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Light & Easy Spiked Apple Cider Sangria | Best Fall Drink

spiked apple cider sangria - featured image
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A crisp, bright, and refreshing fall sangria made with unsweetened apple cider, dry white wine, and warm spices. This light version comes together in under 10 minutes of active prep and is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) unsweetened apple cider
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or dry Riesling)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple brandy or bourbon
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
  • 1 large pear, thinly sliced (Bosc or Bartlett)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3–4 whole cloves (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) club soda or sparkling water
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • Optional garnish: fresh rosemary sprigs or star anise

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the apple and pear. Cut them in half, remove the cores, and slice into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). Place the fruit slices into a large pitcher.
  2. Add the cinnamon stick and whole cloves to the pitcher.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the honey or maple syrup with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Stir until fully dissolved.
  4. Pour the apple cider, white wine, apple brandy or bourbon, and the dissolved honey mixture into the pitcher. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until combined.
  5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Just before serving, remove the cinnamon stick and cloves if desired. Pour in the club soda or sparkling water and stir gently to keep the bubbles.
  7. Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the sangria over the ice, ensuring each glass gets some fruit slices. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or star anise if desired.
  8. Serve immediately. Best consumed within 1-2 hours of adding the club soda.

Notes

For best results, chill the apple cider and white wine before mixing to reduce dilution. The sangria base (without club soda) can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the wine and brandy, double the club soda, and add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (remove fruit first).

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall drink, spiked cider, white wine sangria, easy sangria recipe, light sangria, apple cider cocktail, fall cocktail, Thanksgiving drink, Friendsgiving drink

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/light-and-easy-spiked-apple-cider-sangria-best-fall-drink/