Hard Apple Cider Sangria for Fall
A refreshing and fruity drink for fall, this sangria features dry hard cider in place of wine, as well as apple cider, fresh apples, and apple brandy for a true apple experience.
Servings 10 glasses
Calories 113kcal
Ingredients
- 32 oz Dry Hard Cider or apple wine
- 3 Apples medium-sized, any variety, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 Cup Apple Cider your favorite variety, spiced or regular
- ¼ Cup Apple Brandy
- ⅓ Cup Bourbon or Whiskey
- 1 Tbsp Ginger Syrup optional (replace with more rich simple if not using)
- 2 Tbsp Rich Simple Syrup
- 2 Cups Soda Water
- 1 tsp Sugar
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon
- Cinnamon Stick for garnish
- Star anise for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the diced apples and hard cider in a large container or pitcher. Cover and let chill in the fridge overnight.
- Mix in the apple cider, brandy, bourbon, and syrups, stirring until thoroughly combined. Add in the soda water last, and give the pitcher another quick stir.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Spread on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outer rim of each glass and then dip into the cinnamon-sugar on the plate, turning to coat.
- Add a handful of ice to each glass, and then top with sangria. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out additional apples. Garnish with cinnamon stick and star anise and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make ahead tip: Store sangria in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge with no ice for 3-4 days. If you'd like, you can strain the apples and store them separately, so they don't continue absorbing additional alcohol and flavors.
- Ingredients:
- When choosing a hard cider, I recommend supporting a local cidery if possible. You will want something dry, and with an alcohol content between 6 and 9%. Some more well-known brands that you could use are Stella Artois Cidre or Angry Orchard Stone Dry.
- When choosing a non-alcoholic apple cider, again, support local orchards if possible. If you are not able, cider from a grocery store, such as Trader Joe's spiced cider works well.
- You can replace apple brandy with pear or apricot brandy instead.
- Any bourbon or whiskey will work well here. I used Maker's Mark.
- Ginger syrup can be replaced with more rich simple syrup, made from scratch (simply infuse a basic 1:1 simple syrup with fresh ginger for an hour), or bought. I used Liber & Co's Fiery Ginger.