Paul Kushner
The Red Wine Apple Cider Sangria is a festive seasonal punch that combines the richness of fruity red wine with the crisp sweetness of apple cider. Orange liqueur adds brightness, while sliced apples, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise infuse the drink with layers of spice and depth. This sangria is easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together for a bold yet refreshing result. Served over ice and garnished with spiced accents, it’s the perfect drink for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or anytime you want to impress a crowd with minimal effort.
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Tasting Notes
Red Wine Apple Cider Sangria is a festive cocktail that blends fruit, spice, and warmth with a refreshing finish. The red wine provides body and depth with berry notes, while apple cider adds crisp sweetness and seasonal character. Orange liqueur brightens the drink with citrus, balancing the darker flavors. Fresh apple slices infuse the sangria with crisp aroma and texture, while spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise create a fragrant, warming base. Served chilled over ice, the cocktail is refreshing yet complex, making each sip layered with fruitiness, gentle spice, and a touch of citrus brightness.
Equipment and Glassware
This Red Wine Apple Cider Sangria is simple to prepare with only a few tools. A large pitcher is essential for combining the wine, cider, liqueur, fruit, and spices. A long-handled spoon ensures the flavors are well mixed before chilling. A paring knife and cutting board make preparing the apple slices easy, while a muddler or rolling pin can lightly crush cardamom pods for stronger infusion. For serving, stemless wine glasses or tumblers are ideal, giving plenty of room for ice, fruit slices, and garnishes. A ladle helps portion the sangria cleanly from the pitcher, keeping presentation neat and inviting.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle fruity red wine
- 12 oz apple cider
- 4 oz orange liqueur
- 2 honeycrisp apples sliced (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 4 cardamom pods crushed
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks plus more for garnish, optional
- 1 star anise plus more for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, add the red wine, apple cider, orange liqueur, sliced honeycrisp apples, crushed cardamom pods, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Stir the mixture well to ensure all the flavors are combined. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled sangria over the top.
- Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick, a star anise, and additional apple slices if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Red Wine Apple Cider Sangria!
Pro Tips
- Use a light, fruity red wine like Garnacha or Pinot Noir.
- Chill the sangria for several hours for deeper infusion.
- Slice apples thin so they absorb more flavor.
- Slightly crush spices for stronger aroma, but avoid overdoing it.
- Serve with large ice cubes to reduce dilution.
- Add sparkling water or prosecco before serving for bubbles.
- Prepare extra apple slices for garnishing each glass.
When to Serve
Red Wine Apple Cider Sangria is ideal for autumn and winter gatherings where festive, batch-style drinks are welcome. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and holiday parties, offering guests a refreshing yet spiced option that feels celebratory. Because it can be prepared in advance, it works well for entertaining larger groups without requiring last-minute effort. The sangria pairs beautifully with roasted meats, hearty side dishes, and seasonal desserts, complementing both savory and sweet elements. Whether served at a casual dinner or a festive holiday spread, this sangria delivers warmth, freshness, and seasonal flair in every glass.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Red Wine: Garnacha, Rioja, or Pinot Noir (Campo Viejo, Meiomi, or Bota Box for larger groups).
- Apple Cider: Martinelli’s, R.W. Knudsen, or orchard-pressed cider.
- Orange Liqueur: Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao.
- Spices: McCormick cinnamon sticks, Simply Organic cloves, and star anise from Frontier Co-op.
- Apples: Honeycrisp for sweetness and texture, or Gala as an alternative.
Similar Cocktails
- Bourbon Whiskey Sangria
- Honeycrisp Apple Sangria
- Apple Cider Cable Car Cocktail
- Spiced Apple Sangria
- Apple Juice Maple Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bottle fruity red wine
- 12 oz apple cider
- 4 oz orange liqueur
- 2 honeycrisp apples sliced (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 4 cardamom pods crushed
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks plus more for garnish, optional
- 1 star anise plus more for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, add the red wine, apple cider, orange liqueur, sliced honeycrisp apples, crushed cardamom pods, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Stir the mixture well to ensure all the flavors are combined. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled sangria over the top.
- Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick, a star anise, and additional apple slices if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Red Wine Apple Cider Sangria!
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use a fruity red wine such as Merlot, Zinfandel, or Garnacha for best results.
- For extra sparkle, top each serving with club soda or prosecco just before serving.
- Freeze apple slices in advance to use as decorative ice cubes.
