Spiced Apple Cider Sangria: A Flawless Fall Favorite in 10 Minutes

Nothing says autumn like the smell of spiced apple cider simmering on the stove – but when I want something extra special for gatherings, this spiced apple cider sangria becomes my go-to. I first made it for a cozy Friendsgiving years ago, and now my crew demands it every fall! The magic happens when crisp apple cider meets bold red wine, with just enough brandy and maple syrup to make it sing. Trust me, the cinnamon sticks and cloves transform this from ordinary sangria into something truly seasonal. It’s become my signature party trick – one sip and everyone starts asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

This isn’t just any sangria—it’s fall in a glass! Here’s why it’s always a hit:

• Effortless elegance: Just 10 minutes of prep for a drink that looks (and tastes) like you fussed for hours
• Party perfection: The pitcher does all the work while you mingle – no last-minute mixing needed
• Warm spices: Cinnamon and cloves give that nostalgic apple pie aroma everyone adores
• Crowd-pleaser: Easily adjustable sweetness means happy drinkers across the board

Seriously, I’ve seen even “I don’t like sangria” people go back for seconds!

Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Gather these simple ingredients to make magic happen in your pitcher:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine – I like using a fruity Cabernet or Merlot
• 2 cups apple cider – The unfiltered kind gives the best flavor
• 1/2 cup brandy – This adds that wonderful warmth
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup – Grade A works beautifully here
• 1 apple, thinly sliced – Honeycrisp or Fuji hold up best
• 1 orange, thinly sliced – Leave the peels on for extra aroma
• 2 cinnamon sticks – These are non-negotiable in my book!
• 4 whole cloves – They pack a punch, so don’t go overboard
• 1 star anise (optional) – For those who love extra spice

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

No worries if you’re missing something – here are my tried-and-true swaps:

• Out of brandy? Bourbon or apple brandy work great too
• No maple syrup? Honey or brown sugar will do the trick
• Making it kid-friendly? Swap the wine and brandy for sparkling apple cider
• Can’t find star anise? A pinch of allspice berries adds similar warmth

Pro tip: Always use fresh fruit slices – dried fruit makes the sangria too sweet!

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Okay, let’s get mixing! This couldn’t be easier, but there are a few key steps to ensure your sangria turns out perfect. Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have a pitcher of fall magic in no time.

Step 1: Combine Liquids

First things first – grab your biggest, prettiest pitcher (this stuff deserves to look good!). Pour in the red wine, apple cider, and brandy. Now, here’s the important part: drizzle in that maple syrup and stir, stir, stir until it’s completely dissolved. I learned the hard way that lazy stirring leaves little sweet surprises at the bottom – not what we want! And don’t even think about skipping the chill time – patience here makes all the difference.

Step 2: Add Fruits & Spices

Time to make it beautiful! Those apple and orange slices need to be thin – I’m talking “see-through” thin – so they infuse their flavors evenly without overpowering the drink. Toss them in along with the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Feeling fancy? Add that star anise for extra drama. The first time I made this, I got overexcited and threw in whole apple chunks – big mistake! Thin slices are the way to go.

Step 3: Chill & Serve

Pop that pitcher in the fridge and walk away for at least 2 hours. I know it’s tempting to sneak a taste early, but trust me – waiting lets all those gorgeous flavors really get to know each other. When it’s party time, serve over ice with a fresh apple slice or cinnamon stick garnish. Warning: it disappears fast, so maybe make two pitchers if you’ve got a crowd!

Tips for the Best Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

After making this sangria more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for perfection:

• Start chilled: Use refrigerated wine and cider – it helps the flavors blend faster
• Taste as you go: Add maple syrup gradually until it hits your sweet spot
• Fresh is best: Serve within 12 hours for optimal fruit texture
• Double the spices: If making ahead, remove cinnamon sticks after 4 hours to prevent bitterness

Bonus trick: Freeze some apple cider in ice cube trays to keep drinks cold without diluting the flavor!

Serving Suggestions for Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

This sangria deserves a proper stage! I love serving it in a clear glass pitcher so everyone can admire those gorgeous floating fruit slices and spices. Pair it with a rustic cheese board (sharp cheddar and brie are my favorites) or caramel-drizzled desserts for the ultimate fall spread. At my last gathering, I set out small cinnamon-sugar rimmed glasses – such an easy touch that makes people feel fancy! Just watch those glasses disappear faster than the autumn leaves.

Storing Your Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Here’s the deal – this sangria is best enjoyed the same day, but if you must store it, keep it refrigerated for no more than 24 hours. After that, the fruit gets mushy and the spices turn bitter. And whatever you do, don’t freeze it! The texture goes all wrong when thawed. Trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way after trying to “save” leftovers last Thanksgiving.

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria FAQs

Can I use white wine instead of red? Absolutely! A dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio works beautifully if you prefer lighter sangria. Just know you’ll lose some of that rich, cozy depth that makes the red wine version so perfect for fall.

How do I make this kid-friendly? Easy peasy – swap the wine and brandy for sparkling apple cider. The spices and fruit still give all that wonderful autumn flavor without the alcohol. My nieces go crazy for this “special apple juice” version!

What if I don’t have brandy? No sweat! Bourbon adds lovely caramel notes, or you can skip it entirely. The sangria will still taste delicious – just slightly less warming.

Can I prepare this ahead for a party? You bet! Mix everything (except ice) up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually improve with a little time to mingle. Just add fresh fruit slices right before serving for prettiest presentation.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re sipping on! These are rough estimates per serving (about 1 cup): 180 calories, 14g sugar. Exact numbers vary based on your specific brands of wine, cider, and maple syrup. But let’s be real – when something tastes this good, who’s counting?

Share Your Spiced Apple Cider Sangria Experience

Did you make this sangria? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a note below telling me about your gathering – and which lucky guests got to enjoy it. You can also find more delicious recipes on Pinterest!

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