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Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Sangria: Easy Fall Recipe

cozy caramel apple cider sangria - featured image

A warm and comforting fall sangria made with apple cider, caramel, bourbon, and white wine. This forgiving recipe is perfect for gatherings and tastes like autumn in a mug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought, thick not runny)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (optional, but recommended)
  • 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cut into thin wedges
  • 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds and quartered
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
  • 34 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
  • Ice (for serving)
  • Sparkling water or ginger beer (optional, for fizz)

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash apples and orange. Cut apples into thin wedges (about 1/4 inch thick). Slice orange into thin rounds, then quarter each round. Remove seeds. Place fruit in a large pitcher.
  2. Add the spices: Drop in cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise (if using).
  3. Warm the caramel (optional): If caramel sauce is thick, warm it in a small saucepan over low heat for about 30 seconds until loose enough to pour.
  4. Mix the liquids: Pour apple cider and white wine into the pitcher. Add bourbon if using. Drizzle in warm caramel sauce while stirring gently with a wooden spoon.
  5. Sweeten to taste: Add maple syrup or honey, starting with 2 tablespoons. Stir well, taste, and adjust. Typically about 1/4 cup total.
  6. Chill: Cover pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Stir gently every hour if possible.
  7. Serve: Fill glasses with ice (or skip). Ladle sangria into glasses, including fruit and spices. Top with a splash of sparkling water or ginger beer if desired. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.

Notes

Make the sangria the night before for best flavor. Don’t over-muddle the fruit. Use good ice (large cubes or frozen apple cider cubes). The orange is crucial to balance sweetness. If using store-bought caramel, choose one with real cream and sugar, not corn syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: sangria, fall, apple cider, caramel, bourbon, white wine, easy, cozy, autumn