Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria is a refreshing and delightful cocktail perfect for any occasion. This bubbly and fruity drink combines the crisp flavour of apple cider with the sweetness of fruit and the effervescence of sparkling wine. Toast to good times and great company with this crowd-pleasing apple cider sangria!
Introducing your next favourite cocktail to make at home: an easy to make Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria!
Just because the temperature outside takes a dip into cooler territory that doesn't mean you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail, typically reserved for the heat of summer😎
Enter this delicious Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria recipe!
This cold weather sangria welcomes fall like no other yummy drink can.
Not only that - it can carry you right through the cold winter season into spring. Thanksgiving, Christmas - heck break it out at Easter for goodness sakes.
This fall sangria has it all: fresh fruit, tart and delicious apple cider, and a mouth-pleasing bubbly-ness that only sparkling wine can deliver.
Enjoy it on it's own, or as part of a light meal or salad. This cider sangria would go well with any one of these recipes:
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📝Ingredients for apple cider sangria
Here's what you'll need to make apple cider sangria:
- 1 granny smith apple
- 1 red delicious apple
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp allspice
- Cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup unsweetened apple cider
- 1 bottle of Riesling or Pinot Grigio
- ½ bottle of Sparkling Wine, Prosecco or Brut Champagne chilled
- ¼ cup cinnamon sugar for an optional rim, garnish
- Honey or maple syrup to taste if desired for extra sweetness
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪How to make apple cider sangria
💃Variations
- More sweet, sweetie? You know I'm keeping it on the healthy-side with my recipes for you BUT if you need a little more sweetness than the recipe calls for, you can drizzle in some maple syrup, honey or add a splash of ginger ale into the pitcher with the fruit
- No fresh cranberries? Pomegranate seeds can be used in place of fresh cranberries. You CAN use frozen cranberries too. Just avoid dried cranberries though
- Change up the fruit - feel free to change up the fruit if you want! Chunks of fresh, firm pears and orange sections would also go well in this apple cider sangria
- Apple variety - I wouldn't get too excited about the apple variety you use - what you have on hand will likely work. But Honeycrisp apples would be so delicious in this cocktail so use those if you have. The only one I might avoid would be a really soft apple like MacIntosh
- Cut the booze - to reduce the alcohol in the drink, reduce the sparkling wine or Prosecco by ½ and use club soda instead
🍽️What to serve with apple cider sangria
Apple cider sangria is a refreshing and flavorful drink that can be served on its own or with different dishes. Get creative! I recommend going on the lighter side for the food you serve with it - think salads, snack boards or some grilled meat.
And I definitely recommend calling over a few girlfriends to enjoy the drink and the food with you💃
Here's some ideas for what to serve with apple cider sangria:
- Light salads: A crisp and refreshing salad like an arugula and pear salad or a spinach and strawberry salad can pairs well with the sweet and tartness of the sangria. Try this Kale Salad with Cranberries or this Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Pomegranate Seeds.
- Charcuterie board: A delicious spread of cheeses, cured meats, gluten-free crackers, nuts, and dried fruits is a great way to have some nibbles while you sip on the sangria.
- Appetizers: Finger foods like a gluten-free bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, or mini quiches can make great little snacks to enjoy with the sangria. These spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings (gluten-free) would go perfectly with a cool and fruity sangria.
- Grilled dishes: Grilled chicken or pork can be a great option to serve with the sangria. Try this recipe for Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast or this one for Best Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin Recipe. The smokiness of the grilled meat is a nice complement to the flavours of the sangria.
🏅Tips for making the perfect sparkling apple cider sangria
- Choose the right type of apple cider: When making sparkling apple cider sangria, it's important to choose a high-quality, flavorful and unsweetened apple cider. Look for one that is unfiltered and has a slightly tart taste, as this will balance well with the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Use a mix of fruits: A great sangria includes a variety of fruits to add both flavor and color to the drink. For apple cider sangria, consider using fruits that pair well with apples such as pears, oranges, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds.
- If needed, add a sweetener: While the apple cider and apples will provide some sweetness, adding a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or gingerale can help balance out the tartness of the fruit and cider.
- Use a good quality sparkling wine: For the sparkling component of the sangria, use a good quality sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne. This will add a subtle sweetness and effervescence to the drink.
- Chill before serving: It's important to chill the sangria before serving, as this will help the flavors meld together and the drink will be more refreshing.
- Add ice cubes to individual servings: To keep the sangria cool without watering it down, add ice cubes to individual glasses rather than to the pitcher.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish the glasses with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme or do a cinnamon ringed glass like the photos😄
Hope you love this recipe for apple cider sangria and give it a try!
If you try it out, I would love to hear from you - please rate and comment below❣️
~April
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📖 Recipe
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 granny smith apple cored and diced into 1″ pieces
- 1 red delicious apple cored and diced into 1″ pieces
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- cinnamon sticks for in the pitcher sangria and for garnish
- 1 cup unsweetened apple cider
- 1 bottle of Riesling or Pinot Grigio
- ½ bottle of Sparkling Wine or Brut Champagne chilled
- ¼ cup cinnamon sugar for an optional rim, garnish
- Honey or maple syrup to taste if desired for sweetnesss
Instructions
- Add diced apples, cranberries, nutmeg, allspice and a cinnamon stick to a large pitcher.
- Pour in 1 cup apple cider and the bottle of Riesling or Pinot Grigio into the pitcher and stir to combine.
- Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and allow it to sit for a minimum of 6 hours but no more than 24 hours.
- Before serving, add the Brut Champagne or Sparkling Wine into the pitcher, stir together and serve with an optional cinnamon sugar rim.
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