Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria // Video
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!
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.
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
I’m a lover of all things sangria because they’re always fruity and refreshing. 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.
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.
How To Make It
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.
More Fall Cocktail Recipes
And if you’re not a champagne fan or a sangria fan then I have something equally amazing….maybe even more sophisticated, if I do say so myself. This Apple Cider Gin Fizz is fun to make (that froth is super fun to create) and totally tasty…..brown sugar rim, anyone?
OR try this easy Pumpkin Spice Punch!!! It’s so festive, vibrant and refreshing….and much less work when you have a bunch of guests.
We also love this easy Apple Pie Moonshine that makes a great hostess gift for parties!
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Get the Recipe: Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
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
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.