Perfect Apple Cider Sangria Pitcher Recipe
A cozy and festive apple cider sangria perfect for Friendsgiving, blending crisp apple cider, dry white wine, brandy, fresh fruit, and warm fall spices for a refreshing and crowd-pleasing drink.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (950 ml) apple cider, fresh and unfiltered if possible
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio recommended)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy (optional)
- 2 medium fresh apples, thinly sliced (Gala or Honeycrisp preferred)
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240 ml) sparkling water or club soda, added before serving
Instructions
- Wash the apples, orange, and lemon thoroughly. Thinly slice the apples, removing any seeds but keeping the skin on. Slice the orange into rounds and cut each round in half or quarters depending on pitcher size. Thinly slice the lemon.
- In a large pitcher, pour in 4 cups (950 ml) apple cider, 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy. Stir gently to combine.
- Add 3 cinnamon sticks and 6 whole cloves to the pitcher. Stir in 2 tablespoons maple syrup, adjusting sweetness to taste.
- Add the sliced apples, orange, and lemon to the pitcher. Stir gently to evenly distribute and lightly submerge the fruit.
- Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add 1 cup (240 ml) sparkling water or club soda to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine without losing the fizz.
- Serve the sangria over ice in glasses, including some of the soaked fruit. Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks or fresh apple slices if desired.
Notes
Use fresh, ripe fruit for best flavor and presentation. Chill the sangria for several hours to allow flavors to meld. Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz. Adjust sweetness with maple syrup or honey after chilling if needed. Serve over plenty of ice. For non-alcoholic version, omit wine and brandy and add extra cider and sparkling water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 150180
- Carbohydrates: 2025
Keywords: apple cider sangria, Friendsgiving drink, fall cocktail, easy sangria recipe, autumn drink, holiday beverage, apple cider cocktail