Spiced Apple Cider Sangria: Your Ultimate Fall Cocktail for Cozy Evenings and Festive Gatherings
As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like gathering with loved ones or settling in for a cozy evening. And what better way to embrace the season than with a drink that embodies all the comforting flavors of autumn? Today, we’re diving into a pitcher full of fall magic: a delightful Spiced Apple Cider Sangria, crafted with aromatic spiced apple cider, your favorite dry white wine, and a touch of warming brandy.
Happy weekend, or simply happy fall! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been counting down the days until you can fully immerse yourself in all things autumn. Now that the season is well underway, I’ve prepared a vibrant pitcher of this incredible sangria, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo. This drink isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, transforming your home with its inviting aromas and enchanting your palate with every sip.
Why This Spiced Apple Cider Sangria Will Be Your New Fall Favorite
For those who know me well, my fondness for sangria is no secret—it’s truly my signature drink. Why simply enjoy wine when you can elevate it with a symphony of other delicious ingredients? Each season brings a fresh opportunity to discover a new go-to sangria, and this fall, this particular Spiced Apple Cider Sangria has captured my heart. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of autumn.
This recipe isn’t just about mixing drinks; it’s about crafting a flavorful experience. Unlike many sangrias that rely solely on fruit and wine, this recipe takes an extra step to infuse deep, complex flavors. The secret lies in a homemade spiced apple cider syrup, which forms the fragrant base of our ultimate fall beverage. Imagine the scent of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus mingling with sweet apple cider as it gently simmers on your stove – it’s an instant mood-setter for any fall day.
The Heart of the Drink: Our Homemade Spiced Apple Cider Syrup
The foundation of this exquisite autumn sangria is a rich, aromatic apple cider syrup. We start with fresh, unsweetened apple cider, which is then gently simmered with a carefully selected blend of spices, bright citrus slices, and a touch of dark brown sugar. This low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, reducing the cider slightly until it becomes wonderfully syrupy and intensely flavorful. As an added, much-loved bonus, your entire home will be filled with the most incredible, comforting scent – a true autumn sensory delight that makes the preparation almost as enjoyable as the drinking!
This spiced cider syrup isn’t just a sweetener; it’s a flavor enhancer that infuses every component of the sangria with warmth and depth. The brown sugar adds a molasses-like richness, while the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves contribute their signature fall spice. The orange and lemon slices brighten the mix, providing a zesty counterpoint to the sweetness. This meticulous step ensures that every sip of your fall cocktail is bursting with authentic, homemade taste.
Assembling Your Perfect Autumn Sangria
Once your spiced apple cider syrup has cooled, the rest of the process is wonderfully straightforward. Simply pour the fragrant syrup into a large pitcher. Then, introduce a full bottle of your favorite dry white wine – whether you prefer a crisp Chardonnay, a refreshing Pinot Grigio, or an aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, any variety that you enjoy will work beautifully here. The dry nature of these wines complements the sweetness of the cider without making the sangria overly saccharine. Next, add a generous pour of brandy or cognac. This spirit adds a subtle warmth and a delightful layer of complexity, making the sangria feel truly special and perfect for the cooler months.
To complete the pitcher, add an abundance of fresh apple slices and orange slices. These not only provide a stunning visual appeal, adding vibrant colors to your sangria, but they also slowly release their natural juices and aromas, further enhancing the drink’s flavor profile. The key to a truly exceptional sangria is allowing all these magnificent ingredients to mingle and marry. Therefore, place your pitcher in the refrigerator for at least a few hours. This chilling period is crucial; it’s a drink that undeniably benefits from sitting a while, letting all the nuanced flavors of the spiced cider, wine, brandy, and fresh fruit fully integrate. Resist the temptation to rush this step – patience will be richly rewarded!
Serving Your Spiced Apple Cider Sangria
When you’re ready to serve this glorious concoction, pour it generously over ice. For an added layer of effervescence and a lighter touch, you can top each glass with a splash of ginger ale or club soda. This also allows guests to customize their drink to their preferred sweetness and fizziness. To elevate the presentation and add a charming festive touch, moisten the rims of your glasses and dip them into a mixture of cinnamon sugar. This not only looks inviting but also adds a sweet, spiced note with every sip.
Garnish each glass with a fresh slice of apple, an orange wedge, or a whole cinnamon stick to truly impress your guests and enhance the autumn aesthetic. This seasonal sangria is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for any occasion, from casual Sunday brunches to elegant holiday parties. It’s an effortless way to bring sophisticated fall flavors to your table without a lot of fuss.
Spiced Apple Cider Sangria
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Ingredients
Spiced apple cider syrup:
- 2 ½ cups apple cider or juice (590 ml), see Note
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar (56 grams)
- 2 oranges , sliced and divided
- 1 lemon , sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 750 ml bottle dry white wine , such as chardonnay, pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
- 1 cup cognac or brandy (237 ml)
- 2 apples , sliced
- Cinnamon stick , for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider or juice with the brown sugar, half of the orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Set over medium high heat and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly reduced. Let cool to room temperature, then strain out the citrus slices and whole spices.
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In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, cognac or brandy, spiced apple cider, apple slices, and remaining orange slices. Chill 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use apple juice/cider that is unsweetened, unfiltered and non-alcoholic. It is perishable and will be stored in the refrigerator section of your grocery store.
Tips for the Best Spiced Apple Cider Sangria
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Since apple cider is the star, opt for a good quality, unsweetened, unfiltered apple cider (often found in the refrigerated section). For the wine, select a dry white wine that you genuinely enjoy drinking on its own.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: This is arguably the most important step for sangria. Allowing the flavors to meld for 1-2 hours (or even longer, up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator makes a huge difference in the depth and harmony of the drink.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If your apple cider is already quite sweet, you might reduce the brown sugar slightly in the syrup. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter sangria, you can add a touch more brown sugar when making the syrup or a drizzle of maple syrup directly into the pitcher before chilling.
- Pre-slice Fruit: Slice your apples and oranges just before adding them to the pitcher to ensure they look fresh. Coating apple slices lightly in lemon juice can also help prevent browning if you’re making it far in advance.
- Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon and cloves are classic, feel free to add other fall spices to your cider syrup, such as a star anise pod or a few cardamom pods for an extra layer of flavor.
Perfect for Any Fall Occasion
This Spiced Apple Cider Sangria is an incredibly versatile drink. It’s light and refreshing enough for an afternoon get-together, yet sophisticated and warming for an evening dinner party or a cozy night by the fire. It’s also an excellent choice for holiday entertaining, such as Thanksgiving or pre-Christmas gatherings, as it can be prepared in advance, freeing you up to enjoy your guests.
The visual appeal of the vibrant fruit against the amber liquid, especially when served in a beautiful pitcher or punch bowl, makes it a true centerpiece. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, this fall, make sure this easy yet impressive white wine sangria with apple and brandy is on your menu. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of the season in a glass.
This recipe was originally published in October 2014, and has been updated and expanded to bring you even more fall deliciousness!