Apple Cider Sangria Recipe: The Perfect Fall Sangria

Are you already planning your favorite fall activities? Maybe you’re scrolling through Pinterest looking for cozy fall ideas, bookmarking recipes, planning pumpkin patch and apple orchard visits, or simply dreaming about the flavors of the season.

I know technically we still have about 10 days of summer left, and trust me, I’ve loved every bit of sunshine, but I'm officially ready for fall. I'm beyond excited about the crisp air, cozy sweaters, seasonal flavors, and, of course, the drinks.

One of my absolute favorite drinks to make during autumn is an apple cider sangria. It’s refreshing yet cozy, a little festive, and instantly puts me in a fall state of mind. We have shared a pitcher during casual weekends with friends, at Halloween parties, and even at a Thanksgiving gathering. This apple cider sangria recipe is a favorite among friends and feels equal parts fun and seasonal.

And the best part? Making fall sangria at home is actually much easier than you think! With just a few ingredients, you can have a pitcher of this crisp and cozy drink ready to serve. Last fall, I loved nothing more than curling up on a Sunday with a glass of apple cider sangria in hand.

This version is a mix of my grandma’s Spanish sangria recipe, a fall sangria cocktail we tried in Ireland while living there, and our own trial and error. We originally started with a local Irish sparkling apple juice, and since being back in the States, we’ve tried countless variations.

The one I’m sharing below is our current favorite, but I’ve also included a few other variations so you can mix, match, and find your own go-to fall sangria recipe.

Apple Cider Sangria Ingredients

You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make this apple cider sangria recipe. It only takes a handful of ingredients to create a drink that tastes like fall in a glass. Here’s what you’ll need:

Wine for Apple Cider Sangria

For this fall sangria, I usually go with a crisp natural white wine, but Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are go-to choices for most people. They’re light, fruity, and let the apple cider shine. There’s no need to splurge; just pick a wine you'd enjoy drinking on its own. If you prefer a richer flavor, a dry orange wine also works beautifully.

Brandy

Many apple cider sangria recipes use around a quarter to half a cup of liquor to add depth and warmth. Brandy is the classic choice, and we also love to use Cointreau. Bourbon gives it a cozy, slightly smoky note that feels perfect for autumn. You could also experiment with spiced rum if you want a citrusy kick.

Apples, Pears & Oranges

Fresh fruit is at the heart of every sangria, and this fall apple cider sangria is no exception. We slice up one and a half Honeycrisp apples, one pear, and one orange to bring sweetness and brightness to the mix. People also add lemons, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds, but I prefer mine with just apples, pears, and oranges for that classic fall sangria flavor.

Spices

This is where the cozy fall flavors come alive. My spice mix usually includes cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. You can add fresh ginger or cardamom pods for extra warmth.

Sweetener

Depending on how sweet your cider is, you may not need much at all. But if you like a sweeter sangria, add granulated sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a splash of demerara syrup. Personally, I lean toward granulated, that’s what we usually use in our Spanish sangria recipes in Cuba, but demerara syrup also gives the drink a warm, earthy sweetness that feels perfectly autumnal.

How to Make Apple Cider Sangria

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, making this apple cider sangria recipe couldn’t be easier. You simply mix, chill, and serve. I love how effortless it is to prepare, yet it instantly creates that cozy fall ambiance at home. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Perfect Apple Cider Sangria - Easy Fall Sangria Recipe

Add the Fruit 

First, slice the apples, pear, and orange, then add them directly into a large pitcher. The fresh fruit brings sweetness, brightness, and that classic fall sangria vibe.

Sweeten to Taste

Depending on the sweetness of your cider, you may not need much. I usually start with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and adjust from there. You can also use demerara syrup or honey if you like it sweeter. Mix well with the fruit so the flavors meld beautifully.

Combine the Liquor & Spices

Pour in your brandy and stir gently to combine. Add the two cups of apple cider along with the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Give everything a gentle stir; this is when the sangria begins to take on that cozy, warming fall flavor.

Pour in the Wine

Finally, pour in your bottle of wine and stir until well combined.

Chill

Place your sangria pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to mingle, creating the perfect balance of refreshing and cozy that makes this the ultimate fall sangria.

Serve & Garnish

When you’re ready to serve, pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice. Add a splash of sparkling water, Sprite, or club soda for a fizzy twist if you like. Garnish each glass with leftover apple or orange slices, a cinnamon stick, or rosemary for a seasonal touch.

Pro Tip: To keep your apple slices looking fresh for garnish, drizzle a little fresh lemon juice on top.

Tips & Variations for Fall Sangria

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Sangria

Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for parties. You can mix the sangria the night before and let it infuse in the fridge overnight. The flavors will be even richer!

Storage: Leftovers can be in the fridge for 2-3 days, though honestly, we drink it within the day.

Party-Ready: Double or triple the recipe for a pitcher that will keep your Halloween guests or Thanksgiving crowd happily sipping all night.

One of the best things about this apple cider sangria recipe is how versatile it is. Adjust the ingredients to match your taste, the season, or the occasion. Here are some of my favorite variations and substitutions to try:

Pear Cider Sangria

Swap the apple cider for pear cider to give your sangria a softer, floral flavor. Add cranberries along with the pears and apples, and you’ll have a holiday twist on classic fall sangria.

Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

Try making it with sparkling wine, Prosecco, or even sparkling apple cider. It is perfect for parties or Thanksgiving dinners.

Citrus-Spiced Sangria

Instead of sticking with just apples, pears, and oranges, add blackberries and blood oranges for a bold, tangy twist. You can also play with the spices: cinnamon sticks are classic, but allspice, ginger, or cardamom can add extra warmth.

Fall sangria with apple cider and red wine

Prefer red wine over white? Switch the bottle of white wine for a red like Merlot or Rioja, and keep the apple cider as the base. This version feels cozier and is perfect for chilly fall evenings.

Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Sangria

For a family-friendly version, replace the wine and brandy with sparkling apple juice, orange juice and ginger ale. It’s a refreshing, kid-friendly option that’s great for cozy fall weekends or holiday celebrations.

Serving Ideas for Apple Cider Sangria

One of the reasons I love this apple cider sangria recipe so much is how well it pairs with our favorite fall dishes. We love pairing it with our Chicken & Yellow Rice. This Spanish recipe complements the apple cider sangria to create a beautiful balance of savory and spiced flavors, and it feels both hearty and wholesome.

Fall soups, such as butternut squash, creamy potato, or our Mediterranean chicken and orzo, are the ultimate fall and winter comfort foods! Add a chilled glass of sangria to your meal after a long day to go into the evening with renewed energy. The warmth of the soup plays perfectly against the cool, fruity drink.

Think of a harvest salad with roasted squash, pecans, and goat cheese. This simple dish brings out the freshness of the apples and citrus in your fall sangria. It’s perfect for a fall Sunday brunch at home. Check our salad recipe here.

Baked, grilled, or pan-seared chicken breasts paired with roasted vegetables and served alongside a glass of sangria make an easy weeknight home dinner date idea.

If you want something a little more fun and flavorful, a mushroom and chicken pie or lobster baked ziti brings creamy, indulgent flavors that balance beautifully with the crispness of apple cider sangria.

Pairing these dishes with this fall apple cider sangria recipe on a chilly autumn day will put you in the holiday spirit! For this and more food pairings, check out our fall cozy recipe ideas.

Yield: 8-10

Author: Prancier

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Apple Cider Sangria

This apple cider sangria recipe combines fresh apples, pears, apple cider, and wine, making it the ultimate fall sangria for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

Prep time: 15 MinInactive time: 3 HourTotal time: 3 H & 15 M

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of dry white wine
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup brandy or bourbon
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• 4 cloves
• Sparkling water, Sprite, or club soda (optional)
• Sweetener of choice: granulated sugar, demerara syrup, or honey(to taste)

Instructions

1. Add the Fruit: Slice apples, pear, and orange, and place them in a large pitcher for natural sweetness and classic fall sangria flavor.
2. Sweeten to Taste: Start with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, or use honey or demerara syrup. Stir to combine with the fruit.
3. Combine Liquor & Spices: Add brandy, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Stir gently to infuse that cozy fall flavor.
4. Pour in the Wine: Add your bottle of white wine and mix until fully combined.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for 3–4 hours to let the flavors meld for the perfect balance of refreshing and cozy.
6. Serve & Garnish: Pour over ice, add sparkling water or club soda if desired, and garnish with apple or orange slices, a cinnamon stick, or rosemary.

Notes

Pro Tip: Drizzle lemon juice on apple slices to keep them fresh for garnish.

I hope you enjoyed this apple cider sangria recipe and feel inspired to make your own pitcher of cozy fall sangria at home! I’d love to hear from you, share in the comments which version was your favorite, any tips to make it even better, or other apple cider sangria variations you’re loving this season.

If you loved this apple cider sangria recipe, don’t forget to pin it for later! Sharing helps spread the word, and we love to connect with fellow sangria lovers, and bring everyone together to celebrate the flavors of fall.

Besitos from the kitchen,

Laura

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