drink that tastes like it took way more effort.

If you enjoy big-batch holiday cocktails or refreshing pitcher drinks, this one deserves a spot on your table. It has a cozy feel that suits fall, yet it still tastes light enough for brunch, early-afternoon snacking, or any relaxed gathering. It’s the kind of drink you keep reaching for while chatting in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This

Fall Gin Sangria boasts a clean balance of fruit, tea, spice, and gin, making it feel both seasonal and refreshing. It’s strong enough to feel like a cocktail but still smooth enough for daytime sipping. The fruit looks pretty floating in the pitcher, and the pomegranate juice adds depth to each glass.

Here’s what makes it stand out

• Easy to make in a large batch for hosting
• Light fruit flavor that works for any daytime event
• Simple ingredients that blend into a smooth fall drink
• Overnight chilling builds stronger, warmer flavors
• Fresh fruit slices make it look great on the table

Once you taste it, it becomes one of those drinks you pull out whenever the weather turns cool or when friends want something fun but not too strong.

Ingredients

This sangria blends tea, fruit, wine, and gin. Each ingredient supports the others, creating a drink that tastes layered without feeling heavy. The cinnamon syrup ties everything together with a warm note.

You will need

• 6 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
• 2 oz brandy
• 1 bottle dry white or sparkling wine
• 8 oz pomegranate juice
• 8 oz black tea
• 8 oz soda water
• 2 oz cinnamon syrup
• Cinnamon sticks for garnish
• Apple slices for garnish
• Pear slices for garnish
• Orange slices for garnish
  

The gin adds depth, the brandy warms things up, and the wine keeps it light. Pomegranate juice adds a soft, tart finish. Black tea anchors the drink, preventing it from becoming too sweet. Soda water cuts through the richness, keeping the sangria refreshing.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

You don’t need top-shelf bottles for sangria, but choosing clean, balanced spirits helps the drink stay smooth. The wine matters most, since it builds the base. Pick one that tastes crisp, not too sweet.

Great bottles to reach for

• Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, known for a clean botanical profile
• Espíritu de España Brandy, smooth and budget-friendly
• Any dry white wine, such as sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio
• Sparkling wine, if you want a livelier texture
• Unsweetened black tea, for balance
• Apple Brandy, as a substitute if you wish for stronger apple notes

If you can’t find cinnamon syrup, you can make a simple homemade version with equal parts sugar and water plus a few cinnamon sticks simmered until fragrant.

Equipment and Glassware

Fall Gin Sangria is simple to prepare, and you only need basic tools. A pitcher works well, but a punch bowl makes it easier to scoop out fruit. You don’t need fancy glasses, just something wide enough to fit the fruit slices.

Helpful items

• Large pitcher or punch bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Knife and cutting board for fruit
• Rocks glasses or stemless wine glasses

If you plan to serve outdoors or at a potluck, a large sealed pitcher makes it easy to transport.

How to Make It

This recipe is low-stress and perfect for hosting. You mix everything ahead of time, let it rest, then serve when guests arrive. The overnight resting builds flavor, especially the apple and cinnamon notes.

1. Add Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, brandy, wine, pomegranate juice, black tea, soda water, and cinnamon syrup to a large pitcher or punch bowl.
2. Add cinnamon sticks, apple slices, pear slices, and orange slices.
3. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. Add ice just before serving.
6. Ladle into glasses and include some fruit in each serving.

Some people like to add extra soda water right before serving to give it a lighter feel.

Pro Tips

Even simple pitcher drinks benefit from small steps, and Fall Gin Sangria is no exception. A few tweaks can help shape the flavor so it tastes crisp and steady from the first glass to the last.

Try these ideas

• Use fresh-brewed black tea cooled to room temperature for a cleaner taste
• Pick crisp apples so the slices stay firm
• Add the soda water last if you want stronger bubbles
• Use a dry wine so the drink doesn’t become too sweet
• Stir gently so the fruit stays intact
• Refrigerate overnight for a deeper flavor
• Add extra fruit on top right before serving for a fresh look
• Taste before serving and adjust the syrup or tea

Experimenting with the ratios is easy and helps tailor the drink to your taste.

Variations

This sangria is flexible and easy to adjust. You can shift the flavor by switching the tea, adding spice, or changing the wine style.

Try these versions

• Swap white wine for sparkling wine for a lighter drink
• Add ginger syrup for a warm hint of spice
• Use green tea instead of black for a softer taste
• Choose zero alcohol wine and gin for a no alcohol option
• Add cranberries for a stronger fall theme

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more syrup or extra tea.

When to Serve and Pairings

Fall Gin Sangria is perfect for any daytime gathering where you want something festive but not too strong. It works well for brunch, fall picnics, or casual holiday parties where people want to relax with a drink that goes down easy.

Serve it during

• Fall brunch
• Thanksgiving afternoon
• Friendsgiving gatherings
• Early holiday parties
• Weekend day drinking

Pair it with

• Soft cheeses
• Roasted nuts
• Flatbreads
• Apple pastries
• Light snacks and dips

For more ideas, check out Apple Cider Mimosa, Pear Moscow Mule, or Cranberry Sangria.

Storage and Serving Notes

Sangria tastes better after resting overnight, and Fall Gin Sangria really shines when the fruit and cinnamon have had time to settle into the wine and tea. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher. Add ice right before serving to keep the drink cold without diluting it.

If you want to prep ahead for a party, mix everything except the soda water. Add it right before serving to keep the drink bright and refreshing.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions people ask about Fall Gin Sangria.

Can I use sparkling wine?
Yes. It creates a lighter version of the drink, but add it last so it doesn’t go flat overnight.

Does the tea make the drink bitter?
Not if you use unsweetened black tea that hasn’t steeped too long. It keeps the drink balanced.

Can I skip the brandy?
You can. The sangria will taste slightly lighter, but it will still be perfect.

Do I have to chill it overnight?
Overnight resting gives the best flavor. If you’re in a hurry, chill it for at least two hours.

What fruit works best?
Apples, pears, and oranges hold their shape and fit the fall flavor profile.

More Cocktails to Try

If you like refreshing holiday cocktails with fruit and spice, here are a few more drinks that fit the same mood and work well for daytime hosting.

• Spiced Pear Martini: crisp pear with cozy spice notes
• Apple Cider Mimosa: a light, crisp mix with cider and bubbles
• Pear Moscow Mule: a clean pear twist with ginger
• Holiday Sangria: a tart fruit punch with a fall feel
• Maple Whiskey Sour: warm and smooth