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Light and Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Sangria: Best Easy Fall Recipe

caramel apple cider sangria - featured image

A lighter, fresher take on classic sangria that delivers all the cozy fall feels. This easy recipe combines crisp white wine, apple cider, and a whisper of caramel for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink perfect for any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) apple cider (unfiltered)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy or bourbon (optional)
  • 1 apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
  • 1 pear (Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 12 cups (240480 ml) sparkling water or club soda
  • Optional garnishes: star anise, fresh rosemary sprigs, extra caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the caramel sauce for about 30 seconds until runny (or microwave for 10-15 seconds).
  2. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, and brandy or bourbon (if using). Stir gently.
  3. Slowly pour the warmed caramel sauce into the pitcher while stirring continuously until fully dissolved.
  4. Add the sliced apple, sliced pear, and cinnamon stick. Stir gently to submerge the fruit.
  5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  6. When ready to serve, remove the cinnamon stick. Fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over the ice, including some fruit in each glass.
  7. Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda just before serving.
  8. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick, rosemary sprig, or a drizzle of caramel on the rim, if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the chill time—the flavors meld and improve after several hours. Use a dry white wine to avoid a sugar bomb. Add sparkling water per glass to keep it bubbly. For a mocktail, omit wine and brandy, use 3 cups apple cider and 1 cup chilled strong cinnamon tea. Leftover fruit is delicious over ice cream or yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cider sangria, fall sangria, easy sangria recipe, light sangria, white wine sangria, apple cider cocktail, fall cocktail, party drink