How To Make The Best Fall Sangria (With Apple Cider!)

There’s something about fall sangria that just makes you want to start a fire, nuzzle up in your softest blanket, and dim the lights. If you can’t tell, I’m pretty emotional about my sangria. That’s because I had so many awful sangrias before falling in love with it that, for a while, I thought I didn’t even like sangria. Tragic.

That quickly changed when I had the most epic fall sangria ever. I was celebrating my friend’s bachelorette party whose entire family is from Spain. Her cousin served the most delicious apple cider sangria ever, but when I asked how to make sangria like hers, she swore she never measures anything. Classic recipe hoarder excuse. Despite being giggly and tipsy, I was determined to recreate her recipe. I made a note in my phone about the tasting notes, and was sure I could make a similar version based on the flavors I was picking up. Honestly, this may be my best recipe making accomplishment yet, given the hoops I had to jump through to get the final result! 

Lo and behold, your girl did it. I not only recreated the fall sangria recipe, but I made it healthier than I believe the original one was (based on my throbbing hangover). This one is perfectly sweet and tart and spicy all at the same time, and did not make me feel like I got hit by a bus the next day. Win-win!

What Is Sangria?

Sangria is a wine-based alcoholic drink that originated in Spain that’s made with a unique blend of fruits, herbs and spices. Red sangria is made with a base of red wine, and white sangria is made with a base of white wine. The additions are entirely based on what kind of recipe you’re going for. For example, the fall sangria recipe I’m going to share includes fall-inspired tasting notes. It also doubles as an apple cider sangria, thanks to the addition of apple cider. There’s also summer sangria, peach sangria, and so many other ways to season it. The fall sangria I’m sharing is perfect for the cool, crisp weather of fall!

How To Make Sangria 

I wish someone had shared how to make sangria with me before I tasted a bunch of bad ones, but it’s all a part of the journey, right? Anyway, making sangria is actually quite simple once you’ve done it even just one or two times. The hardest part is the pinch of patience. After making this fall sangria recipe, you’ll have a much better idea how to make sangria, and will be able to spice it up or down however you like!

What To Add To Fall Sangria  

First, you have to decide on your base. Red or white wine. Then you’ll choose your tasting notes, which will determine what kind of fruits and spices you add. I like to make apple cider sangria recipes, so I always include some apple cider.

For this fall sangria recipe, we’re going to start with a red wine, specifically pinot noir. Start by adding a bottle of wine to a pitcher, then add cinnamon sticks, sliced apples, a peeled orange, apple cider, Detox tea, brandy, orange juice, and lemon. Let it sit for 24 hours. That’s the hard part. Once ready, give it a taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add your sweetener of choice—sugar, honey, or agave. When ready to enjoy, add some fruit to a glass, pour sangria, then add a splash of club soda to taste!