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Cozy Apple Cinnamon Fall Sangria: Easy Autumn Cocktail Recipe

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This easy apple cinnamon sangria is the perfect autumn cocktail, made with dry white wine, fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, and a touch of maple syrup. It’s make-ahead friendly, crowd-pleasing, and captures all the cozy flavors of fall in a glass.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle dry white wine (750 ml), such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1/2 cup brandy (apple brandy or Calvados recommended)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber preferred)
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp apples (or Fuji/Gala), sliced
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds and quartered
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 cups apple cider (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  • 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • Optional garnishes: fresh rosemary sprigs, star anise, or thin apple slices

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash the apples thoroughly. Cut them into thin slices or small chunks, about 1/2 inch thick. Leave the skin on. Slice the orange into thin rounds, then cut each round into quarters. Remove any seeds.
  2. Mix the sweetener: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the brandy and maple syrup until well combined.
  3. Build the base: Place the sliced apples, orange pieces, and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher (2-quart capacity or larger). Pour the brandy-maple mixture over the fruit and stir gently to coat.
  4. Add the wine and cider: Pour the wine and apple cider into the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, preferably overnight (up to 24 hours).
  6. Add fizz and serve: Just before serving, stir gently, then pour in the sparkling water or ginger ale. Stir once more. Fill glasses with ice, pour the sangria over the ice, and garnish as desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling time—flavors need at least 2 hours to meld. For best results, chill overnight. Add sparkling water just before serving to keep it bubbly. If making ahead, mix everything except the sparkling water and add it right before serving. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (the fizz will fade after day one). For a warm version, gently heat the sangria (without sparkling water) in a saucepan over low heat and serve in mugs.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon sangria, fall sangria, autumn cocktail, easy sangria recipe, white wine sangria, apple cider sangria, maple syrup sangria, make-ahead cocktail, party drink, Thanksgiving cocktail