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The Ultimate Apple Cider Sangria: Your New Favorite Fall Cocktail

This ultimate apple cider sangria recipe combines traditional Spanish sangria techniques with quintessential fall flavors, creating a sophisticated cocktail that celebrates autumn's bounty. The careful balance of dry wine, sweet cider, warming spices, and fresh fruits results in a complex, crowd-pleasing drink.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings servings
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Spanish-American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine - Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider
  • 1/2 cup brandy - Apple brandy preferred
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples - diced
  • 1 Granny Smith apple - diced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 orange - sliced
  • 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs - optional garnish

Method
 

  1. Wash and dice both apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces, leaving the skin on. Slice the orange into thin rounds.
  2. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, and brandy. Add cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Gently muddle the spices for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in the maple syrup until completely dissolved. Adjust sweetness as needed.
  4. Incorporate the diced apples and orange slices into the wine mixture. Gently stir.
  5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Just before serving, add sparkling water or ginger ale. Fill glasses with ice, ladle the sangria including fruits, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Notes

This sangria improves with time, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, prepare the wine and spice base separately from the fresh fruits.