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Cozy Apple Cider Caramel Sangria: Easy Halloween Punch

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This Cozy Apple Cider Caramel Sangria is a crisp, sweet, and refreshing cold punch perfect for Halloween and autumn gatherings. It’s an easy, make-ahead drink that combines apple cider, dry white wine, and caramel vodka for a surprisingly delicious crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or dry Riesling)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) caramel vodka (e.g., Smirnoff Caramel Vodka or Pinnacle Whipped caramel version)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple brandy or Calvados (optional)
  • 2–3 medium fresh apples (mix of sweet like Honeycrisp or Fuji, and tart like Granny Smith)
  • 1–2 fresh oranges
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 star anise pods (optional)
  • Caramel sauce (for rimming glasses, optional)
  • Coarse sugar or crushed graham crackers (for rimming glasses, optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples and oranges. Cut the apples into thin slices or small bite-sized cubes (leave the peel on). Cut the oranges into thin rounds. Set a few slices aside for garnish.
  2. In a large pitcher or punch bowl (2-3 quart capacity), combine 4 cups apple cider, the entire bottle of dry white wine, and 1 cup caramel vodka. If using apple brandy, add it now. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  3. Drop in the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods (if using). Gently add the sliced apples and oranges, pushing them down into the liquid.
  4. Cover the pitcher or bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight (12-24 hours). For best flavor, remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise after 12 hours if making ahead.
  5. Optional: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the glass rims. Pour a thin layer of caramel sauce onto a small plate. On another plate, spread coarse sugar or crushed graham crackers. Dip the rim of each glass into the caramel, then into the sugar. Let set for a few minutes.
  6. Just before serving, give the sangria a gentle stir. Fill prepared glasses with ice (optional, but ice will dilute slightly). Ladle or pour the sangria into glasses, including some fruit and a cinnamon stick in each. Garnish with a fresh apple slice or orange wheel.
  7. For parties, keep ice separate and pour chilled sangria over ice in individual glasses to prevent dilution. Alternatively, freeze apple cider in ice cube trays to use as ice cubes.

Notes

The magic happens during chilling—don’t skip it. For a non-alcoholic version, omit wine, vodka, and brandy; replace wine with sparkling apple cider or ginger ale and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. For a hot version, combine apple cider, caramel vodka, and spices in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours (omit wine and fresh fruit except garnish). To prevent apple browning if making a day ahead, toss apple slices in a little lemon juice. This sangria keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; fruit may get mushy after 24 hours, so you can strain and add fresh fruit before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, caramel sangria, Halloween punch, fall cocktail, easy sangria recipe, apple cider cocktail, party punch

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cozy-apple-cider-caramel-sangria-easy-halloween-punch/