If you’re looking for a refreshing, seasonal drink that’s perfect for fall, this sparkling apple cider sangria is exactly what you need. It’s an autumn-inspired twist on traditional sangria, combining crisp apples, warming cinnamon, and a splash of sparkling white grape juice to create a bubbly, fruit-forward cocktail. This apple cider sangria recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it the perfect drink for any fall gathering or cozy evening by the fire.
This easy sparkling apple cider sangria recipe blends fresh apples with Calvados or apple brandy, apple cider, and dry white wine to create a light, crisp, and fruity drink. The result is a fall sangria recipe that’s both flavorful and festive, perfect for enjoying the season’s best flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday party, or just treating yourself to an autumn afternoon delight, this sangria is a go-to for fall cocktails.
As an autumn sangria that embraces the flavors of apple and cinnamon, it stands out as one of the best fall cocktails. Apples, cinnamon, and white wine come together to create a harmonious blend that can also be a refreshing apple cocktailfor any occasion and pairs wonderfully with a fall charcuterie board. It’s one of those apple recipes that captures the essence of the season in every sip.
Best Wine to Use for Making Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
When choosing the wine for your sparkling apple cider sangria, go for a dry, crisp white wine that won’t overpower the other ingredients. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are excellent choices because they have a clean, light profile with bright acidity that pairs beautifully with apples and cinnamon. These wines balance the sweetness of the apple cider and sparkling juice without making the drink too heavy.
Avoid oaky or overly sweet wines like Chardonnay, as they can mask the freshness of the apples. A light, crisp wine allows the fruit and spices to shine, creating a refreshing fall sangria recipe that’s perfect for autumn cocktails.
What are the Best Apples to Make Apple Sangria?
The apples you choose can have a significant impact on the flavor of your apple sangria. Using a combination of sweet and tart apples creates a balanced drink. For this sparkling apple cider sangria, we recommend using a red apple (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) for sweetness and a tart apple (like Granny Smith) to add a bright, crisp flavor.
- Red apples bring sweetness and a mild flavor to the sangria, complementing the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Granny Smith apples are tart and crisp, adding a refreshing sharpness that cuts through the sweetness of the sangria.
This combination creates a perfect blend of sweet and tart that enhances the flavor of the wine and the sparkling grape juice, making for a well-rounded autumn sangria.
Should I Make Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria the Night Before?
Making your sparkling apple cider sangria the night before is a great idea if you’re preparing for a party or gathering. The longer the sangria chills, the more time the flavors have to infuse, especially the apples and cinnamon. Prepare the sangria base and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight to fully develop the flavors.
However, wait to add the sparkling white grape juice until just before serving to keep the bubbles fresh. This way, your sangria will have the perfect balance of fizz and flavor when served.
Tips for Making the Best Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
- Chill Time is Key: For the best flavor, let the sangria chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the apples to infuse the wine with their flavors and the cinnamon to add warmth to the mix.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add more agave or even a bit of honey. On the other hand, if you like a drier cocktail, you can reduce the amount of agave or skip it entirely.
- Serve it Fresh: Once you’ve topped off the sangria with sparkling grape juice, it’s best to serve it immediately to preserve the fizz.
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup agave
- 1/4 cup Calvados or apple brandy
- 1 medium red apple (cored, skin on, chopped into small pieces)
- 1 medium granny smith apple(cored, skin on, chopped into small pieces)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 750-ml bottle dry, crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well)
- Sparkling white grape juice
- FOR SERVING
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
Combine sugar, Calvados, apples in a large pitcher.
Cover with 1 bottle of Sauvignon Blanc wine or other white wine of preference. Chill sangria several hours.
To serve, spoon fruits into glasses or goblets, pour sangria over top of the fruit.
Top glasses of sangria off with a splash of sparkling apple juice.
Garnish with cinnamon sticks and mint leaves.
Notes
Alcohol: 10-12% ABV (depending on wine and brandy used)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190Carbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 16g
Variations of Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
For a family-friendly or alcohol-free version of sparkling apple cider sangria, simply replace the white wine and brandy with non-alcoholic alternatives. Substitute the wine with sparkling white grape juice or a non-alcoholic white wine, and swap the apple brandy for extra apple cider or juice. The result is a refreshing and flavorful fall sangria that’s perfect for guests of all ages, offering the same autumn-inspired flavors without the alcohol. Garnish with apples and cinnamon sticks for the same festive touch!
Sparkling Apple Pear Sangria
Add a pear to the mix for a delicious fall flavor combination. Swap one of the apples for a pear (or add a pear in addition to the apples) for a fruitier take on the classic apple cocktail.
This sparkling apple cider sangria is a festive and refreshing take on traditional sangria, blending fresh apples, cinnamon, and white wine for a perfectly seasonal drink. Ideal for gatherings or simply enjoying the flavors of fall, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Pair this sangria with some of your favorite apple recipes or serve it alongside autumn cocktails at your next party for a true seasonal experience!
Other Great Fall Cocktails and Recipes
Pumpkin Spice Mulled Wine
This pumpkin spice mulled wine combines the warmth of white wine with the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin purée, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s the perfect autumn drink for cozy gatherings or festive holiday parties, offering a delightful blend of spice and sweetness.
Cherry Mulled Wine
The cherry mulled wine blends the boldness of red wine with the fruity sweetness of cherries, accented by warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Ideal for winter nights and holiday celebrations, this easy recipe is both flavorful and inviting.
Pear Hard Cider
This pear hard cider recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with a subtle hint of spice, fermented to create a crisp and refreshing fall drink. Perfect for casual sipping or serving at Thanksgiving gatherings, it’s a versatile and delightful autumn beverage.
Apple Cider Mojito
These apple cider mojitos are the perfect fall cocktail to transition from summer to fall. The classic mojito gets an autumn makeover with the addition of apple cider and fresh apples.
Easy Pumpkin Sangria Recipe
Craving a simple, tasty fall sangria recipe with white wine? Look no further, because this pumpkin sangria has got you covered! This delicious fall cocktail wraps up all the cozy feels of fall into a single, refreshing glass. It takes white wine sangria, a traditional favorite, and jazzes it up with classic fall flavors like spiced rum, pumpkin pie syrup, pumpkin puree and cinnamon.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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