Tart, sweet, fresh, and spiked with a splash of bourbon — this is your new favorite summer drink.
Let’s Talk Sangria 🍏🍋🥂
This Apple Cider Sangria is my go-to when I want something cold, fruity, and a little fancy — without a ton of work.
It’s like fall and summer had a cocktail baby. It’s bright and crisp from green apples and lemon, with a cozy kick from cider and bourbon.
If you love drinks that are both refreshing and complex, this one hits the sweet spot.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 green apple, diced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 bottle dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio), chilled
- 1 cup apple cider (non-alcoholic), chilled
- ½ cup bourbon
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Ice, for serving
🍹 Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this sangria for a backyard BBQ in late August. The sun was still hot, but I was craving that warm, spiced apple flavor you start thinking about once September peeks around the corner. This drink nails that mood. It’s fruity and cold, but also mellow and cozy thanks to the bourbon.
- You can make it ahead (actually, it’s better if you do)
- It looks gorgeous — people always ask for the recipe
- It’s not too sweet — more crisp and clean with just the right bite
- You can change it up with what you have
Servings: 6-8
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chill time if desired)
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- White wine gives body and acidity, making everything taste brighter.
- Apple cider adds sweetness and warm apple notes.
- Bourbon gives depth — it’s like adding vanilla and spice in one sip.
- Lemon boosts freshness and balances the sweetness.
- Letting it sit lets all the flavors blend and mellow into one another.
😬 Common Mistakes
- Using sweet wine — It’ll be too sugary. Go dry!
- Skipping the chill time — The flavors need to marry. An hour in the fridge makes a big difference.
- Overloading with fruit — Stick to just apple + lemon so the flavors stay balanced.
- Serving it warm — Always chill before serving, and use ice.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Grilled chicken skewers
- Fresh corn salad
- Charcuterie boards
- Shrimp tacos
- Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese with crackers
❓FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yep! It’s actually better if you do. Just hold the ice until serving.
Can I skip the bourbon?
Sure. It’ll still be great — just more mellow and wine-forward.
What wine should I use?
Dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Avoid sweet wines.
Can I use sparkling cider?
You can! Just don’t shake or stir too hard or you’ll lose the fizz.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Pitcher (large enough to hold 1 bottle wine + cider + fruit)
- Stirring spoon
- Small bowl for ice
- Measuring cup
- Citrus juicer (optional)
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Wine: Use rosé for a pink twist.
- Fruit: Try pear instead of apple, or add berries for color.
- Bourbon: Swap with brandy for a smoother, fruitier taste.
- Honey: Maple syrup works too — or skip it if you like it less sweet.
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
- Mix everything but the ice and lemon slices up to 1 day ahead.
- Add lemon and ice right before serving to keep them fresh.
📋 How to Make Apple Cider Sangria
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
Dice 1 green apple into small cubes. Thinly slice 1 lemon into rounds.
Step 2: Add Fruit to Pitcher
Place the diced apple and lemon slices into a large glass pitcher.
Step 3: Pour in the Wine
Pour the entire bottle of chilled dry white wine into the pitcher over the fruit.
Step 4: Add Apple Cider
Pour in 1 cup of chilled apple cider. It should deepen the color a little.
Step 5: Stir in the Bourbon
Add ½ cup bourbon to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Sweeten (Optional)
Add 1 tablespoon honey if you like it a bit sweeter. Stir again until it dissolves.
Step 7: Chill & Serve with Ice
Let the sangria chill for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, pour over ice in glasses.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftover sangria in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Remove the lemon slices after 24 hours so it doesn’t get too bitter.
- Always add fresh ice before serving again.
🥂 Wrap-Up
This Apple Cider Sangria is everything you want in a summer sipper — cool, tart, sweet, and just the right amount of boozy. It’s the perfect drink to make ahead and share with friends. Give it a try, then let me know in the comments how it turned out for you — and don’t be shy if you have questions. I’ve got you!
Cheers 🍏🍋🥃
