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Easy Spiked Apple Cider Sangria for Halloween

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A quick and easy Halloween sangria made with apple cider, white wine, and bourbon, loaded with fresh fruit and warm spices. Perfect for parties, this make-ahead drink comes together in under 10 minutes and gets better after a few hours in the fridge.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider, preferably unfiltered
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) bourbon or whiskey
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple brandy (optional)
  • 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1/2 cup (80 g) pomegranate seeds
  • 2–3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 star anise pods (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash the apples and orange thoroughly. Slice the apples into thin rounds or half-moons, about 1/4 inch thick. Slice the orange into thin rounds, then cut each round in half. Remove any seeds. If using a fresh pomegranate, cut it in half, hold it cut-side down over a bowl, and whack the back with a wooden spoon to release the seeds.
  2. Combine the liquids: In a large pitcher (at least 2.5 quarts/2.5 liters), pour in the apple cider, white wine, and bourbon. If using apple brandy, add it now. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to combine.
  3. Add the fruit and spices: Drop in the apple slices, orange slices, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks, and star anise (if using). Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the fruit evenly.
  4. Taste and adjust: Taste the sangria. If you want it sweeter, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. If you want more spice, add another cinnamon stick. If it feels too strong, add a splash more apple cider.
  5. Chill: Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4-6 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve: Fill glasses or mason jars with ice (or cider ice cubes). Pour the sangria over the ice, making sure to include some fruit in each glass. Garnish with an extra cinnamon stick or star anise pod if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, chill for at least 4 hours. The sangria can be made up to 24 hours in advance. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with sparkling apple cider and skip the bourbon. For a hot version, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours. Use cider ice cubes (frozen apple cider) instead of regular ice to prevent dilution. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the pitcher before adding fruit to avoid overflow.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween sangria, apple cider sangria, spiked apple cider, fall cocktail, party drink, easy sangria, bourbon sangria

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/easy-spiked-apple-cider-sangria-for-halloween/