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Easy Homemade Apple Cider Sangria with Cinnamon Sticks

Easy Homemade Apple Cider Sangria with Cinnamon Sticks - featured image
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A quick and easy apple cider sangria that comes together in just five minutes of prep. This crowd-pleasing drink features crisp apple cider, dry white wine, and warm cinnamon sticks for a perfectly balanced fall-inspired cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) apple cider
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or dry Riesling)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple brandy or bourbon (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sparkling water or ginger ale
  • 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced or cubed
  • 1 medium orange, thinly sliced into wheels
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (optional)
  • 2–3 star anise pods (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash the apple and orange. Cut the apple into thin rounds or small bite-sized cubes, leaving the skin on. Slice the orange into thin wheels. Optionally, cut a few strips of orange peel with a vegetable peeler for garnish.
  2. Build the base: In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider, white wine, and apple brandy or bourbon (if using). Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add the aromatics: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods (if using), and the sliced fruit. Stir gently again without crushing the fruit.
  4. Sweeten to taste: Taste the mixture. If needed, stir in honey or maple syrup one tablespoon at a time. Remember that the fruit will release natural sweetness as it sits.
  5. Chill: Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
  6. Add the fizz: Just before serving, pour in the sparkling water or ginger ale. Stir very gently to preserve the bubbles.
  7. Serve: Fill glasses with ice. Pour the sangria over the ice, ensuring each glass gets some fruit and a cinnamon stick. Garnish with a fresh apple slice or orange peel ribbon if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. The liquid base can be made up to 24 hours ahead; add fresh fruit 1-2 hours before serving. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with more apple cider or non-alcoholic wine and skip the brandy. Leftover sangria keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; fruit will soften after day one. The liquid base can be frozen (without fruit or fizz) for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, cinnamon sticks, fall cocktail, easy sangria, white wine sangria, apple cider drink, party drink, weeknight cocktail

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-homemade-apple-cider-sangria-with-cinnamon-sticks-40-characters/