Fall is the perfect time to get together with friends and family. Once Fall comes everyones schedules seem to slow down a bit and it’s a great time to appreciate all that we have with those that we love. Maybe you’re having everyone over for Thanksgiving or just the gang coming over for football. I’ve got the perfect pitcher drink for you! Apple Cider Sangria!!!

Sangria is great all year round but this sangria is the epitome of Autumn all wrapped up into one perfect pitcher.

Did you go apple picking? If so slice up those apples along with citrus fruits. I used oranges, lemons and limes along with some frozen cranberries to give it color and seasonal appeal.

So let’s create an irresistible Sangria together!

The Heart of the Sangria: Apple Cider

If your’e lucky enough to be by a farmers market or a pumpkin patch stop in to get some fresh apple cider.

This is one of my favorite things about Fall. I love apple cider in so many different ways.

You can serve it hot or cold or even cook with it in recipes. It’s here for such a short time so go get a gallon and make this Sangria!

The Cider is what makes this soooo irresistible and the perfect Big Batch cocktail for your next party.

I use chilled Pinot Grigio because it is not too sweet and is perfect paired with the cider.

By adding a little brandy it gives your sangria that extra pop but I use Peach instead of apple. Peach brandy has a nice flavor that compliments the wine and cider.

Feel free to get Apple Brandy instead if you really want to emphasize the apple flavor.

Mixing the Magic: Crafting Your Apple Cider Sangria

Gather Your Tools: To embark on this fall-flavored adventure, you’ll need a pitcher or a container with a spout. This will be your Sangria vessel of choice.
Ingredients at a Glance:
- 1 bottle of chilled Pinot Grigio
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 1/2 cup of peach brandy (or apple brandy)
- 1 bottle of plain seltzer
- Assorted sliced fruit (green and red apples, oranges, lemons, limes)
- 1 cup of frozen cranberries
Slicing and Dicing: Thinly slice all your fruit, preparing a symphony of flavors that will infuse into your Sangria.
Building the Base:
- Pour the chilled Pinot Grigio into your chosen pitcher.
- Follow it up with the fragrant apple cider.
- Gently add the unique touch of peach brandy, or apple brandy if you prefer.
Fruit Fusion: Introduce the sliced fruits and give everything a gentle stir, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance.
Chill Out: Place your Sangria masterpiece in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, or for the best results, let it marinate overnight. This gives time for the flavors to fully develop and create that signature autumnal essence.
Serving the Elixir:
- When you’re ready to serve, fetch those large wine glasses and fill them with ice.
- Pour your well-chilled Sangria, ensuring you fill the glasses about 3/4 of the way to leave room for a touch of effervescence.
Bubbly Finale:
- Top off each glass with plain seltzer, adding a light and refreshing fizz.
- For a final flourish, garnish with a selection of the beautifully soaked fruit from your pitcher.

Tips

If you’re not going to serve this right away you can hold off on the cranberries till your ready to serve so they stay frozen.
Use a cute pitcher to make your sangria look oh so appealing. You want everyone to be excited to see what you have made!
I like to serve this in big wine glasses with ice.
Serve this with some yummy snacks like chips and dip or something more substantial like a quesadilla platter. It’s sure to please all your guests!

Big Batches

big pitcher of apple cider sangria next to empty wine glass

This is perfect for Thanksgiving as you can make it all the night before and just put it out for people to help themselves. Gives you more time to focus on that fabulous bird your making.

Or maybe it just Sunday Funday in your house or you’re throwing a football party this is the way to go in order to make your life as easy as possible. After all that’s what I’m all about.

For my next football party I’m serving a couple beer choices and this Sangria. All you need to do is put out some glasses, put the beer on ice and put your feet up and watch the game! Make one or two of my easy peasy appetizers and you are good to go!!!!

Variations & Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of Pinot Grigio or just want to change things up, here are some great alternatives to try:

White Zinfandel
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc
Moscato
Spanish Cava or a Prosecco

The brandy is just as interchangeable. If you don’t have peach brandy, try:

Apple Brandy
Cherry Brandy
Apricot Brandy

apple cider sangria garnished with orange, apples, cranberries

Enjoy!

So gather your pitcher, favorite wine glasses, apple cider, and a few of your favorite fruits and enjoy!

I hope that you love this Apple Cider Sangria as much as I do and use it for all your Fall entertaining. If you have a chance tag me on Instagram and show me how you made yours! I’d love to see it!!