Apple Cider White Wine Sangria

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Creating the perfect apple cider white wine sangria is about balancing flavors and choosing the right ingredients.

In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Pinot Grigio: Look for a mid-range bottle ($12-15) – you want one good enough to drink alone but not so expensive that its subtle notes get lost among other ingredients. 
• Apple Cider: Fresh, unfiltered apple cider makes this sangria exceptional. Source yours from a local orchard or farmer’s market if possible – the kind that requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life. Quality cider should be cloudy with a rich amber color. When shopping at stores, check the label carefully – the only ingredient should be apples. Skip anything with added sugars or preservatives.
• Brandy: Think of brandy as your flavor enhancer. It deepens the drink and helps all the ingredients come together. It also adds depth and warmth to the sangria. You can substitute with rum or cognac for a different flavor profile.
• Simple Syrup: This ingredient acts as our flavor balancer. Make your own by combining equal parts sugar and hot water – it takes just minutes and tastes far better than store-bought versions. Unlike granulated sugar, which can sink to the bottom, simple syrup incorporates smoothly into cold drinks, ensuring consistent sweetness. Honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives for a unique twist.
• Fresh Fruit: It isn’t a sangria without fresh fruit. Keeping with the theme, this sangria combines apples, pears, and oranges.
  • Apples: Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are ideal here. Their crisp texture holds up well in liquid, and they resist browning longer than other varieties. Slice them thin (⅛ inch) to maximize flavor release without turning mushy.
  • Pear: Select a Bartlett or Anjou pear that gives slightly when pressed but isn’t soft. Too ripe and it’ll dissolve; too firm and it won’t release enough flavor. The pear adds subtle honeyed notes that make this sangria special.
  • Orange: Pick a fresh, navel orange that feels heavy for its size. Leave the rind on – those natural oils add incredible aroma and depth to your sangria. Cut it thin enough to see light through the slices.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Whole cinnamon sticks are essential – don’t substitute ground cinnamon, which would make your drink gritty.

How to Make Apple Cider White Wine Sangria

Here are the quick step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions with the exact ingredients in the recipe card below.
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Pro tip: Use a mandoline for consistently thin fruit slices – it’s a game-changer for both presentation and even flavor infusion throughout your sangria.

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large pitcher, layer the apples, pears, oranges, and cinnamon sticks. Add the wine, apple cider, brandy, and simple syrup. Stir gently to combine everything well.

2. Adjust Sweetness: If you’ve got a sweet tooth, add a few more tablespoons of sweetener. Remember, the best sangria recipes are the ones tailored to your taste!

3. Chill: Here’s the hard part – waiting! Cover your pitcher and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you can resist, up to 4 hours.

4. Serve: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour in your sangria. Garnish each glass with a couple of slices of apple.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: For the fullest flavor, you’ll actually get the best flavor by making this sangria ahead of time—prepare it up to 24 hours in advance.

How to Store: Sangria can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove any leftover fruit and add fresh slices when you’re ready to serve again.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• Choose a good-quality white wine for sangria. It doesn’t need to be expensive, but it should be something you enjoy drinking.
• Don’t skimp on the fruit – it adds flavor and visual appeal to your pitcher.
• Pick firm apples and pears that won’t get mushy in the liquid
• Taste and adjust simple syrup amount – some ciders are naturally sweeter than others
• For a non-alcoholic version, use white grape juice instead of wine and skip the brandy
• Always use fresh apple cider, not shelf-stable juice – the flavor difference is noticeable