Looking for the perfect fall or Thanksgiving cocktail? This apple cider sangria is one of my favorites! It’s sweet, bubbly, and packed with warm spices that make it great for the season. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, and versatile for serving by the glass or a whole pitcher, so it’s great for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect For Fall! Apple cider, fresh fruit, and wine make this an easy autumn favorite
- Easy To Make. A few simple ingredients come together with minimal effort
- Crisp And Fruity. Fresh apple cider adds seasonal sweetness while fresh fruit keeps the sangria bright
- Great For Entertaining. A pitcher makes a batch to serve a crowd (but it’s equally easy to make by the glass for enjoyment anytime)!
- Make-Ahead Friendly. Prepare it in advance so the flavors have time to mingle
- Festive And Pretty. Fresh apples and seasonal fruit make a beautiful presentation; great for the holidays!
- Easy To Customize. Switch up the fruit or wine to create your own variation
- Great Beyond Thanksgiving. Serve it for everything from fall brunches to holiday gatherings
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Ingredients List
By the Glass
- 2 ounces Pinot Grigio (or a similar white wine)
- 1 ounce apple brandy
- 2 ounces apple cider
- 1 ounce ginger ale
- 3 slices or cubes fresh apple (per glass)
- 3 slices or cubes fresh pear (per glass)
By the Pitcher
- 750mL bottle Pinot Grigio
- 1 cup apple brandy
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup ginger ale
- 3 apples, cored and sliced
- 3 pears, cored and sliced
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Any dry white wine works great! Sauvignon Blanc is my other usual choice. You can also swap in prosecco or red wine, but note the latter changes the color of the drink accordingly
- Instead of apple brandy, you can use apple vodka, caramel vodka, or ginger brandy instead
- The ginger ale can be swapped for ginger beer for a spicier version, or club soda or unsweetened sparkling water to reduce sweetness. If you use club soda, then I do recommend ginger brandy to make up for the flavor
- Try different fruit combinations, like oranges, apples, pears, and cranberries!
- I don’t find that I need to add any sweetener since the soda and the cider are sweet, However, honey pairs nicely if you want to add some extra sweetness for your personal tastes
Step By Step Instructions
- Add the white wine, brandy, and apple cider to a wine glass (or similar) and stir to combine
- Fill the glass with ice, along with the apple slices and pear slices
- Top with the ginger ale (pour slowly so as to not overflow the glass), and stir again gently if desired until just mixed
- Garnish with whole cinnamon sticks or sprig of fresh rosemary (optional) and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Apple cider sangria is crisp, fruity, and lightly sweet, making it a natural match for savory fall foods and seasonal appetizers! Its bright fruit flavor also makes it a refreshing contrast to richer comfort foods.
Appetizers & Snacks
- Cheese Board: Sharp cheddar, gouda, and brie pair beautifully with the crisp apple flavor
- Baked Brie: Creamy cheese and tart apple flavors make an especially good combination. My Cranberry Baked Brie is a perfect seasonal complement!
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory, earthy mushrooms provide a nice contrast to the fruity sangria
- Spiced Nuts: Salty, crunchy nuts complement the sweetness while adding a little warmth
Savory Mains
- Roast Chicken: Mild, savory chicken lets the apple and fruit flavors shine
- Pork Chops: Apple and pork are a classic pairing, making this an easy match
- Turkey: The fruit-forward sangria works especially well with a Thanksgiving-style turkey dinner. Try any of my Air Fryer Turkey Recipes for lots of great options!
- Glazed Ham: Sweet-savory ham complements the seasonal fruit flavors. Air Fryer Small Ham is a delicious choice!
Fall Comfort Sides
- Stuffing: Savory herbs and hearty bread provide a great contrast to the fruity cocktail
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Earthy, caramelized sprouts balance the bright sangria. Check out my Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipes for some tasty options!
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their caramelized sweetness echoes the apple cider without overpowering it
- Butternut Squash: Its natural sweetness and earthy flavor fit beautifully with an autumn cocktail. My Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipes are a great place to start!
Seasonal Desserts
- Apple Crisp: A natural fall pairing that doubles down on the apple theme
- Pumpkin Pie: Warm pumpkin spices complement the fruit and wine
- Cinnamon Donuts: Cozy cinnamon flavor makes this especially good for fall brunches
- Pear Tart: Adds another layer of fresh, autumn fruit flavor
Recipe FAQs
What’s The Best Apple For Sangria?
Crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady work especially well in sangria. They hold their shape and add fresh apple flavor without becoming mushy too quickly.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Mix With Apple Cider?
Apple cider pairs well with whiskey, bourbon, rum, vodka, and sparkling wine. For a fall sangria, wine combined with apple cider creates a fruity base, while a splash of brandy or apple brandy can add extra warmth and depth.
What Are Common Sangria Mistakes?
Common mistakes include using overly sweet wine, adding too much fruit, and not giving the flavors enough time to mingle. It’s also best to add sparkling ingredients shortly before serving so the sangria stays fresh and fizzy.
Tips For the Best Apple Cider Sangria
- Serve cold for the best flavor! Store in the fridge if you’re making it in advance, or chill ingredients ahead of time before mixing for best results and least dilution
- Adjust the strength of the drink by adding more or less brandy (or vodka). If it’s too strong, thin with some extra cider or soda to balance it
- Soaking the fruit in the sangria longer will make it more flavorful. You can serve this drink immediately, or prepare up to 24 hours in advance (without the carbonated element) and store in a large pitcher in the refrigerator
Serving Tips
- For best results, refrigerate the sangria for at least a few hours so the flavors can meld and the drink is nicely chilled (you can also refrigerate any leftovers to enjoy later)
- A clear pitcher or drink dispenser shows off the colorful fruit and makes serving easy!
- Don’t overfill with fruit! A generous amount adds flavor and color, but too much can make the pitcher difficult to pour
- Keep a chilled pitcher or carafe on ice and set up a garnish station, so guests can easily pour and refresh their own glasses throughout the party!
- Add a cinnamon sugar rim to your glasses (wet them with water, cider, or a fruit slice, then dip in a cinnamon sugar mixture) to add a fun look and extra flavor
More Fall Sangria Recipes
- Crown Apple Sangria
- Olive Garden Green Apple Sangria
- Pomegranate Sangria
Final Thoughts
Apple cider sangria is one of my favorite recipes for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, and the holiday season alike! Warming spices in the cider, cozy apple brandy, crisp white wine, and a little fizzy ginger come together to make a cocktail that tastes like autumn in a glass.
It’s super customizable, by using different fruits, juices, and even liquors to make it your own, or just to use what you have on hand. I also love that it’s equally simple by the glass or the pitcher, so you can treat yourself, or host brunch for the whole crew!
Katie’s tip
For more great options to round out that seasonal drink table, check out all of my Fall Sangria Recipes for inspiration. Cheers!
Easy Apple Cider Sangria (White Wine)
Servings: 1
This apple cider sangria is made with white wine, brandy, and seasonal fruits to make a delicious fall sangria. Great by the glass or the pitcher for the holidays!
Equipment
- Stemless wine glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Pinot Grigio (or a similar dry white wine)
- 1 ounce apple brandy
- 2 ounces apple cider
- 1 ounce ginger ale
- 3 slices fresh apple per glass (or cubes)
- 3 slices fresh pear per glass (cubes also fine)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the white wine, brandy, and apple cider to a wine glass (or similar) and stir to combine2 ounces Pinot Grigio, 1 ounce apple brandy, 2 ounces apple cider
- Fill the glass with ice, along with the apple slices and pear slices3 slices fresh pear per glass, Ice cubes, 3 slices fresh apple per glass
- Top with the ginger ale (pour slowly so as to not overflow the glass), and stir again gently if desired until just mixed1 ounce ginger ale
- Garnish with whole cinnamon sticks or sprig of fresh rosemary (optional) and enjoy!
Notes
- Any dry white wine is fine (Sauvignon Blanc is another good option). Red wine is good as well but will change the color accordingly
- Instead of apple brandy, you can use apple vodka, caramel vodka, or ginger brandy
- The ginger ale can be swapped for ginger beer for a spicier version, or club soda or unsweetened sparkling water to reduce sweetness. If you use club soda, I recommend ginger brandy for the liquor, to make up for the flavor
- Try different fruit combinations as you like, such as oranges, apples, pears, and/or cranberries!
- See my ingredients section in the article above for more details on large batch proportions
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 209g | Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.3mg
