Welcome Winter with a Delicious Apple Cider Sangria

As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisper, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing seasonal beverage to celebrate Winter. One of my favourite winter drinks to enjoy with friends and family is a delicious Apple Cider Sangria. It's the perfect combination of crisp apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness. Plus, it's an easy and crowd-pleasing option for any gathering. In this blog post, I'll share my go-to recipe for Apple Cider Sangria, along with some tips and tricks to make it your own.

Why You'll Love Apple Cider Sangria

Apple Cider Sangria is not only super tasty but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner party, a backyard bonfire, or a casual get-together, this drink is sure to impress. Here are a few reasons why you'll love Apple Cider Sangria:

• Seasonally inspired: With apple cider as a primary ingredient, this sangria perfectly captures the essence of fall.
• Easy to prep: You can prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
• Customisable: Feel free to play around with different fruits, spices, and wines based on your preferences.
• Visually appealing: With its rich colours and festive garnishes, Apple Cider Sangria looks as good as it tastes!

Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

Ingredients

• 750 ml bottle of white wine (a dry or semi-dry option like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc works well)
• 500 ml apple cider
• 120 ml brandy (apple brandy is a great choice if you have it)
• 240 ml sparkling water or club soda (optional, added just before serving for a fizzy touch)
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced
• 1 large pear, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 star anise pods (optional)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the fruits: Begin by slicing the apple, pear, orange, and lemon. Thin slices work best as they release more flavour into the sangria.

2. Combine the liquids: In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, and brandy. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, you can stir in the honey or maple syrup at this point.

3. Add the fruits and spices: Add the sliced fruits, cinnamon stick, and star anise pods into the wine mixture. Stir gently to combine.

4. Chill: Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.

5. Just before serving: If you like a bit of fizz, you can add the sparkling water or club soda right before serving. Gently stir to mix.

6. Serve: Pour the sangria into glasses, making sure to include some of the fruit slices in each serving. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary if desired for an extra touch of fall flair.

Tips and Variations

• Wine choices: While white wine is a popular choice for apple cider sangria, you can experiment with rosé or even a light red wine for a different twist.
• Fruit combinations: Feel free to switch up the types of fruit based on your preferences or what's in season. Pomegranates, cranberries, or even a handful of grapes can add a fun twist.
• Spices: Besides cinnamon and star anise, you could add whole cloves, a slice of fresh ginger, or a bit of nutmeg for more complex flavours.
• Non-alcoholic version: For a family-friendly or non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the wine and brandy with a mixture of sparkling apple cider and grape juice or simply use non-alcoholic wine.

Conclusion

There you have it – an easy, flavourful Apple Cider Sangria that's perfect for all your fall festivities. With its delightful blend of apple cider, spices, and fruit, it's sure to become a seasonal favourite.