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Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Sangria – Easy Fall Recipe

caramel apple cider sangria - featured image

This Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Sangria is the taste of fall in a glass—warm-spiced, not-too-sweet, and both refreshing and cozy. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • ½ cup caramel sauce
  • ½ cup bourbon or whiskey (optional)
  • ¼ cup apple brandy or Calvados
  • 2 apples (Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), thinly sliced
  • 1 pear (Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 23 whole star anise (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
  • Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cinnamon sugar rim: Mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon on a small plate. Run a lemon wedge or orange slice around the rim of each glass, then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Set aside.
  2. Combine the liquid ingredients: In a large pitcher, pour the entire bottle of white wine. Add the apple cider, bourbon (if using), and apple brandy. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Add the caramel sauce: Warm the caramel sauce slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) so it pours easily. Add to the pitcher and stir vigorously until fully dissolved.
  4. Add the fruit and spices: Add the sliced apples, pears, orange rounds, cinnamon stick, and star anise to the pitcher. Gently push the fruit down so it’s submerged.
  5. Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4-6 hours or up to 24 hours.
  6. Serve: Give the sangria a gentle stir. Fill each prepared glass about ¾ full with the liquid, then use a slotted spoon to add some of the macerated fruit. Top with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
  7. Optional: Add ice if desired, but it’s best without to avoid dilution.

Notes

Don’t skip the chill time—it allows flavors to meld. Slice fruit thinly (about ⅛-inch thick) for best absorption. Adjust sweetness based on caramel sauce brand. For a non-alcoholic version, omit wine, bourbon, and brandy; replace wine with 3 cups apple cider and 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale. For a red wine version, use a fruity red like Zinfandel or Beaujolais. The sangria keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days; after day 3, strain out the fruit and serve the liquid alone (good for up to a week).

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cider sangria, fall sangria, apple cider sangria, caramel sangria, fall cocktail, easy sangria recipe