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Perfect Spiced Apple Cider Sangria for a Crowd

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This make-ahead sangria combines dry white wine, fresh apple cider, and warm spices for a perfectly balanced fall drink that’s not too sweet. It’s the ideal crowd-pleasing cocktail for any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 3 cups (710 ml) fresh apple cider
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple brandy (Calvados or any apple brandy)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 1 small piece fresh ginger (about 1-inch, peeled and sliced into thin coins)
  • 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji, sliced)
  • 1 medium pear (Bosc or Bartlett, sliced)
  • 1 medium orange (cut into thin rounds, then quartered)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) sparkling water or ginger beer (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Warm the cider and spices: Pour 3 cups apple cider into a small saucepan. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise pods, and sliced ginger. Warm over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
  2. Add the maple syrup: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup maple syrup until dissolved. Let cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Prepare the fruit: While cider mixture cools, wash and slice apple, pear, and orange into thin slices or small cubes. Leave the peel on all fruit.
  4. Combine everything in the pitcher: Pour white wine into a large pitcher. Add apple brandy, cooled cider mixture (with spices), and sliced fruit. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  5. Chill for at least 4 hours: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Remove ginger slices after 24 hours if making ahead.
  6. Serve and top with bubbles: Fill each glass 3/4 full with sangria mixture. Add a few pieces of fruit to each glass. Top with about 1/4 cup sparkling water or ginger beer. Stir gently.
  7. Garnish (optional): Add a fresh cinnamon stick or thin apple slice to each glass for presentation.

Notes

Don’t skip warming the cider with spices—it’s essential for flavor. Use a dry white wine to balance sweetness. Slice fruit thin for better infusion. Make the night before for best results. Keep sparkling water separate and add per glass to maintain fizz. Remove ginger slices after 24 hours to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall cocktail, spiced sangria, party punch, apple cider drink, white wine sangria, make-ahead cocktail

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/perfect-spiced-apple-cider-sangria-for-a-crowd/