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Cozy Apple Cider Sangria: Easy Fall Party Punch

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This cozy apple cider sangria for fall gatherings is the perfect balance of crisp apple cider, warm spices, and a hint of citrus. It’s simple enough to throw together on a Tuesday but impressive enough to serve at a holiday party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) apple cider, unfiltered and pasteurized
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
  • 1/2 cup apple brandy or Calvados
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste
  • 2–3 cinnamon sticks
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • 1–2 star anise pods (optional)
  • 2–3 fresh apples, sliced (mix of tart and sweet, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • Sparkling water or ginger ale, to top off

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash and slice the apples into thin rounds or half-moons (about 1/4-inch thick). Slice the orange and lemon into thin rounds. Remove any seeds. (Pro tip: If making a day ahead, toss apple slices in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.)
  2. Combine the liquids: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in the entire bottle of dry white wine, the apple cider, and the apple brandy. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to combine.
  3. Add the sweetener and spices: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (start with less—you can always add more later). Drop in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise pods. Stir again to dissolve the maple syrup.
  4. Add the fruit: Gently add the apple slices, orange rounds, and lemon rounds to the pitcher. Use the wooden spoon to push them down so they’re fully submerged in the liquid.
  5. Refrigerate: Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, and the fruit softens just enough.
  6. Serve: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice (if desired). Pour the sangria into each glass, making sure to include some of the fruit. Top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale for fizz. Give it a gentle stir.
  7. Garnish (optional): Add a fresh cinnamon stick or a thin apple slice to each glass for presentation.

Notes

For best results, use chilled wine and cider to avoid diluting with ice. The sangria is at its peak between 12 and 24 hours after making. If making more than 24 hours in advance, strain out the spices to prevent them from becoming overpowering. The sangria keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days in a covered pitcher.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall sangria, fall party punch, apple cider drink, easy sangria recipe, autumn cocktail, Thanksgiving punch, Friendsgiving drink

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/cozy-apple-cider-sangria-easy-fall-party-punch/