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Cozy Apple Cider Sangria with Cinnamon Sticks

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A warm, spiced fall sangria made with apple cider, white wine, apple brandy, and cinnamon sticks. Perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) apple cider, preferably fresh and unfiltered
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • ½ cup (120 ml) apple brandy, such as Calvados
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) orange liqueur, such as triple sec or Cointreau
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
  • 4–5 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
  • 1 large navel orange, sliced into thin rounds and quartered
  • ½ cup (60 grams) fresh cranberries (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) club soda or ginger ale, for topping

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the apples and orange. Core the apples and slice into thin rounds or half-moons, about ¼-inch thick. Leave the peel on. Slice the orange into thin rounds, then cut each round into quarters. If using cranberries, rinse and pick out any that look squishy.
  2. In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider, white wine, apple brandy, orange liqueur, and honey. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the honey dissolves. If the honey is stubborn, warm it in the microwave for 10 seconds before adding.
  3. Add the sliced apples, orange pieces, and cranberries to the pitcher. Tuck the cinnamon sticks down into the liquid. Stir gently to distribute the fruit evenly.
  4. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4-6 hours or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. When ready to serve, fill each glass about two-thirds full with the sangria mixture, including some fruit and a cinnamon stick in each glass. Top off with a splash of club soda or ginger ale. Stir gently.
  6. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or a thin apple slice if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let the sangria chill for at least 4-6 hours. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. Use whole cinnamon sticks, not ground cinnamon, to avoid a gritty texture. Honeycrisp apples hold their shape best. If making ahead, add club soda or ginger ale just before serving to maintain fizz. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with more apple cider or sparkling apple juice, and replace brandy and liqueur with orange juice and vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall sangria, cinnamon sticks, apple cider drink, fall cocktail, easy sangria recipe, holiday drink

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/cozy-apple-cider-sangria-with-cinnamon-sticks-easy-fall-drink/