This spiced apple cider sangria is a pitcher full of fall flavor, perfect for sharing all season long! It’s made with a simple spiced apple cider reduction, white wine, brandy and lots of fresh apple slices.

pitcher of sangria with sangria in glasses

The base for this fall sangria is fresh apple cider simmered with spices, citrus and dark brown sugar until it’s a little syrupy and full of flavor. (As an added bonus, your house will smell amazing.) This is what sets this apple cider sangria recipe apart from others!

Combine that with a bottle of dry white wine, brandy, apple slices and orange slices, and let it all chill in the fridge for a few hours so the flavors have a chance to mix and mingle. Then serve and enjoy! This spiced apple cider sangria is a fantastic adult cocktail for fall gatherings, parties, and even holidays like Thanksgiving.

glass of apple cider sangria with apple slices and cinnamon stick

Table of Contents

making spiced apple cider reduction for sangria

Ingredients you’ll need

  • Apple cider: It should be unsweetened and unfiltered. Use the highest quality you can find for the freshest apple flavor. Visit your local orchard or fruit stand!
  • Dry white wine: Such as chardonnay, pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc.
  • Brandy 
  • Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and flavor.
  • Orange and lemon slices
  • Whole cinnamon sticks and whole cloves: Adds spiced flavor while still leaving the drink smooth (I don’t recommend using ground spices).
  • Fresh apples
pouring wine into sangria pitcher

How to make this spiced apple cider sangria

  1. Prepare apple cider reduction. Add apple cider, brown sugar, orange and lemon slices and spices to a pot and simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly reduced.
  2. Combine everything in a pitcher. Add strained apple cider reduction, white wine, brandy, and apple slices.
  3. Chill. This is a drink that definitely benefits from sitting a while to let all the flavors mix and mingle, so don’t try to rush it. Let it chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
  4. Serve. And enjoy!

Serving suggestions

When you’re ready to serve this fall apple sangria, you have a few options. Pour over ice and serve as-is, or top with ginger ale or club soda. For extra fall flair, add a rim of cinnamon-sugar to the glasses and make sure each serving has apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

sangria assembled in pitcher with apple slices

Tips & FAQs

Can I make this sangria in advance?

Sangria is a great make-ahead drink since it requires chilling. You can make it up to 24 hours before serving, however I wouldn’t add any fruit or spices to the pitcher more than 2 hours before serving (you can also add right before serving).

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Simply speaking, apple juice is apple cider that’s been filtered and pasteurized. It’s flavor isn’t as strong or fresh, but you can use it in a pinch. “Simply Apple” juice is widely available in stores and a great option.

Can I omit the brandy? Or use something else?

Brandy provides complexity of flavor, a touch of sweetness, and extra booziness to turn this sangria into a true cocktail. If desired, you can substitute with other spirits like rum or vodka, or a fruit-based liqueur such as Cointreau, apple brandy or pear brandy.

Can I make this into a family-friendly, non-alcoholic drink?

This recipe is obviously for a boozy adult cocktail, but if you want to use the same idea without the alcohol, omit white wine and brandy. Instead, try 2 cups white grape juice and 2 cups club soda. (This has not been tested by me, but it’s what I would try! If you try it, please let us all know.)

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pitcher of sangria with sangria in glasses
4.50 from 2 reviews

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
A simple and delicious sangria full of fall flavor. With spiced apple cider reduction, white wine, brandy and lots of fresh apples.
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Ingredients
 

Spiced apple cider syrup:

  • 2 ½ cups (590 ml) apple cider or juice (590 ml), see Note
  • ½ cup (56 grams) light or dark brown sugar (56 grams)
  • 2 oranges , sliced and divided
  • 1 lemon , sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 whole cloves
  • 750 ml bottle dry white wine , such as chardonnay, pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
  • 1 cup (237 ml) cognac or brandy (237 ml)
  • 2 apples , sliced

Optional serving suggestions:

  • Cinnamon stick , for garnish in pitcher or individual glasses
  • Cinnamon-sugar , to rim glasses
  • Ginger ale or club soda , to top individual servings

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider or juice with the brown sugar, half of the orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Set over medium high heat and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly reduced.
  • Let the reduction cool to room temperature, then strain out the citrus slices and whole spices.
  • In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, cognac or brandy, spiced apple cider, apple slices, and remaining orange slices. Chill 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Serve as desired, adding optional garnishes or topping servings with ginger ale or club soda, if you want.

Video

Notes

  • Use apple juice/cider that is unsweetened, unfiltered and non-alcoholic. It is perishable and will be stored in the refrigerator section of your grocery store. Visit your local orchard or fruit stand if possible! If you want to substitute with apple juice, “Simply Apple” is a brand that is widely available and will work just fine.
  • How to make this farther ahead: You can make it up to 24 hours before serving, however I wouldn’t add any fruit or other garnishes to the pitcher more than 2 hours before serving (you can also add right before serving).
Calories: 370kcal, Carbohydrates: 49g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 17mg, Potassium: 381mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 39g, Vitamin A: 131IU, Vitamin C: 36mg, Calcium: 72mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Drinks
Author: Annalise Sandberg
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This recipe was originally published October 2014.