Apple Cider Sangria
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Sep. 18, 2025
This apple cider sangria makes my hosting life so much easier. It can be made ahead, chilled, and served when guests arrive. It’s light, festive, and perfect for fall parties and holiday gatherings. Bonus: you only need 3 ingredients!
In This Article
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Amy’s Notes
This apple cider sangria is my favorite fall cocktail when I want something festive without the fuss. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- Only 3 Ingredients: It needs just apple cider, wine, and cognac to get the party started. It’s quick, easy, and delivers a flavor that feels like it took much more effort.
- Perfect for the Season: The mix of crisp cider, dry wine, and smooth cognac tastes like fall in a glass. It’s ideal for holidays or simply sipping by the fire, like our Pomegranate Apple Sangria.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: I love that it can be made up to two hours in advance and chilled until guests arrive. It’s just as convenient as our Pear Sangria.
- Festive Garnishes: Sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and ice add flair without any extra work. Everyone gets to dress up their glass their way.
- Always a Hit: Every time I serve it, the pitcher is gone before I know it. It’s light, crisp, and just sweet enough to keep everyone going back for more.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Dry White Wine or Champagne – Provides a crisp, refreshing base that balances the sweetness of the cider and pairs beautifully with fall flavors.
- Fresh Apple Cider – Brings natural apple sweetness and cozy autumn vibes, making this sangria perfect for gatherings or holiday sipping.
- Cognac – Adds warmth, depth, and a subtle richness that elevates the cocktail into something special.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Wine Options: Dry white wine works beautifully, but you can use champagne or prosecco if you want something bubbly. A light rosé also adds a fresh, fruity flavor.
- Liquor Variations: Cognac adds richness, but brandy, spiced rum, or even bourbon can be used depending on what you have available.
- Cider Options: Fresh apple cider gives the best flavor, but unsweetened apple juice works if cider isn’t available. Sparkling cider is another option if you’d like extra fizz.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Mix the wine, apple cider, and cognac together in a large pitcher or drink dispenser until fully combined.
- Serve the sangria cold in glasses with optional garnishes like apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or ice.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Mix the Base Early: Stir together the apple cider, cognac, and wine up to 2 hours before serving. If you’re using champagne instead of wine, hold off and add it right before serving so the bubbles stay fresh and fizzy.
What To Serve with Apple Cider Sangria
Holiday Appetizers
- We love serving this sangria alongside bites like Brie and Fig Crostini or even a charcuterie board for an easy festive spread.
- It’s also great with rosemary garlic nuts or Pumpkin Crostini with Goat Cheese and Bacon to nibble while sipping.
Fall Dinner Pairings
- This drink pairs beautifully with cozy dishes like Sheet Pan Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Butternut Squash Risotto, or a hearty Grilled Pork Tenderloin.
- The apple cider base complements flavors like Stuffing with Sausage and Apples and Honey Glazed Carrots at a holiday table.
Apple Cider Sangria
This Apple Cider Sangria needs only 3 ingredients to get the party started. Add in your favorite garnishes for a festive fall cocktail; perfect for holidays or sipping by the fire.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry white wine, 750 ml
- 2 cups fresh apple cider juice
- ½ cup cognac
Optional Garnishes:
- apples, thinly sliced
- cinnamon sticks
- ice
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or drink dispenser, mix together the wine, apple cider, and cognac. This mixture can be made up to 2 hours ahead of time and chilled (unless you’re using champagne; in that case, add the champagne just before serving.)
- Serve chilled apple sangria with garnishes as desired.
Notes
- Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a crisp balance to the sweet cider.
- If you like bubbles, use champagne or Prosecco but add it just before serving so it stays fizzy.
- Mix the wine, cider, and cognac up to 2 hours ahead of time and chill. This gives the flavors time to meld while keeping the drink refreshing.
- Garnish with thinly sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, or even pears and cranberries for a festive look and added flavor.
- This recipe is part of our Cocktail Recipes Collection.
- Serve in a large pitcher or drink dispenser if you’re hosting a group. Have extra garnishes on the side so guests can dress up their own glass.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0.05g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 0.5IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wine works best?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great. If you prefer something sparkling, use a dry champagne or Prosecco, but remember to add it right before serving.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Swap the wine and cognac for sparkling apple cider or ginger ale for a festive, family-friendly version.
What garnishes go well with apple cider sangria?
Thinly sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and ice are classic. You could also add pears, oranges, or even cranberries for the holidays.
How long does apple cider sangria keep?
It’s best enjoyed the same day while the flavors are fresh. You can, however, make the base up to 2 hours ahead
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