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Light & Fresh Caramel Apple Cider Sangria: Easy Fall Cocktail

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This Light & Fresh Caramel Apple Cider Sangria is a quick and easy fall cocktail that balances tart apples, warm spice, and just enough sweetness. Perfect for gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s unbelievably light and refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider (unfiltered)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup apple brandy or Calvados (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the caramel base: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm 1/2 cup of caramel sauce until thin and pourable. Do not boil.
  2. Mix the liquid ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine dry white wine, fresh apple cider, apple brandy (if using), and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently.
  3. Add the warm caramel: Slowly drizzle the warmed caramel sauce into the pitcher while stirring continuously until fully dissolved.
  4. Layer in the fruit: Add sliced Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples, halved red grapes, and fresh cranberries (if using). Gently stir to distribute.
  5. Add the whole spices: Drop in cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise.
  6. Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4-6 hours.
  7. Prepare the glasses: Just before serving, drizzle a thin layer of caramel sauce around the inside rim of each glass.
  8. Serve: Fill each glass with ice (if desired), pour sangria through a strainer or use a slotted spoon to portion fruit. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a cinnamon stick.

Notes

For best flavor, chill for 4-6 hours. Use a dry white wine to avoid excessive sweetness. If caramel separates after chilling, stir vigorously before serving. The fruit absorbs the liquid and becomes deliciously boozy—don’t throw it out. For a non-alcoholic version, swap wine for sparkling apple cider and omit brandy. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cider sangria, fall cocktail, easy sangria recipe, apple cider drink, Thanksgiving cocktail, Friendsgiving drink, white wine sangria

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/light-and-fresh-caramel-apple-cider-sangria-easy-fall-cocktail/