If you’re on the hunt for a festive, refreshing drink that’s super easy to pull together, you’re going to love this Simple Apple Cider Sangria Recipe. I absolutely love how this sangria blends crisp apples, smooth white wine, and just a hint of pecan vodka for that unexpected cozy twist. It’s one of those recipes I reach for when I want something that tastes fancy but comes together in minutes — perfect for fall gatherings, casual nights, or anytime you want a sip of autumn in a glass.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple & Quick: You literally mix all the ingredients in one pitcher — no complicated steps or equipment needed.
- Seasonal Flavors: The fresh apples and pear combined with apple cider capture the essence of autumn perfectly.
- Versatile & Crowd-Friendly: It’s easy to tweak based on your taste or what’s in your fridge, and guests always ask for seconds.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: It tastes even better after resting in the fridge for a bit, making it ideal for parties or casual entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Simple Apple Cider Sangria Recipe, I love choosing apples with distinct flavors — like Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, and Fuji for that nice balance. Throwing in a pear adds an extra layer of juicy freshness, and the pecan-flavored vodka is my personal secret weapon to give it a subtle nutty warmth.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tart crunch cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- Honeycrisp apple: Brings juicy sweetness and a refreshing bite.
- Fuji apple: A great all-around apple that adds a natural sweetness without overpowering.
- Pear: Softens the flavor with a mellow, floral note.
- White wine: Pick a dry or off-dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a crisp base.
- Apple cider: Use fresh, unfiltered cider if you can; it makes a big difference in flavor.
- Pecan flavored vodka: Adds a warm, nutty twist that takes this sangria to the next level.
Variations
One of the best things about this Simple Apple Cider Sangria Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few twists — and honestly, it’s fun to tailor it depending on the season or your mood.
- Spiced Version: Adding a cinnamon stick or a few cloves while it chills gives it that cozy holiday vibe my family adores.
- White Wine Swap: I’ve tried rosé or even sparkling wine for a bubbly touch that’s super festive for brunch.
- Vodka-Free: If you want to keep it light, skip the pecan vodka; the cider and apples still make it delicious.
- Fruit Mix-Up: Sometimes I swap the pear for orange slices or add frozen berries for color and a pop of tartness.
How to Make Simple Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Fresh Fruit
Start by washing and coring the apples and pear. Dice them into bite-sized pieces — roughly the same size so each sip has a good mix of flavors. I like to keep the skin on because it adds texture and that rustic charm. Pro tip: toss a little lemon juice on the fruit if you’re prepping ahead to keep it from browning.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Large Pitcher
Next, pour the white wine and apple cider into a large pitcher. Add the diced fruit on top, then pour in the pecan-flavored vodka. Give it a good gentle stir to mix everything together. Don’t worry if the fruit looks like it’s floating—this is exactly what you want!
Step 3: Chill and Serve
I usually let my Simple Apple Cider Sangria Recipe chill in the fridge for at least an hour, but if you can give it 3-4 hours or overnight, even better. The fruit flavors meld with the wine and cider, making every sip taste more rounded and refreshing. Serve it chilled over ice, and make sure to scoop some of the fruit bits into each glass — that’s where the magic happens!
Pro Tips for Making Simple Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
- Balance Your Apples: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples keeps the flavor lively and interesting — I never use just one kind.
- Chill Time is Key: I discovered this trick—letting it sit overnight really deepens the flavor and softens the fruit for a lovely texture.
- Choose Your Wine Wisely: Stick to a dry or semi-dry white; too sweet a wine can make this sangria overwhelming.
- Use Fresh Cider: I once used shelf-stable cider and missed out on the punch of fresh apple flavor — fresh is the way to go!
How to Serve Simple Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
I like to garnish my sangria with thin apple slices, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of fresh rosemary. These little touches do double duty — they add a burst of color and a subtle aroma that elevates the experience. When friends come over, these garnishes always get compliments, and it makes the drink feel extra special.
Side Dishes
My go-to pairings for this sangria are warm spiced nuts, cheese and charcuterie boards, or simple roasted chicken dishes. The sangria’s fruity brightness complements savory flavors beautifully, and it’s a hit during casual get-togethers or holiday meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this sangria in a big glass punch bowl, with plenty of colorful fresh fruit floating on top. Adding edible flowers or sparkling apple slices makes the presentation pop. It’s a real showstopper at fall parties and gives everyone something to ooh and ahh over before the first sip!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep any leftover sangria in a sealed pitcher or glass jar in the fridge. It stays fresh — and delicious — for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again, because the fruit tends to settle. I sometimes toss the fruit after a day or two and refresh with new apple slices if I’m planning to keep it longer.
Freezing
I haven’t had much luck freezing sangria because the texture changes when the liquid thaws, and the fruit gets mushy. If you want to prepare ahead, it’s best to assemble everything except the fruit, then add the fresh fruit when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
This Sangria is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want a warm twist, especially on chilly evenings, try gently warming a small amount with some added cinnamon and cloves on the stove — just don’t boil it or add the alcohol until the end, or you’ll cook it off! I usually stick to serving it chilled, though.
FAQs
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Can I make this Simple Apple Cider Sangria Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply omit the white wine and pecan vodka. Replace the wine with sparkling water or non-alcoholic white grape juice, and skip the vodka or use a pecan-flavored syrup if you want to maintain some of that nutty aroma. It will be just as refreshing but family-friendly.
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What kind of vodka works best if I don’t have pecan flavored?
If you can’t find pecan-flavored vodka, plain vodka with a splash of pecan or vanilla extract works well. Alternatively, pumpkin spice vodka or cinnamon-flavored varieties can add a nice seasonal twist. Just adjust quantity to taste to keep the flavors balanced.
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How long can I prepare the sangria in advance?
I recommend preparing it up to a full day ahead and refrigerating. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Any longer than three days, and the fruit may start to break down too much, affecting texture and taste.
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Can I adjust the sweetness of this sangria?
Definitely. If you like it sweeter, try adding a splash of honey, maple syrup, or apple juice. Conversely, you can add a little more dry white wine or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance sweetness and add brightness.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Apple Cider Sangria Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to drinks when I want something festive yet effortless. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or cozying up in the kitchen with a glass to myself. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s just as easy as it is delicious — and that’s a win in my book. I’m so excited for you to give it a whirl and make it your own — cheers to all the apple-scented memories you’re about to create!
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Simple Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and simple apple cider sangria featuring a blend of crisp apples, juicy pear, white wine, apple cider, and a hint of pecan flavored vodka for a delightful autumn-inspired cocktail.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and diced
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and diced
- 1 Fuji apple, cored and diced
- 1 pear, cored and diced
Liquids
- 25 ounces white wine (750 mL bottle)
- 3 cups apple cider
- ½ cup pecan flavored vodka
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Core and dice all the apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji) and the pear into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even sizes for an appealing presentation and easy serving.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, add the diced fruits, pour in the white wine, apple cider, and pecan flavored vodka. Stir gently to blend the flavors without bruising the fruit.
- Chill and Serve: Place the sangria in the refrigerator and chill before serving. Serve the sangria cold to enjoy the crisp and fruity flavors at their best.
Notes
- Calories provided are an approximation based on a 10-ounce serving of the apple sangria; actual calories can vary depending on specific brands and quantities used.
- Store the apple sangria in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 ounces
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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