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Perfect Caramel Apple Cider Sangria: Easy Fall Recipe

caramel apple cider sangria - featured image

This Perfect Caramel Apple Cider Sangria is the drink you didn’t know you needed until you’re holding it at a bonfire or passing it around the table during Friendsgiving. It’s quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing fall beverage.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) bourbon or whiskey (optional)
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp apples
  • 1 medium Bosc pear
  • 34 cinnamon sticks
  • 23 star anise pods (optional)
  • 23 thin slices fresh ginger
  • 1 cup (240 ml) club soda or sparkling water (optional)
  • For the caramel rim (optional): 2 tablespoons additional caramel sauce, 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Warm the caramel: Spoon 1/4 cup of caramel sauce into a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15-20 seconds until loose and pourable. Add 2 tablespoons of the apple cider and stir until completely smooth.
  2. Build the base: Pour the entire bottle of white wine into a large pitcher. Add the warm caramel-cider mixture and stir well. Add the bourbon if using, and stir again.
  3. Add the cider and spices: Pour in the remaining apple cider. Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and ginger slices. Give everything a gentle stir.
  4. Prep the fruit: Wash the apples and pear. Cut them into thin slices or small cubes (about 1/4-inch thick). Remove any seeds or tough core pieces. Drop the fruit into the pitcher.
  5. Chill and steep: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, ideally 4-6 hours or overnight.
  6. Prepare the caramel rim (optional): When ready to serve, mix the cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Pour a thin layer of caramel sauce onto another plate. Dip the rim of each glass into the caramel, then into the cinnamon sugar. Let them set for a minute.
  7. Serve: Give the pitcher one last gentle stir. Fill each glass about 3/4 full with the sangria, making sure to include some fruit and a cinnamon stick in each serving. Top with a splash of club soda if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let the sangria chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. The caramel rim is optional but adds a nice touch. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with more apple cider or sparkling apple juice and skip the bourbon. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cider sangria, fall sangria, apple cider sangria, caramel sangria, fall cocktail, easy sangria recipe