Apple Cider Sangria is the perfect way to enjoy sangria on a crisp Fall night! Watch the video showing you how to make Apple Cider Sangria, then scroll to the bottom of this post and print out the full recipe so you can make it and enjoy it at home!
Sangria is one of my favorite cocktails to make (and to drink) because there are so many different ways to make it, using different fruits, juices, wines and liquors, the possibilities are endless. It’s also one of my favorite cocktails to serve at a party, setting up a do-it-yourself sangria bar is a fun way to get your friends involved, and also give you a break from the bar!
But when people think about sangria it’s usually in the warmer weather, and almost always with wine. So this time we’re switching things up and making an Apple Cider Sangria that’s going to completely change the way you think about making your next pitcher!
How to Make Apple Cider Sangria:
We’re starting out with some of my favorite ingredients – fall fruits, brandy, cider and Crown Royal Regal Apple Whisky. Crown Royal Apple is a favorite ingredient of mine to use when mixing up drinks because it adds the whisky flavor without being overpowering at all. And it’s SO DELICIOUS.
Next I grabbed sparkling apple cider to keep up with the cider theme, but you could also get a bottle of Prosecco or sparkling wine if you want to kick up the boozy level in this sangria – not that it needs it – but it would definitely be tasty.
This sangria only takes minutes to put together too…get a pitcher and throw in your ingredients (the order of adding in the ingredients really does not matter at all). So throw in your sliced fruit, a few cinnamon sticks, a few star anise and pomegranate seeds. Pomegranates can be a messy thing to work with, so be really smart and buy the seeds in a jar in your produce section!
Add the whisky and brandy to the bottom along with the fruit and spices, and then pour in the sparkling cider. I like to use Prosecco (or any other kind of sparkling wine instead of sparkling cider, but it’s up to you!) Then pour in 2 cups of apple cider and give it a stir.
That’s it – that’s all there is to it. You’re not going to believe how amazing this Apple Cider Sangria tastes! Make sure you make a large enough pitcher because this stuff will be gone in a flash! In fact, doubling the recipe is an even better idea because everyone will ask for more.
If you’d prefer to chill the sangria for a few hours and let all of that fruit soak up the delicious flavors in the sangria… then plan to add the sparkling cider or wine just before serving. Either way, it will be just as delicious!
If you’re looking for more fall recipes, you may also like to try my Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread or these Apple Pie Bars. Pumpkin Pound Cake, Cranberry Meatballs and this Pumpkin Beer Cocktail are also delicious recipe choices for fall.
If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers WW plan, you will find a link to WW Points on the recipe card below.
Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
- 2 small pears, thinly sliced
- 2 small apples, thinly sliced
- 1 medium lemon, cut into wedges
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 cups apple cider
- ½ cup apple whiskey (or regular whiskey)
- ¼ cup brandy
- 1½ cups sparkling white wine or Prosecco (can sub sparkling cider)
- cinnamon sticks and star anise, for garnish
Instructions
- To a large pitcher, add pear, apple, lemon and pomegranate seeds.
- Pour apple cider into the pitcher, followed by apple whiskey and brandy. Refrigerate for a few hours, and then add the sparkling wine right before serving).
- Pour chilled sangria into glasses, making sure to get plenty of fruit in each glass. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a star anise.
Notes
- Star anise can be found in the spice aisle.
- Optional: If you want the cinnamon sticks and star anise to marinate with the sangria while chilling, you can totally do that instead of using those as a garnish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I can not wait to try this recipe. Looks and sounds delicious. Quick question can you use Morin Calvados as the brandy? I have never made sangria before. I don’t want to mess it up haha. Thank you!
I’m not familiar with that, so I’m not sure!
How many drinks does this recipe serve?
About six.
So yummy thank you! this became my favorite and most requested drink for our thanksgiving dinner
Does champagne work in place of the Prosecco? I’m only asking bc I already have several bottles of champagne, but I def want to make it right!
sure!
What type of brandy do you use?
Any type, but I’m partial to Apple Brandy!
I’m looking for a hot drink for a party we are hosting. Would this work warmed in a crockpot?
Well, I’ not really sure. As written, I don’t think it’s a good crockpot recipe because of the sparkling wine. I think I’d probably try to find a different recipe that is meant for the crockpot.
Why was is rewritten? I used it last year and I knew it seemd different. Is there any way I can get the old recipe
The recipe is exactly the same. The photos were updated and a video was added.
Hi! I’m looking to make this for thanksgiving but have a question regarding the Apple cider. Is the Apple cider you list in your ingredients just regular apple cider or the sparkling cider? It wasn’t clear to me reading through the post instructions and looking at the pictures if you used both or just said you can sub the sparkling Apple cider for the sparkling wine? Thank you!
Hi! The recipe calls for using apple cider. Then if you DON’T want to use sparkling white wine, you can sub sparkling cider for that too.
Made this last night for my Friendsgiving. It was a huge hit and everyone wanted the recipe! Followed the recipe exactly except I didn’t have star anise for garnish. Had to kept making refills of the pitcher.
Can I use something for the whiskey?
I suppose you could leave it out, but it’s a big part of the flavor!