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Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Sangria: Easy Fall Recipe

cozy caramel apple cider sangria - featured image

This cozy caramel apple cider sangria is a quick and easy fall drink that tastes like autumn in a glass. Made with simple ingredients like apple cider, white wine, and caramel sauce, it’s perfect for gatherings and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/4 cup bourbon or whiskey (optional)
  • 1/4 cup apple brandy (optional)
  • 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 pear (Bartlett or Bosc), cored and sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3–4 whole cloves (optional)
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
  • Extra caramel drizzle for garnish (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for rim (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and core the apples and pear, then slice them into thin rounds. Slice the orange into thin rounds as well. If using cloves, stick them into the orange slices for easy removal.
  2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the caramel sauce with about 1/4 cup of the apple cider until smooth.
  3. In a large pitcher, layer the sliced fruit (apples, pear, orange), then add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise if using. Pour the caramel-cider mixture over the fruit.
  4. Pour in the white wine, remaining apple cider, bourbon (if using), and apple brandy (if using). Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
  6. If using a cinnamon sugar rim, mix the sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Run a cut lemon or orange wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  7. Fill each glass with ice (optional), pour the sangria, making sure to include some fruit in each glass. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top, add a rosemary sprig for garnish, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The sangria tastes even better when made a day ahead. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with sparkling apple cider and skip the bourbon and brandy. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; remove fruit after 24 hours if storing longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: sangria, apple cider, caramel, fall, cocktail, party drink, easy recipe