If there’s one thing I always have in my arsenal for holiday entertaining, it’s a batched cocktail. This Apple Cider Sangria comes together quickly with white wine, fresh spiced apple cider, brandy, citrus, a splash of maple syrup, and warming spices for the perfect fall cocktail. It’s refreshing, just sweet enough, and perfect for everything from Friendsgiving to Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, it’s one of those cocktails that actually gets better as it sits, so you can make it ahead of time and cross one more thing off your hosting to-do list!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for entertaining: No need to play bartender all night! Mix up a big pitcher, pop it in the fridge, and let everyone help themselves.
• Make-ahead friendly: Sangria actually benefits from a little time in the fridge, allowing all those delicious flavors to mingle.
• Full of fall flavors: Between the apple cider, cinnamon, maple syrup, and fresh fruit, this is basically fall in a glass. 
• A lot of fall dishes can lean on the heavy side, so having a crisp drink to pair with your meal is always a good play!

Ingredients

• White Wine: I love using a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the sweetness of the apple cider. No need to splurge on an expensive bottle either!
• Spiced Apple Cider: The star of the show! Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best apple flavor, not apple juice or apple cider vinegar (lol). Trader Joe’s makes a FANTASTIC version I highly recommend for this. 
• Lemon: A little fresh lemon juice adds acidity and keeps the sangria from being overly sweet.
• Orange: We’re using both the juice and slices for a little extra citrus flavor.
• Apple: Fresh apple slices soak up all that delicious sangria and add even more apple-y flavor to the sangria as it sits.
• Brandy: Adds warmth and depth to the sangria. 
• Maple Syrup: Just a touch of maple syrup adds a little sweetness and complements the fall flavors.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Infuse the sangria with a subtle warming spice without overpowering the fruit.
• Ginger Beer: Optional, but I love a splash of bubbles at the end and love the subtle spice it gives the sangria. Just be sure to add to individual glasses vs adding to the pitcher, as it will lose its carbonation.

Tips & Tricks

• Give it time to chill: I recommend making this at least 2–4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop. Overnight works great, too!
• Use a dry white wine: Since the apple cider and maple syrup already add sweetness, a dry wine keeps everything balanced.
• Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your apple cider and wine, you may want a little more or less maple syrup. Start with the recommended amount, give it a taste, and adjust as needed.
• Don’t add ice to the pitcher: It’ll water down your sangria as it melts. Instead, keep the pitcher chilled and add ice directly to individual glasses if desired.
• Double or triple the recipe: If you’re hosting a big crowd, this recipe is super easy to scale up. Just make sure you have a big enough pitcher or drink dispenser!

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Cider Sangria is practically made for fall gatherings! Serve it alongside your Thanksgiving appetizers, bring a pitcher to Friendsgiving, or whip it up for a cozy fall dinner party.

I love serving it in wine glasses with a few pieces of the sangria-soaked fruit, an orange slice, and a cinnamon stick for garnish. For a nice little fizz, I love topping these with a little ginger beer right before serving.

More Cocktail Recipes

Looking for more festive drinks and fall favorites? Check out some of my other recipes!

• Cranberry Holiday Sangria
• Spiced Pear Spritz
• Holiday Aperol Spritz
• Apple Cider Old Fashioned

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Storage

Store leftover sangria in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the fruit may start to soften after a day or two. For the best texture, remove the fruit after 24 hours if you’re planning to store it longer.

FAQs

What’s the best white wine for apple cider sangria?

I recommend a dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Both work beautifully with the sweetness of the apple cider without making the sangria too sugary.

Can I make apple cider sangria ahead of time?

Absolutely! That’s actually the beauty with sangria. Making the sangria at least a few hours ahead allows the fruit and spices to infuse the wine. You can even make it the night before and keep it refrigerated until serving.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

You can in a pinch, but I highly recommend spiced apple cider for its richer, more pronounced apple flavor. Apple juice is generally sweeter and lighter, and won’t have the same flavor.