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If you’re looking for the ultimate fall cocktail (or mocktail-friendly version), this Apple Cider Sangria hits the spot. Think crisp apple cider + spiced white wine + fresh fruit — all poured into one (gorgeous) pitcher. This fall-inspired drink definitely sets the mood for any gatherings, sipping, and celebrations this fall season. Bonus: Garnish the rim of the glasses with this paleo caramel! It’ll be worth it!
And because this drink can be made ahead, you can spend time with your guests instead of having to pour drinks all night long.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Sangria
This Apple Cider Sangria has everything you love about fall: it’s spiced just right, is so comforting, and has all that classic apple flavor! There’s something magical about the transition into cooler days, pumpkins on the porch, comfy sweaters, and a drink that feels festive yet relaxed for the whole fall season.
This sangria captures that vibe:
- The fresh apple cider brings you autumn in a glass.
- Warm spices like cinnamon and ginger make it cozy and inviting.
- A splash of white wine keeps it light and fresh — perfect for socializing.
- Make-ahead magic: mix it up early, chill, and you’re set.
Whether it’s brunch, game day, tailgating, Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or just your next dinner party — this sangria will be your go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
*Scroll down to the recipe card for full recipe details and complete ingredient list.
- 1 bottle of your favorite crisp white wine (a light Pinot Grigio works beautifully)
- Fresh apple cider *NOT apple juice
- Gluten-free vodka (optional — omit for mocktail version)
- Carbonated water (added just before serving for sparkle)
- Fresh apples, roughly chopped
- Orange, sliced
- Pomegranate seeds
- Honey or pure maple syrup (for a touch of natural sweetness)
- Cinnamon
- Cinnamon sticks
- Freshly grated ginger (optional, but adds a bright “zing”)
Garnish idea: fresh fruit (apple slices, orange slices, or various holiday favorites) and, if you’re feeling extra, a caramel rim (hello paleo caramel!).
How To Make Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
We’re not lying when we say sangria is easy to make! All you do is mix together all of the ingredients, stir, and then let sit for anywhere from 2 to 24 hours.
- In a large pitcher, combine the wine, apple cider, vodka (if using), chopped apples, orange slices, pomegranate seeds, honey (or maple), ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, and fresh ginger.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours — this lets all the flavors meld and chill. For the best flavor, you can prep it up to 24 hours in advance.
- When you’re ready to serve: add the carbonated water (club soda) for a bit of sparkle. Serve over ice, with extra fruit floating in, and enjoy!
Want a Mocktail Version?
Absolutely! Don’t miss out on sipping this perfect fall cocktail. Skip the wine and vodka. Instead, swap in half extra carbonated water and half fresh-squeezed orange juice. You’ll still get the flavor, the fun, the festive look — and everyone can enjoy it.
Pro Tips & Variations
Make ahead = stress-free entertaining. The longer this sits (up to 24 hours), the more the fruit infuses and the more flavor you’ll have.
Chill well before adding the club soda so the drink stays bright and crisp.
Garnish glow-up: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant, visual punch.
Warm it up: On a cool evening, skip the ice, warm the cider slightly, and float the warm sangria for a cozy twist.
Swap your base wine: If you like something a little richer, try a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or a light sparkling wine — it’ll change the profile but stay in the same cozy lane.
FAQ’s:
Yes! See the mocktail version above — it’s festive, flavor-packed, and totally inclusive.
If kept refrigerated, it’s best within 24 hours. The fruit continues to infuse the longer it sits, but after about a day the carbonation gets a little softer, so I recommend serving sooner rather than later.
Sure — frozen berries or cranberries can step in nicely. Just thaw slightly so they release some flavor and don’t water down your sangria.
Honeycrisp apples: Crisp, juicy, and sweet — they hold their texture beautifully and make the sangria extra refreshing. Granny Smith: Tart and firm, these balance out the sweetness from cider and fruit for that perfect tangy bite. Fuji or Gala: Naturally sweet, with a lovely crunch — great if you prefer a slightly softer flavor profile. Finally, Pink Lady (aka Cripps Pink): A great middle ground between sweet and tart; they add bright color and crisp texture.
Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just use a large pitcher or beverage dispenser and keep extra chilled in the fridge until ready to serve.
Final Notes
There you have it — a crisp, flavorful, make-ahead sangria that nails the feel of fall. Whether you’re welcoming friends, hosting a brunch, or just looking for the perfect evening sipper, keep this in your arsenal. Cheers to good friends, cozy fall nights & effortless entertaining. 🍂🍎
Watch the video:
Other favorite fall cocktail recipes:
- NYE Holiday Champagne Punch
- The Best Espresso Martini Recipe
- Mulled Wine
- Orange Cranberry Margarita
- Slow Cooker Mulled Cider
- Caramel Apple Martini
- Try the Classic Sangria in my cookbook!
Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
- 2 apples roughly chopped
- 1 orange sliced
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 bottle of your favorite white wine Pinot Grigio is great here
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 2-1/2 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger optional
- 1 cup carbonated water or club soda
For Garnish:
- Additional fruit
- Paleo Caramel for the rim of the glass, optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large pitcher, except carbonated water. Let sit
- Serve over ice with fresh fruit!
Made for thanksgiving and everyone loved! We had to make three consecutive batches because it was so refreshing and delicious and the perfect combination of fall flavors. Will be looking for any and every opportunity to make again!
Made this evening for a gathering and it was raved over! Made a double batch and barely any leftover. Thanks for a festive drink, Lexi!
Love this idea!! Any thoughts on subbing frozen cranberries for the pom seeds?
Totally can!
This is a beautiful ( and delicious) addition to our Thanksgiving
Instead of soda water & a bottle of white wine, could I just do a bottle of cava or prosecco?
Lexi this recipe looks amazing we would love to feature it in our Healthier options for thanksgiving blog this year, with your permission of course! We would share your recipe by linking directly to your blog and utilize your photo if you are okay with this!
Looking forward to working with you
xoxo
Becca
What carbonated water do you use?
I made this for a tailgate gathering. I started out serving it chilled, but the weather turned cold. I served it warm and it was a hit!
Awesome idea 🙂
I made this for Thanksgiving last year and it’s been requested again!
YAY.
This sounds amazing!