Description

A cozy, make-ahead fall cocktail featuring dry red wine, fresh apple cider, and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, infused with crisp apples and oranges.

Ingredients

Scale

1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir)
1 cup (240ml) fresh unfiltered apple cider
1/2 cup (120ml) brandy or dark rum
2 medium Granny Smith apples, sliced
1 medium orange, sliced
1 medium pear, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
2–3 star anise pods
4–5 whole cloves
2–3 cardamom pods (optional)
1–2 cups soda water or club soda
Ice

Instructions

Wash and slice the apples, pears, and oranges into thin rounds or wedges. Place the sliced fruit into a large glass pitcher.
Pour the bottle of red wine over the fruit in the pitcher.
Add the apple cider and stir gently to combine.
Pour in the brandy or dark rum.
Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. If using cardamom, crush the pods slightly and add them.
Stir everything together one more time.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight (12-24 hours), to allow flavors to meld.
Just before serving, stir the sangria gently.
Add soda water or club soda for bubbles if desired.
Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or simple syrup if needed.
Ladle into glasses with fruit and spices, add ice, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.

Notes

Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. Avoid heavily oaked wines as they can clash with the spices. The sangria improves with time, so making it the night before is recommended. Do not freeze the sangria as the fruit will become mushy. If serving with soda water, add it just before serving to maintain carbonation.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 ounces
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 1
Protein: 0.5

Keywords: fall cocktail, apple cider sangria, red wine sangria, party drinks, cozy fall drinks, gluten-free cocktail, make-ahead drink