Cinnamon Apple Sangria – When the crisp air of autumn arrives and the holiday season draws near, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a glass of Cinnamon Apple Sangria. This festive cocktail combines the rich flavors of red wine, crisp apples, warm cinnamon, and a splash of brandy to create the ultimate fall and winter drink. Unlike traditional sangria, which is typically fruity and refreshing, this version has a cozy, spiced twist that makes it perfect for chilly evenings, Thanksgiving dinners, or Christmas gatherings.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Active Time: 15 minutes
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Resting Time: 2–4 hours (chilling for flavors to infuse)
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Total Time: About 4 hours 15 minutes
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Cuisines: Spanish / Modern Fusion
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Course: Beverage / Cocktail
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Servings: 6–8 glasses
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Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
Equipment Needed
To prepare this spiced autumn cocktail, you’ll need:
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Large pitcher or glass jug
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Wooden spoon (for stirring)
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Measuring cups/jigger
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Sharp knife & cutting board
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Wine glasses or mason jars
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Ladle (for serving)
Ingredients
For 6–8 servings:
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1 bottle (750 ml) red wine (Merlot, Cabernet, or Rioja recommended)
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½ cup brandy (or spiced rum for variation)
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2 cups apple cider (fresh, unsweetened preferred)
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2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
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2 medium apples (thinly sliced, leave peel on for color)
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1 orange (thinly sliced into rounds)
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1 pear (sliced, optional for extra flavor)
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2–3 cinnamon sticks
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2–3 whole star anise (optional for warmth)
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Sparkling water or ginger ale (to top, optional)
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 8 mg |
| Alcohol Content | ~11–12% ABV |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
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Wash apples, oranges, and pears thoroughly.
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Slice apples and pears into thin wedges.
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Cut the orange into thin rounds or half-moons.
Step 2: Mix the Base
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In a large pitcher, combine red wine, brandy, and apple cider.
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Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Add Flavors
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Add sliced fruits, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
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If you like it sweeter, mix in maple syrup or honey.
Step 4: Chill
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Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours.
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For the best flavor, let it sit overnight to allow the fruit and spices to fully infuse.
Step 5: Serve
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Stir before serving to redistribute flavors.
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Pour into glasses filled with ice.
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Garnish with a cinnamon stick or an apple slice.
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For a fizzy twist, top with sparkling water or ginger ale just before serving.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Apple Sangria
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Choose the right wine – A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Rioja works beautifully.
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Don’t skip the chilling time – Letting it rest ensures that the cinnamon and fruit flavors blend perfectly.
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Adjust sweetness – Add maple syrup, honey, or even brown sugar to taste.
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Make it sparkling – Add a splash of prosecco or champagne for a festive sparkle.
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Non-alcoholic option – Replace wine and brandy with grape juice and sparkling cider for a family-friendly version.
Variations
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White Cinnamon Apple Sangria – Use white wine and pears instead of red wine and oranges for a lighter version.
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Cranberry Cinnamon Sangria – Add fresh cranberries for a tart, colorful holiday twist.
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Caramel Apple Sangria – Add a drizzle of caramel syrup to the mix for a dessert-like drink.
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Spiced Rum Sangria – Swap brandy for spiced rum to deepen the warmth of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Sangria
This cocktail is the perfect embodiment of fall and winter—fruity, spiced, cozy, and festive. It’s versatile enough to serve at a casual gathering, yet elegant enough for holiday dinners. The aroma of cinnamon paired with crisp apples makes it not only delicious but also incredibly inviting.
Final Thoughts
The Cinnamon Apple Sangria is more than just a cocktail—it’s an experience of warmth, comfort, and celebration. With the richness of red wine, the sweetness of apples, and the spiced charm of cinnamon, every sip feels like fall in a glass
