Apple Cider Sangria Recipe: How to Make Fall Sangria

Apple cider sangria is a seasonal style of sangria, a chilled mixture of wine, macerated fresh fruit, liqueurs, and spices, featuring unfiltered apple juice (also known as apple cider). Sangria originated in Spain and Portugal and has become popular as a refreshing summertime drink. Although red wine is the more traditional base ingredient, there are also white wine sangrias and rosé sangrias—both of which are also popular summer drinks.

If you already know how to make sangria, adding apple cider is a great way to bring this summertime drink into autumn and winter. Unlike other cold-weather drink recipes, such as hot buttered rum or eggnog, winter sangrias like apple cider sangria are dairy-free. Its bright, refreshing flavor profile makes it a perfect opener for holiday parties.

Sangria is an intentional blend of many different elements. Here’s what to know:

1. 1. Choose a dry white wine. For a harmonious effect that doesn’t overshadow the apple cider, use a dry white wine, like pinot grigio, albariño, or sauvignon blanc. The crisp acidity of the wine will complement the fruit and contrast the sweeter notes of the cider.
2. 2. Create complex apple flavor. Add a cup of apple brandy to the mix for a well-rounded presence of apple—and a little extra warmth—throughout the sangria. Use spiced apple cider to evoke the season’s quintessential warm, baking spices.
3. 3. Select complementary fruit. Each type of sangria uses different ingredients that complement the wine base. For example, pears, apples, and stone fruits complement white wine sangria, while juicier fruits, such as cherries and pomegranates, complement rosé or red wine sangria. Ultimately, the best sangria recipe comes down to your preferences regarding wine, fruit, and contrasting flavors. Choose fall fruits like apple, persimmon, or fig for a fall sangria.
4. 4. Add fizz. To add a festive spritz to your sangria, add a float of club soda, ginger beer or ginger ale, sparkling apple cider, or prosecco to each glass as you serve.