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Cozy Warm Apple Cider Sangria for Fall

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A warm, spiced sangria made with red wine, apple cider, and mulling spices. Perfect for fall gatherings, this cozy drink comes together in under 15 minutes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine, like a Merlot or Zinfandel
  • 4 cups (950 ml) fresh apple cider
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy or bourbon (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole star anise pods
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
  • 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced into rounds
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds
  • 1 pear (Bosc or Bartlett), thinly sliced into rounds
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Spices and Fruit (5 minutes): Slice apple, orange, and pear into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Set aside. If using a vanilla bean, split it down the middle.
  2. Toast the Spices (2 minutes): Place cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and allspice berries in a dry pot over medium heat. Toast for 1-2 minutes, shaking occasionally, until fragrant.
  3. Simmer the Cider and Spices (10 minutes): Pour apple cider into the pot with toasted spices. Add maple syrup or honey and vanilla bean (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the Wine and Brandy (2 minutes): Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in red wine and brandy (if using). Stir gently to combine. Warm without boiling (around 160°F).
  5. Add the Fruit (1 minute): Drop in sliced apple, orange, and pear. Stir gently and let warm through for 1 minute.
  6. Strain and Serve (2 minutes): Place a fine-mesh strainer over a heatproof bowl or mugs. Ladle sangria through the strainer to remove whole spices. Leave some fruit slices in each mug for garnish. Top with a rosemary sprig if desired.
  7. Taste and Adjust: Add more maple syrup for sweetness or let steep longer for more spice flavor.

Notes

Toast spices before simmering to enhance flavor. Do not boil the wine to preserve its structure. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with 2 cups strong brewed chai tea and 1 cup pomegranate juice. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: warm apple cider sangria, fall sangria, hot sangria, apple cider drink, spiced wine, fall cocktail, cozy drink

Find it online: https://morselora.com/cozy-warm-apple-cider-sangria-for-fall/