This Apple Cider White Sangria is crisp, fruity, and just the right amount of cozy.
It’s one of those drinks that’s super simple to make but feels a little fancy.
I love mixing it up in a big pitcher for fall gatherings or just a relaxing weekend.
It’s sweet, refreshing, and full of flavor from the apple cider, cinnamon, and fresh fruit.
It only takes a few minutes to throw together and looks gorgeous on the table.
What You’ll Need
- 1 bottle (750 ml) crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc), chilled
- 2 cups fresh apple cider, chilled
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 large red apple, thinly sliced
- 1 large pear, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- Ice, for serving
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish
Pro Tips
- Slice the fruit thin so it infuses the drink faster and looks pretty floating in the glass.
- Chill all your ingredients first so you don’t have to water it down with too much ice.
- Use a dry white wine to balance the sweetness of the apple cider.
- Let it sit at least 30 minutes to let the flavors really soak in.
- Garnish with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a festive touch.
Tools Needed
- Large glass pitcher
- Wooden spoon
- Paring knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Serving glasses
Substitutions and Variations
- Use rosé instead of white wine for a pink twist.
- Swap the brandy for bourbon for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Add pomegranate seeds or cranberries for extra color and texture.
- Use sparkling apple cider for a fizzy version (add right before serving).
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make the sangria up to 24 hours ahead—just wait to add the ice and fresh herbs until serving.
How to Make Apple Cider White Sangria
Step 1: Slice the fruit
Thinly slice 1 large red apple, 1 large pear, and 1 orange into rounds.
Step 2: Add fruit and cinnamon to pitcher
Place the sliced apple, pear, orange, and 2–3 whole cinnamon sticks into a large glass pitcher.
Step 3: Pour in white wine
Pour in 1 bottle (750 ml) of chilled crisp white wine into the pitcher over the fruit.
Step 4: Add apple cider and brandy
Pour in 2 cups of chilled apple cider and 1/2 cup brandy. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
Step 6: Serve over ice and garnish
Fill serving glasses with ice, pour sangria, and garnish with a thyme or rosemary sprig.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftover sangria in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- The fruit will soften more the longer it sits, so remove it if storing longer.
- Stir before serving again.
Why I Love This Recipe
This sangria is my go-to when I want something easy but impressive. I first made it for a casual fall dinner and it was gone so fast I had to whip up another batch. It’s light, refreshing, and just cozy enough without being too sweet. Everyone loves the mix of crisp wine and apple cider—it’s like sipping fall in a glass.
- Looks gorgeous in the pitcher
- Easy to make in advance
- Refreshing and not overly sweet
- Perfect balance of cozy and crisp
- Great for brunch, parties, or lazy evenings
Makes
6–8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30+ minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Macros (per 6 oz serving, approx.)
- Calories: 165
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 14g
- Alcohol: ~14g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
White wine has acidity and fruitiness that pairs perfectly with the naturally sweet, spiced apple cider. Brandy adds depth and warmth. Soaking sliced fruit allows natural sugars and juices to infuse into the drink, while the cinnamon sticks slowly release their flavor for a subtle spice kick.
Common Mistakes
- Using a sweet wine: The apple cider already adds plenty of sweetness. Go with a dry white wine to keep it balanced.
- Not chilling ahead: If your ingredients aren’t cold, you’ll need too much ice and it’ll water everything down.
- Overstirring: Stir gently so you don’t break up the fruit or make the drink cloudy.
- Forgetting the chill time: Give it time to infuse. The flavor really improves after 30 minutes.
What to Serve With
- A cheese and charcuterie board
- Light fall salads with nuts and cranberries
- Apple tart or rustic galette
- Savory hand pies or puff pastry bites
- Roasted nuts or spiced popcorn
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Use non-alcoholic white wine or sparkling water instead of wine, and skip the brandy. Still delicious.
What’s the best apple cider to use?
Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider from the refrigerated section for the best flavor.
Can I use red wine?
You can, but the flavor will be heavier and more like a traditional sangria. This version is meant to be light and crisp.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pitcher or divide into two.
