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Cozy Spiced Apple Cider Sangria: Best Easy Fall Party Drink

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A warm, spiced, and deeply comforting fall drink that balances tart wine with sweet apple cider. This easy-to-make sangria is perfect for cozy nights in or intimate gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 750 ml dry red wine (Pinot Noir or Merlot)
  • 4 cups apple cider (fresh-pressed or high-quality store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup brandy or dark rum
  • 2 medium apples, cored and sliced thinly
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 large cinnamon stick
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • 1 small piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples and orange thoroughly. Core the apples and slice them into thin rounds. Slice the orange into rounds as well.
  2. Place all the sliced fruit into a large pitcher (approx. 1.5 liters).
  3. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and sliced ginger to the pitcher with the fruit.
  4. Pour in the 750 ml bottle of red wine, followed by the 4 cups of apple cider, and finally the 1/2 cup of brandy or dark rum.
  5. Stir everything gently with a long spoon to combine.
  6. Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator to steep for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
  7. After steeping, give the sangria a final stir. Taste and adjust if necessary (add club soda if too strong, lemon juice if too sweet).
  8. Serve over ice in large glasses. Garnish with a fresh apple slice or a sprig of rosemary.

Notes

Do not skip the steeping time; rushing results in a drink that tastes like separate ingredients. If serving over ice, add ice to individual glasses to prevent dilution. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a non-alcoholic version, omit wine and brandy, increase cider to 6 cups, and add vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall drink, apple cider sangria, cozy cocktail, easy party drink, autumn recipe, spiced wine, non-alcoholic mocktail option

Find it online: https://mandydishes.com/cozy-spiced-apple-cider-sangria-best-easy-fall-party-drink/