Print

Bubbly Spiced Apple Cider Sangria: Best Easy Fall Drink

spiced apple cider sangria - featured image
Print Recipe

This bubbly spiced apple cider sangria is the perfect fall drink, combining dry red wine, spiced apple cider, and a hint of rum with fresh fruit and warm spices. It’s quick to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for autumn gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (e.g., Pinot Noir or Merlot)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) spiced rum
  • 2 cups (480 ml) sparkling water (plain or lemon-flavored)
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prep the Fruit: Wash the apples and orange. Slice the apples into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Slice the orange into rounds, then cut each round in half. Remove any seeds. Place all the fruit in a large pitcher.
  2. Add the Spices: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, whole cloves, and thin slices of fresh ginger.
  3. Mix the Liquids: Pour the apple cider, dry red wine, and spiced rum into the pitcher. If using honey or maple syrup, add it now. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the honey dissolves. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  4. Chill: Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Add the Bubbles: Just before serving, remove the pitcher from the fridge. Give it a gentle stir, then pour in the sparkling water. Stir slowly to preserve the fizz.
  6. Serve: Fill each glass about 3/4 full with the sangria, making sure to include some fruit and a cinnamon stick. Garnish with fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, chill the sangria overnight. Add sparkling water just before serving to keep it fizzy. If the sangria tastes too sweet, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. If not sweet enough, stir in another tablespoon of honey. The fruit is edible after soaking and becomes a boozy compote.

Nutrition

Keywords: sangria, apple cider, fall drink, spiced, easy, party drink, red wine sangria

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/bubbly-spiced-apple-cider-sangria-best-easy-fall-drink/