Take advantage of fall’s abundance of apples with this apple cider sangria. Mix and match your favorite apple varieties!
For the longest time, I have talked about driving along the East Coast to experience New England’s fall foliage. I long to see the changing palettes of nature.
I want to see all those leaves turn from lively green to beautiful gold; see the reds, yellows, and deep colors of fall. One day.
One day Alex and I are going to take that gorgeous drive and end up in Maine where we’re going to eat our weight in lobster. Until then, this apple cider sangria will have to do.
Fall Sangria
Can you see fall’s warm colors in this sangria? I sure can.
Sangria translates well into any season. Since apples is in full bloom, why not take advantage?
This apple cider sangria is easy to customize to your liking. It only requires a handful of ingredients:
- White Wine
- Apple Cider
- Calvados
- Fresh Apples
- Club Soda
White Wine
Choose a dry white wine that is light and refreshing.
I suggest using pinot grigio. Pinot grigio wines tend to be on the acidic side.
It will mellow wonderfully with the sweet apple cider.
Other wine options include: pinot gris and New Zealand sauvignon blanc.
Stay away from sweet moscato wine or oaky chardonnay wine.
Apple Cider
The labeling of “apple cider” versus “apple juice” varies from state to state.
For the sake of this recipe, apple cider refers to unfiltered pressed apples.
It is juice that is a bit cloudy and thicker than your regular boxed apple juice.
Do not use Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider. That’s a completely different product!
Calvados
Calvados is apple brandy produced in Normandy (Northern France).
It is made from pressed apples that is fermented into a dry cider. The liquid is distilled into brandy and aged.
Calvados adds a rich apple flavor that highlights the sweetness of the apple cider.
If you cannot find Calvados you may substitute in pear brandy or a light brandy.
Big box beverage stores like BevMo and Total Wine carry many varieties of Calvados.
White Wine Autumn Sangria
With all the different varieties of apples available, it’s fun to mix and match and find your favorites.
There are well over a thousand apple varieties. I used a combination of:
- Granny Smith
- Braeburn
- Honeycrisp
Granny Smith is the best variety to use for sangria. It adds the perfect bright tartness to contrast with the slightly sweet white wine and apple cider mixture.
As always, it is best to let sangria sit for a couple hours (overnight is ideal) to allow the flavors to meld together.
More Fall Inspired Cocktails and Drinks
- Apple Harvest Punch combines apple cider, whiskey, ginger beer, and fruits together.
- Orange Vanilla Mulled Wine is a warm beverage made with red wine, various spices, and fruit.
- Apple Pie Moonshine Cocktail is a party favorite that is smooth and super easy to drink!
Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
- 750 mL bottle Pinot Grigio
- 2 cups apple cider
- ½ cup Calvados (apple brandy)
- 3 apples, unpeeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup club soda
Instructions
- In a large pitcher combine wine, apple cider, Calvados, and sliced apples. Cover and let chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour allow to allow flavors to infuse. Add club soda before serving. Stir to combine. Serve chilled, with ice if desired. Garnish with fresh apple slices
Notes
- Choose a dry white wine that is light and refreshing. I suggest Pinot Grigio. It is an acidic wine that will mellow wonderfully with the sweet apple cider.
- Other white wine options: pinot gris and New Zealand sauvignon blanc.
- Stay away from sweet moscato or oaky chardonnay wines.
- The labeling of “apple cider” vs “apple juice” varies from state to state.
- In this recipe, apple cider refers to unfiltered pressed apples. It is juice that is a bit cloudy and thicker than your regular boxed apple juice.
That is one beautiful thing about living on the east coast. The lush greenery slowly turning to golden orange hues is stunning.
You have brought us another delicious boozy beverage. I am in love with the fall flavors in this sangria. Pinning!
Thank Jen! I’m hoping to make cocktail recipes a weekly thing, especially with the upcoming holidays! :)
Yeah! I made apple cider sangria this week too. It’s perfect for fall. I always thought of sangria as just a summer thing. Glad I’ve come around! And you two should definitely do the drive one day. It’s worth it!
Sangria is perfect all year! During winter I hope to make a really dark red sangria full of spices. I really want to do the drive! I just need to plan it all out :)
Sangria is so yummy! I haven’t had it with apples before but this recipe looks so simple and refreshing, I want to try this soon. Pinned!
Thanks Sarah! Cheers!
I went to school in New Hampshire and had a great accounting professor who told all the boys to use Columbus Day weekend to go on a romantic leaf peeping trip with their girlfriends. He called it his “patented way to make sure you can watch lots of sports over the coming months” and gave lots of tips about holding hands and pointing out “all the colors, like a sunset.” I wonder how many college guys are still following his lead!
When you plan your trip I will give you all the rest of his tips! If you go in mid-October you can ALSO visit pumpkin farms where they serve cider doughnuts. Please go! New England is just magic, even if they don’t have this sangria there. You can introduce them! :)
What an awesome professor! I will definitely contact you before I make the trip out to New England :)
Love this version of sangria, so delicious and perfectly seasonal!
Thanks Jess!
Fantastic recipes. Nice assortment of main courses, cocktails, starters, diet meals, quick meals and elaborate meals. Look forward to your newsletters.