The happiest cocktail of the season, Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria is like autumn in a glass. Light and refreshing, it’s loaded with fresh apples, tart cranberries and bright citrus then topped off with sparking wine or champagne for an easy beverage that’s perfect for fall! 

Three glasses filled with apple cider sangria, cranberries, orange slices and apples.


Apple Cider Sangria

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Fall is in the air but it’s still hot as an August sweaty day. The urge to go pumpkin hunting with a Pumpkin Latte in hand is strong but so is floating in the pool basking in the last few rays of the summer sun. When it’s hot….and it’s fall….what’s a basic girl to do but whip up a fall inspired Apple Cider Sangria. It’s fresh, it’s easy and it’s totally refreshing. Plus, it makes you forget that winter is not far off.

I’m a lover of all things sangria because they’re always fruity and refreshing, especially this Rose Sangria. And they’re relatively easy to make without too much of a struggle. 

This apple cider sangria recipe is packed with fall fruit and topped off with a bottle of bubbly champagne, Prosecco or whatever bubbles you have lying around. Just about any sweet wine will do.

It’s just about the best fall sangria recipe you’ll find.

Pitcher being filled with sparkling wine to make sparkling apple cider sangria

What Is Sangria

Created more than 2,000 years ago in Spain because drinking water was unsafe, Sangria was made with water that was fortified with wine, fruit and herbs.

It’s evolved over the years with not really an official recipe or formula for making Sangria but the common denominator in all sangria recipes is wine.

I’ve found that my favorites contain just about any type of wine, fruit, fruit juice, some type of liquor (this one called for orange liquor or Grand Marnier), a sweetener and maybe some herbs if you feel so inclined.

Sangria is a great way to get creative and make your own concoction like I did with this Apple Cider Sangria.

Apple cider sangria in a glass pitcher being stirred with a silver cocktail spoon

How To Make Apple Cider Sangria

My favorite homemade apple cider is stirred together with a little Grand Marnier, fresh apples, oranges and cranberries before being topped off with a bit of bubbly.

Sparking Apple Cider Sangria couldn’t be simpler to whip up. And it’s a staple at many of the holiday parties I host.

Starting with Halloween, we don’t really have a Halloween party, it’s more of a send off for parents before we head out with the kids.

Because isn’t it much more tolerable to go door to door in the neighborhood begging for candy when you have a cocktail in hand? And my Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria goes fantastically with this Hot Crab Dip or a pile of Everything Spiced Parmesan Crisps.

This versatile glass pitcher is fantastic for mixing up cocktails, sangria, punch and iced tea! A not so basic staple you’ll have in your kitchen for years.

Click to Buy
Wine glass filled with apple cider sangria and garnished with an orange wedge

More Fall Cocktail Recipes

Apple Cider Sangria in a wine glass with foam on top from champagne.

LOOKING FOR MORE EASY PARTY IDEAS? FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK FOR MORE FAMILY FAVORITE RECIPES!

Get the Recipe: Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
This sparkling Apple Cider Sangria is a refreshing fall cocktail made with apple cider, sparkling wine, fruit and spice. A festive drink for the autumn season.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup Grand Marnier or other orange liquor
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 750 ml bottle champagne or other sparkling wine, chilled

Equipment

  • 1 Pitcher

Instructions 

  • Add the apples, oranges and cranberries to a large pitcher reserving about a handful of each for garnish.
  • Stir in the Grand Marnier, apple cider and champagne. 
  • Pour the sangria into glasses and top with reserved fruit. Serve immediately.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Apple cider, Grand Marnier and fruit can be combined up to 1 hour in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve and stir in the champagne right before serving.
Calories: 148kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 8mg, Potassium: 0mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 0IU, Vitamin C: 0mg, Calcium: 0mg, Iron: 0mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American