Print

Cozy Spiked Apple Cider Sangria: The Best Easy Fall Drink

spiked apple cider sangria - featured image
Print Recipe

This Cozy Spiked Apple Cider Sangria is a warm, spiced fall drink that comes together in under 10 minutes. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings and is a crowd-pleaser with its balance of apple cider, brandy, and warm spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) apple cider
  • 1 cup (240 ml) brandy
  • ½ cup (120 ml) apple bourbon (optional)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) orange liqueur (Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 5–6 whole cloves
  • 2–3 star anise pods
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 large orange, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (60 grams) fresh cranberries (optional)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) ginger ale or sparkling water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit: Wash apples and orange thoroughly. Core apples and slice into thin rounds or half-moons. Slice orange into thin rounds. Rinse cranberries if using.
  2. Mix the Sweetener: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup with 2 tablespoons warm water. Stir until dissolved.
  3. Combine the Base: In a large pitcher, pour apple cider, brandy, apple bourbon (if using), and orange liqueur. Add dissolved sweetener and stir gently.
  4. Add the Spices: Drop in cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise pods. Stir gently.
  5. Add the Fruit: Gently add sliced apples, oranges, and cranberries to the pitcher.
  6. Chill: Cover pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Serve: Fill glasses with ice. Stir sangria, pour over ice, including some fruit. Top each glass with a splash of ginger ale or sparkling water. Garnish with cinnamon stick or apple slice if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, let sangria chill overnight. Adjust sweetness to taste. If serving at a party, let guests top off their own glasses with ginger ale to keep fizz fresh. For a warm version, combine all ingredients except ginger ale in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall drink, spiked cider, sangria recipe, easy fall cocktail, cozy drink, Thanksgiving drink

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/cozy-spiked-apple-cider-sangria-the-best-easy-fall-drink/