There's nothing like the joy of gathering with family and friends over delicious food and great drinks during the holiday season. Apple Cider Sangria with White Wine is the perfect crowd-pleaser that captures all the best cozy seasonal flavors of autumn.
The combination of warm spices and an eclectic mixture of different alcohols make this a beautiful seasonal drink that pairs with almost any dinner dish. This is one of my go-to drinks to make around the holidays when I'm hosting company. It's quick to throw together, but does not lack in flavor!
What is Sangria Recipe with Apple Cider?
Sangria is a classic Spanish beverage that combines wine with a few different types of alcohol and fresh fruit. Nowadays, many call it Thanksgiving Sangria, and go a little off tradition by using white wine and adding apple cider for an extra flavor boost. Don't let the name fool you, it can be enjoyed any time of year with a homemade apple cider; try my Spiked Apple Cider Crockpot (just hold the "spiked" portion).
Jump to:
- What is Sangria Recipe with Apple Cider?
- Why You Will Love This Sangria Recipe With Apple Cider
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Fall Apple Cider Sangria
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Store Our Easy Apple Cider Sangria
- What to Serve with our Apple Cider Sangria
- Top Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions About Our Apple Cider Sangria with White Wine
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Apple Cider Sangria with White Wine Recipe
If you love apple cider, you have to try our Apple Cider Mimosa or Spiked Apple Cider Crockpot recipes!
Why You Will Love This Sangria Recipe With Apple Cider
- Easy: Simply add your ingredients into a serving pitcher then refrigerate to let the flavors really intertwine.
- Versatile: You can add more or less of one fruit called for in the recipe to mix it up or use what you have on hand. Sliced pears are a delicious alternative or addition.
- Flavorful: The apple cider adds unique yet unexpected flavor to this traditional beverage.
- Community: This is a beverage that will please everyone, and gather people together to create great memories.
- Light and Refreshing: Apple cider sangria is light, balancing out the richness of a holiday meal. It's also a great contrast to traditionally heavier holiday drinks like eggnog.
Ingredients
Be sure to take a look in your liquor cabinet before making this Apple Cider Sangria. You will need Dark Rum, Triple Sec and Dry White Wine as well as oranges, frozen cranberries, tart apples, cinnamon sticks and, of course, apple cider.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Tart Apples: The tartness of the apple helps to cut through the acidity of the wine and oranges.
- Oranges: Citrus notes add a bright freshness.
- Dry White Wine: This will balance the beverage, as there is a lot of sweetness in the drink.
- Apple Cider (sweetened): This is where the sweetness comes in to step up the flavor.
- Dark Rum: Packed with deep flavor, this is a must to complement this beverage.
- Triple Sec: This will reinforce the orange flavor in the drink.
- Frozen Cranberries: Instead of ice cubes watering down your drink, try adding frozen cranberries.
- Cinnamon Sticks: A lovely garnish to further impress guests when served, and will enhance the cinnamon within the apple cider.
For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand a large pitcher, measuring cups and a wooden spoon.
Substitutions and Variations
There are fewer ways to adjust a simple recipe, but you can experiment with different types of alcohol to find your perfect combination.
- Prosecco: Substitute your white wine to make an apple cider sangria with prosecco instead for a sparkling version. To stay close to this recipe, opt for a dry prosecco unless you prefer it more sweet, then any will do!
- Red Wine: Red wine apple cider sangria is another great variation of this recipe.
- Sweet Apples: This will change the flavor profile, but if you have a sweet tooth then go for it!
- Sweet White Wine/Unsweetened Apple Cider: Again, this will really make for a sweet drink but if that’s your cup of sangria then sweet wine will work great; alternatively you can pair this with an unsweetened apple cider to help balance the sugars.
- Non-Alcoholic: Easily make a non-alcoholic version if you are hosting young guests or guests who prefer mocktails. Substitute sparkling cider or seltzer, and everyone will be able to enjoy it.
How to Make Fall Apple Cider Sangria
This recipe is so straightforward and simple to create. All you need is your serving pitcher, a short list of ingredients, and a fair amount of time to set in the fridge.
Add all ingredients into a large pitcher and stir to combine. Allow the sangria to sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours for best flavor. Serve over ice.
Hint: Don’t stress over making this delicious sangria. You will love the final product as long as you follow the simple recipe steps.
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How to Store Our Easy Apple Cider Sangria
I will be completely honest in saying that if you serve this for guests you will likely finish it all by the end of the night, but refrigeration is an option.
- Refrigerator: Simply place the serving jug in the fridge and it should hold up for 1 or 2 days.
- Make Ahead: Making this the morning you plan to serve it will allow ample time for the flavors to meld together; if you want make it the day before, prep all your fruit and store them in the fridge (remember apples will start to brown as soon as they are chopped, soak chopped apples in a salt water solution for 10 minutes and lightly dry before storing).
What to Serve with our Apple Cider Sangria
Sangria is a wonderful drink to serve with many different varieties of appetizers, and finger foods, to pies and light salads.
- Cured Meats: Apple cider sangria is the perfect drink to sip while nibbling on a charcuterie board.
- Chocolate: We love pairing this drink with dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Cheeses: Cheddar, Provolone and Harvati are some of my favorite cheeses to pair with this sangria; on top a salty cracker it makes for a perfect match.
- Apple Pie: The cinnamon sugar in our Apple Pie a la Mode is a perfect blend for this sangria; hold the ice cream if you wish.
- Fruit Tarts: From berries to citrus fruits, the possibilities are endless.
- Apple Slices: Dip some caramel in apple slices.
Top Tip
Allowing the drink to set up in the fridge allows the ingredients to really come together, making for a well rounded and flavorful beverage. However, if you run out and need a second batch in a pinch, the setting time can be skipped to enjoy the drink sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Apple Cider Sangria with White Wine
Do you have questions about making this Easy Apple Cider Sangria? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
Keep Sangria covered and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is best consumed within 48 hours of making it.
While it is important, to chill your sangria prior to serving, this will ensure that all the flavors meld together perfectly, you can also put it on ice. We recommend chilling it for a minimum of 4 hours.
We recommend choosing a tart apple variety to balance the sweetness of the drink. We used Granny Smith, but you can also use McIntosh and Pink Lady.
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Check out some more of our recipes you will want to try!
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Apple Cider Sangria with White Wine Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pitcher
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tart apples chopped
- 2 oranges, large sliced
- 1 750 mL dry white wine Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 ½ cup apple cider sweetened
- ¾ cup dark rum
- ½ cup triple sec
- 1 cup frozen cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a large pitcher and stir to combine.
- Allow the sangria to sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours for best flavor.
- Serve over ice.
Notes
- Using a dry white wine, an overly sweet or heavily oaked wine could overpower the flavors.
- For maximum flavor, let the sangria sit in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours or even overnight.
- Store-bought apple cider works well or you can make our Apple Cider Crockpot recipe to make your own (just omit the alcohol).
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
Eva Filer says
Love this recipe - it is not overly sweet, just a nice balance of flavors!