The second apple cider starts showing up in the stores, I am ready to turn it into everything, including cocktails. This Apple Cider Sangria is one of my favorites when we have people over because I can mix up the whole pitcher ahead of time and stick it in the fridge until everyone gets here. It has sweet apple cider, Moscato, apple bourbon, fresh apples, orange, and cinnamon all hanging out together, and somehow it tastes even better the longer I leave it alone. Which, honestly, is exactly what I want from a party drink.
If you have officially entered fall cocktail season with me, try my Apple Spritz next. You can also check out my Bourbon Smash when you need another fall drink. If you're looking for a fun showstopper drink for your Halloween party, check out this Ghost Jello Shot.
Stephanie’s Tips
• Give the sangria at least one hour in the refrigerator so the fruit and cinnamon have time to flavor the drink. Making it several hours ahead is even better.
• Keep the pitcher refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
• Add ice to individual glasses instead of the pitcher so the sangria does not get watered down.
• If you want bubbles, top each glass with sparkling water or club soda right before serving. Keep any sparkling additions out of the pitcher if you expect to have leftovers so they do not go flat.
Equipment
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Apple Cider Sangria Ingredients
- Moscato: The slightly sweet, fruity wine works really well with apple cider and keeps this sangria from tasting too heavy.
- Apple cider: This is where most of that fall apple flavor comes from. Use regular refrigerated apple cider, not apple cider vinegar.
- Apple bourbon: Adds another layer of apple flavor along with a little warmth from the bourbon.
- Granny Smith apple: The tart apple helps balance the sweeter Moscato and cider.
- Gala apple: I like using a second, sweeter apple so you get a mix of flavors in the pitcher.
- Orange: Fresh orange slices bring a little citrus to all that apple.
- Cinnamon sticks: These slowly infuse the sangria while it chills and give it that warm fall flavor without adding ground cinnamon to the drink.
How to make Apple Cider Sangria
Add the Moscato, apple cider, apple bourbon, sliced apples, orange, and cinnamon sticks to a large pitcher.
Give everything a good stir, then place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Serve chilled over ice with some of the fruit in each glass.
How do I serve Apple Sangria?
- Serve the sangria cold over ice and add a few of the apple and orange slices to each glass.
- For a little fizz, top each glass with club soda or sparkling water right before serving. I would add it to the individual glasses instead of the entire pitcher, especially if you think there might be leftovers.
- This is an easy one for fall parties, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or basically any excuse I can find to put apple cider in a pitcher.
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
Yes. This is actually a great drink to make ahead because the apples, orange, and cinnamon have more time to flavor the sangria.
Mix everything together, cover the pitcher, and refrigerate it overnight. Add ice or anything sparkling right before serving.
Slice the apples right before adding them to the sangria and make sure most of the fruit stays submerged in the liquid while it chills.
You can also briefly toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice before adding them, although it may add a little extra tartness to the sangria.
No. Leave the peels on. They add color to the pitcher and save you an unnecessary step.
If you prefer peeled apples, they will still work.
Yes. Top each glass with club soda or sparkling water right before serving.
I prefer doing this by the glass rather than adding it to the whole pitcher because anything left over will stay fresh instead of going flat.
Keep the pitcher refrigerated as long as possible and serve the sangria over ice in individual glasses.
Another easy trick is to freeze grapes or apple slices and use them to help keep the glasses cold without adding a bunch of melting ice.
Yes. Moscato and apple cider both add sweetness, so replace the Moscato with Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a drier version.
What are substitutions that I can make?
- Moscato: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can be used for a less sweet sangria.
- Apple bourbon: Regular bourbon will work, although you will lose some of the extra apple flavor. Brandy is another classic option for sangria.
- Granny Smith apple: Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples are good alternatives.
- Gala apple: Fuji or Braeburn apples work well too.
- Sparkling version: Top each serving with club soda or sparkling water right before drinking.
How should I store Apple Cider Sangria?
- Keep leftover Apple Cider Sangria covered in the refrigerator.
- For the best flavor and texture, I would drink it within about 2 to 3 days. The sangria itself may last longer, but the fresh fruit will continue to soften as it sits.
- If you know you will be keeping leftovers, strain out the fruit after the first day and store the remaining sangria covered in the refrigerator.
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Apple Cider Sangria
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Large pitcher
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml bottle Moscato wine
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup apple bourbon
- 1 Granny Smith apple sliced
- 1 Gala apple sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the Moscato, apple cider, brandy, sliced Granny Smith apple, sliced Gala apple, sliced orange, and cinnamon sticks.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 1 hour to chill.
- Serve chilled with the apple and orange slices.
Notes
- Chill the sangria for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Making it several hours or the night before gives the fruit and cinnamon more time to infuse.
- Add ice to individual glasses instead of the pitcher to prevent watering it down.
- Top individual servings with club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy version.
- Leave the apple peels on for extra color.
- Keep the sangria refrigerated until serving.
- For the best quality, enjoy leftovers within 2 to 3 days.
- Remove the fruit after the first day if you plan to store the remaining sangria longer.
