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Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

A homemade spiced apple cider reduction mingles with crisp white wine, brandy, and fresh fruit for a make-ahead drink that's perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any cozy autumn gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Beverage, Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 225 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Spiced Cider Reduction

  • 2.5 cups unfiltered apple cider Choose high-quality, unfiltered cider for the best flavor.
  • 0.5 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 sticks cinnamon sticks Whole cinnamon sticks are preferred.
  • 5 pieces whole cloves Use whole cloves for a smooth infusion.
  • 0.5 orange, sliced
  • 0.5 lemon, sliced

For the Sangria

  • 1 bottle dry white wine (750 ml), like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio Avoid cooking wine.
  • 0.5 cup brandy (or apple brandy)
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced (mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)

For Serving

  • 1 cup club soda or sparkling apple cider, chilled
  • Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Instructions
 

Make the Spiced Cider Reduction

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and lemon slices.
  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by about a quarter and slightly thickened.

Cool the Reduction

  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the spiced cider reduction cool completely to room temperature.
  • Once cooled, strain out and discard the whole spices and fruit slices.

Combine Sangria Base

  • In a large pitcher, combine the cooled spiced cider reduction, the entire bottle of white wine, and the brandy. Stir well to combine.

Add the Fruit

  • Gently stir in the sliced apples and oranges.

Marinate

  • Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve

  • Just before serving, stir in the chilled club soda or sparkling cider.
  • Pour into glasses over ice, if desired, and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a few extra pomegranate seeds.

Notes

This sangria is best made at least 4 hours ahead and can be made (without the club soda) up to 2 days in advance. Use a dry, crisp white wine you enjoy drinking on its own. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the wine and brandy and replace them with additional apple cider and a splash of grape juice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 1.8gFat: 0.2gFiber: 1.5gSugar: 12g
Keyword apple cider sangria, fall cocktail, pitcher cocktail, sangria recipe
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