There is something truly magical about a chilled glass of sangria that captures the festive spirit of any gathering, and this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe takes that magic to a whole new level. Combining the crispness of dry white wine with the sweet warmth of apple cider and a hint of spicy cinnamon, this sangria is perfect for cozy autumn evenings or lively weekend get-togethers. Every sip is a delightful dance of flavors—fruity, crisp, and refreshingly effervescent thanks to a splash of ginger ale. If you’re looking to impress friends or simply treat yourself to a seasonal cocktail that’s easy to make but impressively layered, this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet every component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and vibrant flavor profile. From the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice to the aromatic spice of cinnamon sticks, these ingredients come together to make something truly special.
- Dry white wine: A 750ml bottle provides a crisp and slightly fruity base that complements the sweetness of the cider perfectly.
- Apple cider: 2 ½ cups add that rich, seasonal apple flavor and sweetness that define this sangria.
- Ginger liqueur: 1 cup introduces subtle warmth and spicy notes that deepen the drink’s complexity.
- Fresh lemon juice: 3 ounces brighten up the mix with a zesty tang that balances out the sweetness.
- Apple, cored and sliced: Adds fresh fruit texture and visual appeal, enhancing the apple essence.
- Pear, cored and sliced: Brings a soft sweetness and subtle floral notes for variety in every glass.
- Cinnamon sticks: Two sticks infuse spicy warmth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Ginger ale: 8 ounces last-minute fizz that makes the sangria refreshing and lively.
How to Make Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Base
Start by pouring the dry white wine, apple cider, ginger liqueur, and fresh lemon juice into a large pitcher. This combination is the heart of your sangria, where the crispness of the wine meets the sweet and slightly spicy apple cider and ginger liqueur flavors. Stir gently to blend all those delicious ingredients before adding fresh fruit and spice.
Step 2: Add Fresh Fruit and Spice
Next, toss in the cored and sliced apple and pear along with two cinnamon sticks. These fresh ingredients not only look inviting but also release extra layers of flavor as they steep. Cover your pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit closer to 24 hours allows the flavors to marry beautifully and the fruit to soften just enough to deepen the sangria’s character.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Fizz
Just before serving, gently stir in the ginger ale. This final step brings a sparkling freshness and a light, bubbly texture that elevates the sangria from a simple punch to a festive, crowd-pleasing drink. Divide the sangria into glasses filled with ice, ready to delight your guests with every sip.
How to Serve Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Apple Cider Sangria Recipe even more inviting, garnish each glass with additional slices of apple and pear along with a cinnamon stick. These garnishes add visual warmth and allow the drinker to enjoy the fresh fruit aromas and a hint of spice with every glass. Plus, they make your sangria look gorgeous and festive.
Side Dishes
This sangria pairs wonderfully with a variety of light appetizers and snacks. Think spiced nuts, cheese platters featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie, and crisp crackers. It’s also fantastic alongside savory small bites like caramelized onion tarts or roasted butternut squash bruschetta, where the sweetness and acidity of the sangria cut through richer flavors seamlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests even more? Serve your Apple Cider Sangria Recipe in clear mason jars or elegant wine glasses to highlight the beautiful color and vibrant fruit slices. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer and consider popping in a few frozen cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and an extra hint of holiday spirit. Presentation truly makes the whole experience festive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any sangria left, cover the pitcher tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the sangria to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, but keep in mind the fruit may continue to steep and intensify the flavors, which some people adore.
Freezing
Freezing sangria isn’t ideal because the fresh fruit and sparkling ginger ale lose their texture and fizz. However, if you want to prep the base early, freeze just the cider-wine-liqueur mixture without the fruit or ginger ale, then thaw and add the remaining ingredients fresh on serving day.
Reheating
This sangria is designed to be enjoyed cold and bubbly, so reheating is not recommended. The fresh, crisp flavors and effervescence are best preserved when served chilled, making it the perfect refreshing cocktail for warm or cool occasions alike.
FAQs
Can I use red wine instead of white wine in this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe?
Absolutely! While dry white wine highlights the crispness and allows apple cider’s flavors to shine, a light red wine like a Pinot Noir can create a richer, deeper sangria variation that’s equally delicious.
What can I substitute for ginger liqueur if I don’t have any?
If ginger liqueur isn’t available, ginger syrup or a splash of ginger beer can add some of that warm spice. Just adjust sweetness and spice intensity to your liking so the sangria stays balanced.
How long can I refrigerate the sangria before serving?
This Apple Cider Sangria Recipe tastes best after at least 4 hours to let the fruit and spices infuse, but you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours without losing flavor. Longer infusion results in more pronounced fruit and cinnamon notes.
Can I make this sangria vegan?
Yes! Just make sure to use a vegan-friendly dry white wine and ginger ale, as some brands use animal-derived fining agents. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this sangria suitable for large parties?
Definitely. This recipe yields about 8 drinks, so it’s perfect for a small gathering. Simply multiply the ingredients proportionally to serve more guests, and prepare it in a large beverage dispenser for easy self-service.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like sharing a refreshing, fruit-filled drink that feels both festive and comforting, and this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe perfectly captures that feeling. Whether you’re looking to elevate a weekend brunch, add sparkle to a holiday gathering, or just enjoy a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to make and endlessly enjoyable. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes your go-to sangria for every season.
Print
Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Apple Cider Sangria that combines dry white wine, apple cider, ginger liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and fresh fruit slices, infused with cinnamon sticks for a warm spice note. This sangria is chilled and then topped with ginger ale for a sparkling finish, perfect for gatherings or relaxing evenings.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 1 (750ml) bottle dry white wine
- 2 ½ cups apple cider
- 1 cup ginger liqueur
- 3 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 8 ounces ginger ale
Fruits and Spices
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1 pear, cored and sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the dry white wine, apple cider, ginger liqueur, fresh lemon juice, sliced apple, sliced pear, and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher. Stir the mixture well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the combined ingredients for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add ginger ale and serve: Just before serving, stir in the ginger ale to add a fizzy, refreshing sparkle. Pour the sangria evenly over ice-filled glasses and optionally garnish with additional pear slices, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks for presentation.
Notes
- For best flavor, refrigerate the sangria for the full 24 hours if possible.
- Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for optimal taste.
- Adjust lemon juice sweetness by adding a touch of simple syrup if preferred.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine and liqueur with additional apple cider and ginger ale.
- Serve over plenty of ice to keep sangria cool and refreshing.
