This Apple Cider Sangria is the perfect make-ahead cocktail to serve at a fall gathering. It’s easy, festive and absolutely delicious!
Sangria Recipe for Fall
Sangria isn’t just for warm-weather parties. This Apple Cider Sangria brings crisp apple, bright orange and warming cinnamon together with red wine for a cocktail that feels perfectly seasonal. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing drink to serve at Thanksgiving, football gatherings, or for a cozy evening by the fire. Make it ahead for the best flavor and a relaxed hosting experience.
Refreshing and Satisfying
The blend of apple cider, orange liqueur, orange juice and red wine is light, refreshing and deeply satisfying. A cinnamon-sugar rim paired with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick garnish gives each glass an inviting aroma and seasonal flair. Every sip delivers a comforting taste of fall.
Make it in Advance
This sangria improves as it chills. Prepare it a few hours ahead — or the day before — to let the fruit and spices infuse the liquid. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve; add ice to the pitcher just before pouring so the drink stays perfectly chilled without becoming watered down.
Apple Cider Sangria Ingredients and Supplies
(See the recipe card below for measurements and details.)
Ingredients:
- Honeycrisp apple
- Fresh orange
- Apple cider
- Orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)
- Orange juice
- Red wine (pinot noir)
- Granulated sugar (optional for rimming)
- Ground cinnamon (optional for rimming)
- Cinnamon sticks (optional for garnish)
Supplies:
- Large glass pitcher or pitcher with a lid
- Ice
How to Make Apple Cider Sangria
- Place thin slices of apple and orange in the bottom of a large pitcher.
- Add the apple cider, orange liqueur, orange juice and a bottle of red wine. Gently stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. For best results, chill longer. Add ice to the pitcher just before serving.
- For a cinnamon-sugar rim, whisk 1 tablespoon granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Rub a slice of orange around the rim of each glass, then dip and twist the rim in the cinnamon-sugar to coat evenly.
- Fill glasses with ice, pour the sangria over the ice, and garnish each glass with apple slices and a cinnamon stick if desired. Cheers!
- Garnish with a few apple slices and a cinnamon stick, if desired. Enjoy responsibly.
How to Store Apple Cider Sangria
Keep leftover sangria in an airtight container or sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving and add fresh ice as needed.
My Favorite Cocktail Recipes
A collection of cocktail recipes can help you round out your menu. From classic margaritas to inventive seasonal sips, having a few go-to drinks makes entertaining easier and more fun.
If you make this Apple Cider Sangria, feel free to take a photo and share it with friends and family. I love seeing how people put their own spin on recipes—simple garnishes or different wine choices can create a new experience each time. Enjoy!
xoxo,
In the Media
This Apple Cider Sangria has been featured in seasonal editorial pieces alongside complementary fall recipes such as salads and comforting mains. It pairs particularly well with menus designed for casual gatherings and holiday entertaining.
Apple Cider Sangria
5 from 1 review
- Author: Maegan Brown – The BakerMama
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Cocktails
Description
This Apple Cider Sangria is the perfect make-ahead cocktail to serve at a fall gathering. It’s easy, festive and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
Sangria Ingredients:
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1 large orange, thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine (pinot noir)
Garnishing Ingredients (optional):
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Place the sliced apple and orange in the bottom of a large pitcher. Add the apple cider, orange liqueur, orange juice and bottle of red wine. Gently stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld. Add ice to the pitcher before serving.
- To create a cinnamon-sugar rim, whisk together 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Rub an orange slice around each glass rim, then dip and twist the rim in the cinnamon-sugar to coat evenly.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over the ice. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick if desired. Enjoy responsibly.