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Cozy Spiced Apple Cider Sangria with Cinnamon Sticks

spiced apple cider sangria - featured image
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This easy fall sangria combines dry white wine, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and fresh fruit for a cozy, crowd-pleasing drink that comes together in minutes. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or a quiet night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 2 cups (480 ml) unfiltered apple cider
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy or bourbon (optional)
  • 4–5 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey
  • 2–3 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • Fresh cranberries, for garnish
  • Sparkling water or ginger ale (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash and thinly slice the apple and orange. Remove any seeds from the apple slices. Keep the peel on both for color and balance.
  2. Combine the liquids: In a large pitcher, pour in the white wine, apple cider, and brandy or bourbon if using. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Add the sweetener: Drizzle in the maple syrup or honey. Stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
  4. Layer in the spices and fruit: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods (if using), and sliced apple and orange. Push them down gently to submerge.
  5. Chill and infuse: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4-6 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  6. Serve: Fill glasses with ice. Pour the sangria over the ice, including some fruit slices and a cinnamon stick in each glass. Top with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale if desired.
  7. Garnish and enjoy: Drop a few fresh cranberries on top and add an extra cinnamon stick for visual appeal. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Use a dry white wine to avoid cloying sweetness. Slice fruit thinly for better infusion. For a non-alcoholic version, omit wine and brandy, double the apple cider, and add sparkling water. The sangria keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; remove fruit slices after 2 days if storing longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall sangria, spiced sangria, cinnamon sangria, easy sangria recipe, fall drink, Thanksgiving drink, Friendsgiving drink

Find it online: https://cookdella.com/cozy-spiced-apple-cider-sangria-with-cinnamon-sticks-best-easy-fall-drink/