Spiced Apple Cider Sangria | Joyful Healthy Eats

Why No Fall Party Is Complete Without Apple Cider Sangria

I’ve made this spiced apple cider sangria for mahjong parties with friends a few times this season, and it’s been such a hit that I’m adding it to my Thanksgiving menu too! 

• Star anise gives it that little something extra. Cinnamon sticks are common in apple cider sangria recipes, but I wanted this one to be a standout, and star anise was the secret. It adds a unique flavor, and it’s also so pretty!
• Fizzy or still options. Add sparkling water for a bubbly drink or serve as-is for a sangria that’s still (and a little stronger).
• Big batch cocktails for the win. Sangria is the original big batch cocktail recipe! Make it ahead, let it infuse, then pour and serve.

What You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this easy apple cider sangria recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

• White wine – I like Sauvignon Blanc for a crisp, refreshing sangria, but Riesling works too if you prefer something a little sweeter. (For another sangria that uses white wine, try this white wine sangria recipe!)
• Apple cider – Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best apple flavor. 
• Bourbon or brandy – Bourbon adds warmth, while brandy gives the sangria a more fruity flavor.
• Orange – Fresh orange slices add a citrusy brightness.
• Honeycrisp apple – Or another sweet-tart, crisp apple.
• Star anise – Anise has a licorice-like flavor that’s lovely in sangria! You can often find whole star anise in the bulk spice section at the grocery store.
• Cinnamon sticks – Using cinnamon sticks, as opposed to ground cinnamon, infuses the sangria with flavor and ensures the spices won’t simply float on top.
• Sparkling water – Optional, to make it bubbly.

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Here’s how easy it is to make the perfect fall cocktail recipe:

• Combine the ingredients. Add the white wine, apple cider, bourbon or brandy, sliced orange, sliced apple, star anise, and cinnamon sticks to a pitcher.
• Stir. Give everything a good stir to combine.
• Chill. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
• Serve. Fill glasses with ice and pour in the sangria, adding some of the fruit to each glass. Top with a splash of sparkling water, if desired.

Variation Ideas

I love sangria because it’s so easy to swap out this or that and make it your own. This apple cider sangria is no exception!

• Use red wine. Swap the white wine for red wine if you’d like a richer flavor.
• Serve it hot. Gently warm the sangria in a saucepan, then transfer it to your crockpot on the keep warm setting for parties.
• Add cranberries. Toss in a handful of fresh cranberries; since they’re not crushed, they won’t add much flavor to the sangria, but they are a pretty finish!

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Store apple cider sangria covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. Remove the fruit and spices after the first day; this keeps the sangria from developing off flavors and getting cloudy.
• To serve leftovers: Give the sangria a stir, pour it over ice, and add new fruit slices to freshen it up.

More Fall Cocktail Recipes