This Fall Sangria is made with white wine, cinnamon, apple cider, brandy, and oranges. It is an easy and festive make-ahead batch cocktail for autumn or Thanksgiving.
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Key Ingredients
- Orange and apple slices: I thinly sliced oranges, and cut the apples into wedges. You can use your favorite apple variety, but I think red apples look beautiful for a fall sangria!
- Brown sugar: the sugar will be used when muddling the fruit. I love using brown sugar for this recipe, but white sugar will work as a substitute.
- White wine: A crisp white wine works best. I like using a sauvignon blanc but a pinot grigio or grenache blanc would also work great. It doesn't need to be a super fancy bottle, but make sure it is a wine that you enjoy on its own since its flavors will come through.
- Apple cider: During the autumn, most grocery stores will carry apple cider. The spices in apple cider make this drink a fall classic. Using normal apple juice will not add the same spiced flavor.
- Lemon juice: The tartness of the lemon juice balances out the sweetness of the apple cider.
- Brandy: While this isn't a traditional sangria recipe that you'll find in Spain, brandy is traditional in sangria and if you are able to find a Spanish brandy, even better!
- Cinnamon sticks: I like using 3 whole cinnamon sticks in this sangria recipe. When you pour the drinks, they also make for beautiful garnishes in the glass.
How to make fall sangria
- Muddle the sliced fruit and sugar with the back of a spoon or muddler in a large pitcher.
- Stir in the rest of the ingredients before covering and refrigerating for 12-24 hours.
- To serve, add ice to glasses (preferably large wine glasses) and pour the sangria. I like to make sure each glass also includes apples and an orange slice.
Storage tips
To store sangria, cover it well and keep it in the refrigerator. Sangria is best enjoyed 12-24 hours after you've made it. That said, it can last up to 3-5 days covered in the refrigerator. Discard any leftover sangria if it is cloudy, sour, or rancid.
Serving suggestions
This festive fall sangria would be delicious served with a seasonal dinner party menu, such as:
- Pecan Cheese Log for an appetizer
- Short Rib Ragu for the main
- Classic Caesar Salad for a side
- Cast Iron Apple Crisp for dessert
More sangria variations you'll love
Let me know in the comments if you give this fall sangria a try! I hope you love it! Cheers!
📖 Recipe
Fall Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 apple sliced into wedges
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 750 ml bottle of white wine such as sauvignon blanc
- ½ cup apple cider
- 1 lemon juiced
- ¼ cup brandy
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, add orange and apple slices. Add the brown sugar and muddle fruit slightly with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon.
- Add white wine, apple cider, lemon juice, brandy, and cinnamon sticks and stir well. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate at least 1 hour, ideally overnight. When ready to serve, stir well again and pour over ice.
Kim
I used bourbon instead of brandy. Delicious!
Caitlin from CC's Table
That is a great idea! I'm thrilled to hear you liked it! 🙂