Best Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

WATCH: Apple Cider Sangria Recipe Tutorial

I created this recipe after visiting a local apple orchard, inspired by the fresh apples and homemade apple cider I picked up that day at the farm. It combines a crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or any dry white wine you love) with apricot brandy, a splash of triple sec, and the warm spice of cinnamon sticks. Topped with ginger beer, it’s the perfect way to sip into fall.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

• Perfect for Fall Celebrations: From dinner parties to NFL games, this sangria captures everything we love about fall fruits and cozy gatherings.
• Easy Big-Batch Option: In this article, I’ve included measurements for a single serving and a large pitcher version to make entertaining effortless.
• Balanced and Refreshing: The blend of fresh apple cider, crisp white wine, and cinnamon sticks creates a smooth, not-too-sweet apple cider cocktail, while the ginger beer gives us the spice needed for this recipe. 

What Does Apple Cider Sangria Taste Like?

This apple cider sangria is crisp, fruity, and lightly spiced without being overly sweet. Fresh apple cider brings natural apple flavor, while the dry white wine adds brightness and keeps the cocktail refreshing. Apricot brandy adds a subtle fruity sweetness and depth, triple sec brings a hint of citrus, and cinnamon adds just enough warm fall spice.

My favorite part is the ginger beer. Its spicy fizz cuts through the sweeter fruit flavors and gives this fall sangria a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Sangria

Single Serving (Perfect for One Person)

• Apple Cider – The star of this fall sangria! I recommend using fresh apple cider for the richest apple flavor. You can usually find it refrigerated in the produce section of your grocery store or pick some up from a local apple orchard during fall.
• Dry White Wine – Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A dry white wine balances the sweetness of the cider and keeps the sangria light and refreshing.
• Apricot Brandy – Adds fruity sweetness, warmth, and depth while complementing the fresh apple and citrus flavors.
• Triple Sec (or Cointreau) – Adds a bright orange flavor that ties in beautifully with the fresh orange slices. Cointreau works well here, too.
• Ginger Beer – Gives the sangria its bubbly finish and a slightly spicy ginger kick. For a sweeter, milder flavor, you can substitute ginger ale.
• Apple Slices – Add fresh apple flavor and make the pitcher beautiful for serving. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Braeburn are all great options, we’ll talk more about choosing apples below.
• Orange slice, quartered – Fresh orange adds a bright citrus flavor that complements the apple cider and apricot brandy.
• Cinnamon stick – Infuse the sangria with subtle warm spice without overpowering the fruit.
• Optional Garnishes: A rosemary sprig, apple fan slice, or orange peel twist for presentation.

Large Batch (Perfect for Parties – ~59 fl oz Pitcher)

• 2 ½ cups apple cider (≈ 21 oz) 
• 1 ¼ cups white wine (≈ 10 oz) 
• ½ cup apricot brandy (≈ 5 oz) 
• 3 ½ Tbsp triple sec 
• 1 ¼ cups ginger beer (≈ 10 oz)
• 1 large apple, cubed
• 1 orange, cubed (**NOTE: Do not allow oranges to sit in sangria longer than 24 hours. The oils from the orange peel will start to overtake the apple flavor of this cocktail)
• 2 cinnamon sticks 

Best Apples for Sangria

The best apples for sangria are crisp varieties that hold their shape while soaking in the cider and wine. I especially love Honeycrisp apples for this recipe because they’re juicy and have a sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with the dry white wine and apple cider. Granny Smith apples are a great choice if you prefer a more tart flavor, while Fuji and Braeburn add a little more sweetness. You can also combine two varieties for a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Whichever variety you choose, use fresh apples that feel firm and crisp. Softer apples can become mushy as the sangria chills.

How to Make an Apple Cider Sangria

STEP 1: Combine the fruit – Add sliced apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks to a large pitcher.

STEP 2: Mix the base – Pour in apple cider, white wine, apricot brandy, and triple sec. Stir gently to combine.

STEP 3: Chill and infuse – Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours (or up to 24 hours for a stronger flavor).

STEP 4: Finish and serve -Add ginger beer just before serving, stir lightly, and pour over ice. Garnish with apple slices, rosemary, or star anise. Enjoy!

NOTE: Do not allow oranges to sit in the sangria for longer than a day. Their natural oils can release and turn the drink slightly bitter.

Substitutions and Variations

This apple cider sangria is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand and how sweet or strong you prefer your cocktails.

• White wine – I recommend a dry, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, but another dry white wine can be used. For a slightly sweeter sangria, try Riesling.
• Apricot brandy – Substitute apple brandy or regular brandy. I prefer apricot brandy because its fruity sweetness complements the apple cider without overpowering it.
• Triple sec – Cointreau is an easy substitute and will give the sangria a slightly stronger orange flavor.
• Ginger beer – Use ginger ale for a sweeter, milder finish or club soda if you want less sweetness while keeping the sangria sparkling.
• Switch up the fruit – Pear slices, fresh cranberries, or pomegranate seeds are great additions for fall and winter entertaining.
• Add more spice: Along with the cinnamon sticks, you can add star anise for a little extra warm spice and a beautiful garnish.

Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Sangria

You can easily turn this into a non-alcoholic apple cider sangria for guests who prefer a mocktail. Replace the white wine with apple white grape juice, omit the apricot brandy and triple sec, and add extra ginger beer or club soda for a sparkling finish.

Keep the fresh apples, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks so you still get those cozy fall flavors. Since white grape juice and ginger beer both add sweetness, club soda is a great option for balancing the drink if you prefer your sangria less sweet.

What to Serve with Apple Cider Sangria

This apple sangria pairs perfectly with:

• Mini Baked Brie Bites
• Apple Butter Chicken
• Grilled Pork Chops
• Turkey Wings

How to Store Apple Cider Sangria

If you have leftovers, you can store the sangria base in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving again, add fresh fruit and top with ginger beer to restore fizz.

More Apple Favorites from Elicit Folio

If you love this apple sangria recipe, you might also enjoy:

• Apple Pie Smoothie Recipe
• Caramel Apple Martini
• Apple Cider Donut Muffins
• Apple Cider Margarita

FAQ

Recipe Card

Save Saved Pin Print

5 from 6 votes

Apple Cider Sangria

By: Ebony Robinson

This Apple Cider Sangria blends fresh apple cider, crisp white wine, and a splash of apricot brandy for a cozy, fruit-forward fall cocktail that’s perfect for entertaining. Finished with ginger beer and cinnamon sticks, it’s a refreshing drink, perfect for fall.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

ServesServes 8

Cook Mode – Tap to Prevent the Screen From Going Dark

Equipment

• Large Pitcher
• Liquid Measuring Cup
• Measuring spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting Board
• Cocktail Spoon
• Wine Glasses

Save this recipe!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email Post Permalink

Email *

Save

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 ½ cups Apple cider
• ▢ 1 ¼ cups Dry white wine
• ▢ ½ cup Apricot brandy
• ▢ 3 ½ tablespoons Triple sec
• ▢ 1 ¼  cups Ginger beer
• ▢ 1 Large apple , cubed
• ▢ 1 Orange, cubed
• ▢ 2 Cinnamon sticks

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions 

• Wash and cut apples and oranges into cubes so they can easily pour into glasses. Add sliced apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks to a large pitcher.
• To the pitcher, pour in apple cider, white wine, apricot brandy, and triple sec. Stir gently to combine.
• Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours (or up to 24 hours for a stronger flavor). Just before serving, add ginger beer, stir lightly, pour into glass and enjoy! Garnish with apple slices, rosemary, or star anise.

Notes

• Best Flavor: This sangria tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the fruit and spices to infuse into the wine.
• Wine Selection: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay works beautifully in this recipe.
• Fruit Variations: Apples, oranges, pears, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds all make great additions to apple cider sangria.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Add more apple cider for a sweeter sangria or extra sparkling water for a lighter finish.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled over ice and garnish with cinnamon sticks or fresh apple slices for a festive presentation.
• Storage: Store leftover sangria covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the freshest flavor. If longer than 24 hours, please remove any orange peels. 
• Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the sangria several hours ahead of time and add sparkling ingredients right before serving to keep them bubbly.
• Batch Cocktail Tip: This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, fall parties, and entertaining larger groups.

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 142mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 52IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this?Leave a comment below!

Craving More?

If you try this Apple Cider Sangria Recipe or one of our many other fall cocktail recipes, let me know! Tag your photos on Instagram and tag @ElicitFolio, I’d love to hear from you! Or comment on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations. Your feedback will help others discover their new favorite fall cocktail!