Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Fall Caramel Apple Cider Sangria - featured image

Fall Caramel Apple Cider Sangria

  • Author: Saly
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A festive, easy-to-make holiday sangria featuring dry cider, fresh apples, caramel swirls, and warm spices. It balances sweetness with tartness and can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750ml) dry hard cider
  • 2 cups (480ml) fresh apple cider
  • 1 cup (240ml) dark rum
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) apple brandy or Calvados
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) caramel syrup
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 3 large apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), sliced thin
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 star anise pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
  • Large ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice apples into thin rounds or wedges. Place in a bowl of cold water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the dry cider and fresh apple cider.
  3. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, and freshly grated nutmeg to the cider mixture.
  4. Pour in the dark rum and apple brandy (if using) and stir gently.
  5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 hours, to allow flavors to infuse.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, drain the apple slices and add them to the pitcher.
  7. To create caramel swirls, dip a spoon into the caramel syrup and drizzle it over the surface of the sangria in a few spots. Do not stir.
  8. Fill glasses with large ice cubes.
  9. Ladle the sangria into glasses, ensuring each serving gets apple slices and caramel swirls.
  10. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve immediately.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and brandy and replace with additional apple cider. Use large ice cubes to prevent dilution. The base can be made up to 2 days in advance; add fresh apples and caramel swirls just before serving. Do not freeze as the apples will become mushy.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 glass
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 18
  • Sodium: 10
  • Fat: 2
  • Saturated Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 22
  • Fiber: 1

Keywords: fall cocktail, holiday drink, apple cider sangria, caramel drink, easy party recipe, autumn beverages, non-alcoholic option

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://cookelu.com/fall-caramel-apple-cider-sangria-best-easy-holiday-recipe/