This Apple Cider Sangria blends fresh apple cider, dry white wine and dark rum with oranges, cranberries and whole cinnamon sticks. The result is a crisp white wine sangria that captures all the delicious flavors of fall in a glass.
Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, fall celebrations or your next holiday party, this big-batch cocktail is a great make-ahead cocktail. With fresh apples, seasonal spices and a hint of orange liqueur, it’s the perfect drink to serve a crowd.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Apple Cider Sangria
- More Cocktail Recipes You Will Love
- How to Serve our Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
- What to Serve with our Apple Cider Sangria
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Our Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Apple Cider Sangria
If you love apple cider, you have to try our Apple Cider Mimosa or Spiked Apple Cider Crockpot recipes!
Why You Will Love This Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
- Seasonal Flavors: Fresh apple cider, fall fruits and warm spice make this a favorite fall cocktail.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill in a large pitcher for the best flavor.
- Versatile Base: Works well with sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio or even red wine for a different twist.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This big batch sangria is a perfect way to serve a crowd.
Ingredients
This apple sangria comes together in mere minutes with the following ingredients.
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.
For this fall sangria recipe, you'll want to have a large pitcher, measuring cups and a wooden spoon.
Substitutions and Variations
This fall sangria can be adjusted in different ways.
- Red Wine Sangria: Swap the dry white wine for a bottle of red wine for a deeper flavor. Check out our Halloween sangria recipe for a twist.
- Sparkling Apple Cider: Replace the wine with sparkling cider or seltzer for a non-alcoholic option everyone can enjoy.
- Extra Fruit: Add pomegranate seeds or pears for more fresh fruit variety.
- Citrus Twist: A splash of orange juice or simple syrup adds brightness and extra sweetness.
- Bubbly Finish: Top with ginger ale or club soda before serving for the perfect sangria sparkle.
How to Make Apple Cider Sangria
With fall fruits, crisp white wine and fresh apple cider, this sangria is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
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: Resting the sangria for at least 4 hours ensures the flavors of fall meld beautifully.
More Cocktail Recipes You Will Love
How to Serve our Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
Here are some ways to serve this festive drink.
- Shaken/Stirred: Serve chilled over plenty of ice for refreshing flavor.
- Glassware: Stemless wine glasses or mason jars show off the fresh fruit.
- Garnishes: Add apple slices, cinnamon sticks or cranberries.
What to Serve with our Apple Cider Sangria
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or a casual fall gathering, this sangria complements a wide range of dishes.
- Sweet Recipes: Pumpkin pie, apple pie à la mode or chewy ginger molasses cookies.
- Savory Dishes: Herb butter turkey, brie and cranberry, sautéed green beans with shallots, cheese boards for fall gatherings.
Top Tips
Follow these tips for the best results.
- Fruit Size: Slice the apples and oranges small enough to fit easily into clear glasses.
- Make-Ahead: This ultimate make-ahead cocktail tastes even better the next time you serve it after chilling overnight.
- Garnish: A cinnamon sugar rim, apple slices or star anise are great options for a festive finish.
- Stirring: Give it a good stir before pouring to evenly distribute the fruit juice and spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
These FAQs will help you get the best results from your apple cider sangria recipe this fall.
Chill the sangria for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld, then serve over ice for the perfect balance.
Choose a tart apple to balance the sweetness; Granny Smith works best, but McIntosh or Pink Lady are great options too.
Yes, apple juice works if fresh apple cider isn’t available, though cider adds more depth and flavor.
More Recipes You Will Love
Check out some more of our recipes you will want to try!
Ready to get cooking? Save time by having a grocery list automatically generated for you by clicking the "Add to Shopping List" below.
Apple Cider Sangria
Equipment
- Large Pitcher
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tart apples chopped
- 2 large oranges 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.
- For best flavor, allow the sangria to sit in the fridge.
- Serve over ice.
Notes
- Resting the sangria for at least 4 hours ensures the flavors of fall meld beautifully.
- Slice the apples and oranges small enough to fit easily into clear glasses.
- This ultimate make-ahead cocktail tastes even better the next time you serve it after chilling overnight.
- A cinnamon sugar rim, apple slices or star anise are great options for a festive finish.
- Give it a good stir before pouring to evenly distribute the fruit juice and spirits.
- Nutritional information may vary depending on the type of wine used.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
Amy Clark says
Made this sangria for a Thanksgiving brunch with my family. It wasn't overly sweet, and everyone loved it. If you're looking for Fall vibes this is the sangria to make!
Eva Filer says
Oh wow, that is so great to hear. So happy that you all enjoyed it. Thank you so much for the review.
Eva Filer says
Love this recipe - it is not overly sweet, just a nice balance of flavors!