Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

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This Apple Cider Sangria is the best sangria recipe to make all throughout the fall season. It’s made with apple cider, white wine, a homemade apple cinnamon syrup, caramel vodka and Sprite.

For some other fall cocktails, try this Maple Bourbon Cocktail that is made with maple syrup and fresh rosemary.

Or, try this festive Pumpkin Espresso Martini that is the perfect cocktail for October.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Caramel Apple Sangria
• Expert Tips
• Recipe FAQs
• 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Best Fall Sangria — The combination of fall flavors in this apple cider sangria (caramel, apple cider, brown sugar & cinnamon) makes this the best sangria recipe to make during September, October and November.
• Homemade Apple Cinnamon Syrup — What makes this recipe unique is the homemade simple syrup that’s infused with brown sugar, fresh apples and cinnamon. It adds even more apple flavor to make this sangria especially delicious.
• Great for a group of friends — This is a great large batch recipe to make for a group of friends. Make a pitcher and enjoy sipping it around a campfire.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Apple Cider: You should be able to find fresh apple cider in stores during the fall season. You can either use a storebought one, or even make your own apple cider. You can use apple juice as a substitute if needed.
• White Wine: You can use any type of white wine, but a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc tend to work best for sangrias.
• Caramel Vodka: Caramel vodka adds in a hint of caramel flavor to this sangria. You can use regular vodka with a spoonful of caramel sauce or caramel simple syrup as a substitute. Or, you can leave out the vodka altogether if you don’t want as strong a sangria.
• Apples: Fresh apples are used to make the cinnamon apple syrup as well as to add into the sangria. Any type of apple will work, but I like to use Gala, Fuji or McIntosh apples.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is used for the cinnamon apple syrup. It adds a rich, slight caramel flavor. Any type of brown sugar works. You can use granulated sugar as a substitute if needed.
• Caramel: You’ll need a bit of thick caramel sauce if you would like to line the rims of your cocktail glasses with caramel. However, you can skip this step if you prefer.
• Cinnamon Stick: One cinnamon stick is used to make the apple syrup. Ground cinnamon works for flavoring the syrup, but it will leave small grains in the syrup. If that doesn’t bother you, you can use 1 to 2 teaspoons as a substitute.
• Sprite: Sprite, or any type of lemon-lime soda, adds a bit of fizz and flavor. You can use sparkling water or club soda as a substitute.
• Water: You’ll need a bit of water for the syrup. Use filtered water to avoid any unpleasant flavors from tap water.

How To Make Caramel Apple Sangria

Step 1: Heat the brown sugar, water, apples and cinnamon stick together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 5 to 10 minutes, until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 2: Strain out the apple chunks and cinnamon stick. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before making the sangria.

Step 3: Dip the rim of your cocktail glasses in the caramel sauce and then roll it in a small amount of brown sugar. Set aside for now.

Step 4: Add the apple cinnamon syrup, white wine and caramel together in a large pitcher. Stir well. Top with Sprite, gently stir again and serve.

Expert Tips

• Don’t let the syrup boil. If your cinnamon apple syrup is starting to boil, lower the stove temperature. The syrup doesn’t need to boil to infuse with flavor, however boiling the syrup can lead to a really thick and sticky syrup.
• Use red wine. If you don’t like white wine sangria recipes, you can use a red wine instead for a richer, more classic “sangria” flavor.
• Add fresh fruit garnish. Generally sangria is served in a pitcher with fresh fruit. Add in whatever fruits you have — sliced apples, cranberries, sliced oranges or berries are all great ideas.
• Add extra syrup. This recipe makes a bit more cinnamon apple syrup than you’ll need. So there is a bit extra in case you find you want to sweeten up the sangria.

Recipe FAQs

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📖 Recipe