I’m very happy to report that my recipe development skills have vastly improved over the decades, and this apple cider sangria proves it. Made with just a small handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you will adore this fall treat. This is perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving, and all your Autumn get-togethers.
Combine ingredients. Add the wine, apple cider, brandy, and simple syrup to a large pitcher. Add the apples and cinnamon sticks. Not only do these add flavor, they also add to the presentation of the sangria.
While you can use a jug of apple cider from your local grocery store or apple orchard, making spiced apple cider in your crockpot is very simple. With flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and oranges that enhance the flavor, this spiced cider will add some extra spice flavor to this sangria recipe and will make your kitchen smell amazing. I recommend making this spiced apple cider ahead of time and allowing it to chill completely before using it in this sangria recipe. Apple juice, on the other hand, is filtered and pasteurized, which gives it a longer shelf life and a sweeter taste. You can use apple juice in this recipe if you are unable to find apple cider, but I would taste it before adding any simple syrup since it will result in a sweeter sangria. We are using Pino Grigio in this sangria, which is crisp and light and not too sweet. I love the end result. If you like your drinks more sweet, use a sweeter wine or adjust the simple syrup. See more on this below.
Pino Grigio combines well with the apple cider and simple syrup. If you don’t like sweet cocktails, that is a great base for sangria. Riesling is a little sweeter than Pino Grigio but is still quite mild. It’s a great option for taking the sweetness up a little. Moscato is the final option. It is a very sweet white wine. If this is what you purchase, I would taste the sangria before adding any simple syrup.
If you like your drinks sweeter, you can add more simple syrup to this recipe. A little goes a long way, so only add it after you’ve already tasted the sangria. Start with just 1/2 cup simple syrup like the recipe calls for and add 1/4 cup more only after you’ve tasted it. You could even keep a small container of simple syrup next to the pitcher so that you and your guests can customize your own glasses to the sweetness you enjoy. When looking for brandy for this recipe, I highly suggest using a lower end brandy. It will deliver a great taste without breaking the bank, and in a recipe where we are combining it with simple syrup, cider, and wine a high end brandy just isn’t necessary. Korbel is a great lower end option. What is more important than letting your sangria rest is starting with chilled white wine and apple cider. This sangria will be enjoyed most when it is served cold and we don’t want to dilute it with a lot of ice, so it is best to start with chilled ingredients.
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