5-Star Apple Cider Sangria Recipe for Holiday Magic

There’s something magical about a pitcher of sangria at a holiday gathering – the way it brings people together, the clink of glasses, the laughter that seems to flow as freely as the drinks. But my absolute favorite? This Apple Cider Sangria, which became an instant hit at our last Friendsgiving when I needed a drink that could serve a crowd without keeping me chained to the bar all night. I’ll never forget how my cousin Mark – who usually sticks to beer – kept coming back for “just one more splash” until half the pitcher was gone!

SAVE IT

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly festive it is. The apple cider gives it that cozy fall flavor we all crave, while the fresh fruit makes it feel special enough for holidays. And here’s the real secret: it actually gets better as it sits! Mix it up in the morning (or even the night before), tuck it in the fridge, and you’ve got one less thing to worry about when guests arrive. Want to make it sparkle? Just add some bubbly water right before serving – instant party in a glass.

Trust me, once you see how easy it is to make this showstopper, you’ll be pouring it at every autumn celebration. It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary get-togethers into memory-making moments, with barely any effort on your part. Now that’s my kind of holiday hosting!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Sangria

Oh, where do I even start with why this sangria is my go-to for every fall gathering? Let me count the ways:

• Crowd-pleasing magic: It’s the first drink that always disappears at my parties – even my wine-snob aunt approves!
• Make-ahead lifesaver: Mix it up to 24 hours before serving (the flavors get better as they mingle). One less thing to do when guests arrive!
• Two drinks in one: Want sparkling? Add bubbly water right before serving. Prefer still? Perfect as-is. Your call!
• Holiday in a glass: Between the cinnamon stick aroma and jewel-toned pomegranate seeds, it just feels festive.
• No last-minute stress: Unlike complicated cocktails, this beauty just needs a quick stir before pouring – more time for you to enjoy the party!

Seriously, this recipe turned me from “nervous host” to “cocktail hero” at last year’s Thanksgiving. The handwritten recipe card from my cousin says “Carla’s Famous Sangria” – and I’m not arguing!

SAVE IT

Apple Cider Sangria Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this festive drink – simple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. I’ve included my favorite brands and substitutions too, because let’s be real, we don’t always have every ingredient on hand!

• 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine: I love using Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – they’re crisp enough to balance the cider’s sweetness. Really, any not-too-sweet white works great!
• 2 cups fresh apple cider: The unfiltered kind – it’s got that lovely cloudy look and deep apple flavor. If you’re using store-bought, skip the spiced versions (we’re adding our own cinnamon).
• 1/2 cup apple brandy: This adds such cozy depth! But no worries if you don’t have any – regular brandy works, or just add an extra 1/2 cup of cider instead.
• 1 medium apple: Thinly sliced (I prefer Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for tartness). Leave those pretty peels on for color!
• 1 small orange: Sliced thin, rind and all. The citrus aroma is heavenly.
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds: They look like little rubies in your glass! Frozen work fine too.
• 1 cinnamon stick: For that cozy spice aroma – don’t sub ground cinnamon, it gets chalky.
• 1 cup sparkling water (optional): I use plain, but ginger ale makes a fun sweet twist if you’re feeling fancy!

See? Nothing too crazy – just good stuff that tastes like fall in a pitcher. The best part? Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy autumn finds.

How to Make Apple Cider Sangria

Alright, let’s get mixing! This sangria comes together in about 10 minutes of active time – and most of that is just slicing fruit. I always make this in my trusty 2-quart pitcher (the one with the cute little fruit designs), but any large jug or even a big mixing bowl will work if you’re transferring to glasses later.

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

First things first – grab that bottle of white wine and pour the whole thing into your pitcher. No need to be precious about it! Then add the apple cider and brandy (if using). Give it a gentle stir with a long spoon – just enough to mix everything without splashing. I like to taste it at this point to see if I want to adjust anything – sometimes I’ll add an extra splash of cider if the wine is particularly dry.

Step 2: Add the Fruit and Spices

Now for the pretty part! Wash your apple and orange thoroughly (since we’re keeping the peels on), then slice them thin – about 1/4-inch pieces work great. Toss them right into the pitcher along with those gorgeous pomegranate seeds. The cinnamon stick goes in last – I usually give it a little snap between my hands first to release more aroma. Give everything one more gentle stir, then walk away – the magic starts happening as the fruit infuses the liquid!

SAVE IT

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Pop your pitcher in the fridge for at least 2 hours – I’ve found overnight is even better if you can wait! When you’re ready to serve, give it one more gentle stir and add the sparkling water if you want some fizz (this is when my kids shout “volcano time!” as the bubbles rise). Pour over ice in glasses, making sure everyone gets some of those boozy, flavorful fruit slices. That’s it – you’re officially the host with the most!

Pro tip: Keep extra sliced fruit aside for garnishes – not only does it look pretty, but guests can snack on it too. And don’t toss those sangria-soaked fruits afterward – they make incredible toppings for yogurt or ice cream the next day!

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Sangria

After making this sangria more times than I can count (okay, fine – my friends keep requesting it!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make it absolutely perfect every time. First up: slice your fruit thin – those thin apple and orange slices let more flavor escape into the drink. And don’t skip the pomegranate seeds – they add this gorgeous burst of color AND a lovely little crunch with each sip!

Want to tweak the sweetness? Taste your cider first – some are sweeter than others. If yours is super sweet, you might want a drier wine to balance it. Feeling fancy? Swap half the cider for cold-pressed apple juice – it gives an extra clean, bright flavor. My favorite party hack? Mix up a double batch the night before – just keep the extra pitcher in the fridge. That way when the first one (inevitably) disappears too fast, you’re ready with a refill without missing a beat in the conversation!

SAVE IT

One last thing: if you’re adding the sparkling water, do it right before serving so the bubbles stay crisp. And don’t stir too vigorously – you want those bubbles to last all the way to the bottom of the glass. Trust me, this attention to little details is what takes it from “good” to “please-can-I-get-your-recipe” amazing!

Apple Cider Sangria Variations

One of my favorite things about this sangria is how easily you can mix it up to suit any taste or occasion! For a non-alcoholic version that everyone can enjoy, just swap the wine and brandy for more apple cider and some tart cherry or cranberry juice – the spices and fruit still make it feel special. Last Thanksgiving, my niece declared this “the fanciest juice box ever!”

Feeling adventurous? Try adding sliced pears instead of apples for a softer sweetness, or toss in some fresh cranberries for a tart pop (they float like little holiday decorations). A pinch of star anise gives it an extra festive flair – just remember to fish it out after a few hours so it doesn’t overpower. My latest obsession? A tiny drizzle of maple syrup stirred in before serving – it adds the coziest autumn warmth. The possibilities are endless!

Really, the only rule is to have fun with it. As my grandma used to say, “A good sangria is like a good party – the more you put into it, the better it gets!”

Serving and Storage Tips

Here’s how to make your Apple Cider Sangria shine from first pour to last sip! Serve it well-chilled – I like to put my glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before the party for extra frosty vibes. Those wide-rimmed wine glasses or mason jars work beautifully, letting everyone admire the pretty fruit slices.

A little tip I learned the hard way? Never add ice directly to the pitcher – it waters down all those lovely flavors you’ve worked to develop. Instead, let guests add ice to their individual glasses if they prefer. Leftovers keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 2 days in a tightly sealed container (though good luck having any left!). The fruit gets boozier and more delicious by day two!

Apple Cider Sangria FAQs

Nutrition Information

Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates since ingredients and brands affect the final count. For one generous cup of this Apple Cider Sangria, you’re looking at about 180 calories, 15g sugar, and 20g carbs. Most comes from the natural fruit sugars in the cider and wine. Remember, sipping slowly lets you savor those cozy fall flavors even longer!

Apple Cider Sangria

SAVE IT

Print Recipe

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A festive fall cocktail with apple cider, wine, and fresh fruit, perfect for holiday parties.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bottle dry white wine
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 cup apple brandy
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup sparkling water (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Combine wine, apple cider, and apple brandy in a pitcher.
2. Add sliced apple, orange, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon stick.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors blend.
4. Add sparkling water before serving if desired.
5. Serve chilled over ice.

Notes

• For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine and brandy with more apple cider and sparkling water.
• Make ahead for easier serving at parties.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15
• Sodium: 10
• Fat: 0
• Saturated Fat: 0
• Unsaturated Fat: 0
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 20
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 1
• Cholesterol: 0