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Cozy Apple Cider Sangria

cozy apple cider sangria - featured image

A warm, festive, and easy-to-make sangria featuring dry apple cider, white wine, fresh fruit, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and star anise. Perfect for fall gatherings and cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1 bottle (750ml) dry or semi-dry apple cider
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 12 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and cubed
  • 23 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 12 star anise pods
  • Honey or simple syrup (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Wash the oranges and apples thoroughly. Slice the orange into thin rounds and cube the apples into small pieces.
  2. Place all the prepared fruit into a large glass pitcher or punch bowl.
  3. Add the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods to the pitcher with the fruit.
  4. Pour the dry white wine over the fruit and spices. Stir gently with a long spoon to submerge the fruit.
  5. Pour in the apple cider and stir again gently until the mixture turns an amber color.
  6. Taste the sangria. If it is too tart, add a teaspoon of honey or simple syrup. If too sweet, add a splash more wine.
  7. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (2 hours is better) to allow flavors to meld and cinnamon to infuse.
  8. Remove from refrigerator, give a final stir, and serve in mugs or large glasses garnished with a fresh cinnamon stick and apple slice.

Notes

Do not skip the chilling time as warm sangria tastes flat. Use firm apples to prevent mushiness. Remove cinnamon sticks after 4-6 hours if making ahead to avoid bitterness. Do not add ice to the main pitcher as it waters down the drink; add ice to individual glasses instead. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall cocktail, warm sangria, easy drink recipe, autumn beverages, cinnamon sangria, white wine sangria