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Cozy Apple Cider Sangria: 5-Ingredient Easy Fall Drink

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This cozy apple cider sangria with cinnamon sticks is a 5-ingredient, 5-minute prep fall drink that tastes like autumn itself. Made with dry red wine, fresh apple cider, maple syrup, and cinnamon, it’s the perfect make-ahead cocktail for cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Merlot, Zinfandel, or Tempranillo)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) apple cider (unfiltered, fresh pressed)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple brandy or Calvados (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 4–5 cinnamon sticks (whole)
  • 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash the apple and orange thoroughly. Cut the apple in half, remove the core, and slice into thin half-moons (about 1/4-inch thick). Slice the orange into thin rounds. Do not peel the orange.
  2. Combine the liquids: In a large pitcher, pour the entire bottle of red wine, 2 cups apple cider, and 1/2 cup apple brandy (if using). Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add the sweetener: Pour in 1/4 cup maple syrup and stir well until fully incorporated, scraping the bottom of the pitcher.
  4. Add the spices and fruit: Drop in 4-5 cinnamon sticks, then add the sliced apple and orange. Stir gently to distribute.
  5. Chill overnight: Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably 12-24 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Give the sangria a gentle stir. Fill glasses about 3/4 full, including a few pieces of fruit and a cinnamon stick in each glass. Serve chilled.

Notes

The overnight rest is crucial for flavor development. Do not skip it. For a deeper cinnamon flavor, toast the cinnamon sticks in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side before adding. Use a dry red wine to balance the sweetness. If the sangria is not sweet enough after resting, stir in more maple syrup a teaspoon at a time. If too sweet, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall sangria, easy sangria recipe, 5-ingredient sangria, cinnamon sangria, cozy fall drink, apple cider cocktail

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/cozy-apple-cider-sangria-5-ingredient-easy-fall-drink/