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The Best Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

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This cozy caramel apple cider sangria is the perfect fall drink—smooth, layered, and sweet but not cloying, with a warm spice finish. It comes together in under 10 minutes of active prep and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for gatherings or quiet nights at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) apple cider (fresh, unfiltered preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy (apple brandy or Calvados recommended)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought, with cream as first ingredient)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup (real maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole star anise (optional)
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cut into thin wedges
  • 1 medium pear (Bosc or Bartlett), cut into thin wedges
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • For garnish: extra apple slices, fresh rosemary sprigs, coarse sugar mixed with cinnamon for rimming glasses

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples and pear thoroughly. Cut them into thin wedges (about 1/4 inch thick), removing cores and seeds. Rinse the cranberries and discard any soft or shriveled ones. Place all fruit in the bottom of a large pitcher (at least 2 quarts).
  2. Add the caramel sauce to a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until loose and pourable (do not boil). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, combine the apple cider, brandy, and maple syrup. Whisk in the warm caramel-vanilla mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Pour the liquid mixture over the fruit in the pitcher. Add the entire bottle of white wine. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to combine. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Stir once more.
  5. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  6. When ready to serve, stir the sangria gently. Optionally, rim glasses with a lemon wedge dipped in a mix of sugar and cinnamon. Fill glasses with ice (or serve without), pour sangria over ice, and include some fruit in each glass. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or extra apple slices.

Notes

For best results, use a dry white wine to balance the sweetness. Chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is better for deeper flavor. Toast the spices in a dry skillet for 60 seconds to enhance their aroma. Avoid ground cinnamon as it will make the sangria cloudy and gritty. The sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; flavors improve after 24 hours. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with sparkling apple cider and skip the brandy.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cider sangria, fall sangria, apple cider sangria, caramel sangria, fall cocktail, easy sangria recipe, white wine sangria, apple cider drink, autumn cocktail, party drink

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