A refreshing pitcher cocktail perfect for autumn gatherings, featuring apple cider, red wine, and warm spices.
Author:charliehayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:0 min
Total Time:4 hr 15 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Cocktail
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup brandy or applejack
1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
1 pear, cored and thinly sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup fresh cranberries (optional)
Sparkling water or club soda, for serving
Instructions
In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, apple cider, brandy, and orange liqueur.
Add the sliced orange, apple, and pear to the pitcher.
Tuck in the cinnamon sticks and fresh cranberries, if using.
Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the sangria a good stir.
Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice.
Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda.
Notes
For a white sangria variation, use a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc and add lemon slices instead of orange.
To make a nonalcoholic version, substitute the wine with more apple cider and omit the brandy and orange liqueur. Add a splash of cranberry juice for color and tartness.
You can prepare the sangria base up to 2 days in advance. Add the fruit closer to serving time for best texture.
Consider adding star anise or cloves for extra spice.