Apple Cider Sangria with Fresh Fall Fruits is a refreshing and fruity drink that captures the flavors of the season. It’s made with crisp apple cider, a splash of white wine, and a colorful mix of fresh apples, pears, and citrus slices. The fresh fall fruits add a juicy sweetness and a lovely crunch that make this sangria fun to sip.
I really enjoy making this sangria for gatherings because it’s so simple to prepare but always impresses everyone. I like to let it chill in the fridge for a few hours so all the flavors have time to blend together, and the cold drink feels perfect on a crisp fall day. Plus, the bright fruit floating in the glass makes it look just as good as it tastes.
When I serve this Apple Cider Sangria, I like to pair it with cozy snacks like soft cheese or warm pumpkin bread. It’s such a cheerful drink that brings a bit of extra joy to any fall get-together. Whether you’re sipping it on a weekend afternoon or sharing it at a holiday party, it’s a tasty way to celebrate the season.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This is the star of the sangria, giving it that fresh fall flavor. Use fresh, unsweetened apple cider for the best taste. If you can’t find it, replace with apple juice but watch the sweetness.
White Wine: I like using a dry white wine like Riesling or Pinot Grigio to balance the sweetness of the fruit. If you prefer, a sparkling wine or even rosé can work well too.
Fresh Fruits: Apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, and mandarins bring crisp, sweet, and tart notes. Pick firm, ripe fruits for a nice texture. You can swap in seasonal fruits like persimmon or grapes if you want.
Cinnamon Sticks: They add a warm, cozy spice. If you don’t have sticks, a pinch of cinnamon powder can work but add it sparingly to avoid overpowering the drink.
How Can You Best Infuse the Flavors in Apple Cider Sangria?
Allow the sangria to rest in the fridge before serving. This is key to blending the flavors.
- Combine wine, apple cider, cinnamon, and fruit in a large pitcher.
- Chill for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. This lets the fruit soak up the liquid and the spices meld in smoothly.
- Just before serving, add sparkling water for a fresh fizz.
- Stir gently to keep fruit pieces intact and distribute the flavors well.
- Serve over plenty of ice to keep the sangria cool and refreshing.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing and chilling the sangria with all the fruits and liquids.
- Sharp knife – makes cutting apples, pears, and other fruits quick and safe.
- Cutting board – keeps your workspace clean while chopping fruit.
- Wooden spoon or long stirrer – helps gently mix the sangria without bruising the fruit.
- Measuring cups – handy for getting the right amounts of apple cider and wine.
- Glasses or stemless wine glasses – ideal for serving the chilled sangria with fruit pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap white wine for sparkling rosé – adds a pretty pink hue and a hint of berry flavor.
- Add sliced ginger or a splash of ginger beer – gives a zesty, spicy kick that pairs well with apples.
- Include fresh cranberries or pomegranate arils – these add a tart pop of color and tartness.
- Try a splash of cinnamon whiskey instead of cinnamon sticks – brings extra warmth and strength.
How to Make Apple Cider Sangria with Fresh Fall Fruits
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine (such as a dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
- 1 large green apple, cored and diced
- 1 large red apple, cored and diced
- 1 medium pear, cored and diced
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup peeled and segmented mandarin oranges (or clementines)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep plus at least 2 hours of chilling time to let the flavors blend nicely. For best taste, let it chill 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, it only takes a few minutes to add the sparkling water and garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large pitcher, pour in the apple cider and white wine. Add the cinnamon sticks to bring a warm spice flavor to the mix.
2. Add the Fresh Fruits:
Chop the green and red apples and pear into bite-size pieces. Add them to the pitcher along with the pomegranate seeds and mandarin orange segments. Stir everything gently so the fruit spreads through the drink but stays in good shape.
3. Chill the Sangria:
Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap, then pop it into the fridge. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, but 4 hours or overnight is even better. This resting time helps all the flavors mix together and the fruit soak up some of the cider and wine.
4. Add Bubbles and Serve:
Right before serving, add sparkling water or club soda to the pitcher to give your sangria a lovely fizz. Stir gently once more. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the sangria over the ice, and make sure each glass gets some of the fresh fruit.
5. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, add a sprig of fresh thyme and a cinnamon stick to each glass for a beautiful presentation and extra aroma. Serve chilled and enjoy a cozy, festive drink perfect for fall gatherings!
Can I Use Frozen Fruit Instead of Fresh?
While fresh fruit is best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen fruit if needed. Just thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding to avoid watering down the sangria.
Can I Make Apple Cider Sangria Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prep the sangria and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving. Add the sparkling water and ice right before serving to keep it fizzy and refreshing.
What’s a Good Non-Alcoholic Substitute?
Use extra apple cider and sparkling water or club soda in place of wine for a delicious mocktail version that’s perfect for all ages.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover sangria in a sealed pitcher or container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving again, and add fresh sparkling water and ice to refresh it if the fizz has faded.
