Spiced Apple Cranberry Autumn Sangria a Taste of Falling Leaves

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of autumn in a glass? Honestly, who doesn't! This autumn sangria recipe is bursting with fall flavours.

Think crisp apples, juicy cranberries, and warming spices all mingling with red wine. It's basically a hug in a glass.

Brief Overview

Sangria is traditionally from Spain. This spiced sangria version puts an autumn twist on it. It's super easy to make, taking about 20 minutes to prep and 2 hours to chill.

It makes 8-10 servings, perfect for sharing or a cozy night.

Main Benefits

This fall cocktails is packed with Vitamin C from the cranberries and oranges. Serve it at your Thanksgiving cocktails gathering or Bonfire night drinks .

It’s special because it uses apple cider and brandy that warms you from the inside out.

Ready to dive in? Let's chat ingredients.

Autumn Sangria: A Taste of Falling Leaves

Oh my gosh, are you ready for the most autumn-y drink ever? This Apple Cider Sangria recipe is all about embracing those cozy vibes.

It's like a warm spiced wine , but way more fun.

This red wine sangria recipe is a nod to Spanish tradition, but with a distinctly British autumnal twist. It’s easier than baking a cake.

Just chop, stir, and chill. This will serve around 8-10, so gather your mates or keep it all to yourself.

No judgement here.

Seriously, this holiday sangria is a health boost, too. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, you know? Imagine sipping this at your next Bonfire Night bash.

It's the perfect way to make a splash! What makes this recipe so special? The blend of apples, spices, and that little kick of brandy.

It’s like autumn in a glass.

Gathering the Goods for Your Festive Autumn Drinks

Alright, let’s get this show on the road! To make this amazing drink, you'll need a bottle of dry red wine, some apples, cranberries, oranges, and spices.

I always go for Honeycrisp apples. Because, let's be real, they are amazing! The spices are essential for that warm, comforting feeling.

Don't skimp on them!

Ingredients & Equipment

So, you want to make this amazing autumn sangria ? Ace! Let’s get our ducks in a row and see what we need.

Honestly, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have. Remember Bonfire Night Drinks require some planning.

Main Ingredients

• Apples: 2 medium (about 300g ), like Honeycrisp or Gala. Quality is key. A crisp, slightly tart apple works best. Mushy apples will make your sangria sad!
• Cranberries: 1 cup (about 100g ). Fresh is best, but frozen works too, just thaw them first. For cranberry sangria ensure they're vibrant in color.
• Oranges: 2 . One sliced, one juiced (about 240ml juice). Go for juicy ones!
• Cinnamon Sticks: 4 little sticks of joy.
• Star Anise: 2 . These add a subtle licorice flavour.
• Whole Cloves: 8 . A pinch of spice!
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup ( 50g ). Adjust to your taste, you know?
• Dry Red Wine: 750ml bottle (Rioja or Merlot are fab). Nothing too fancy, but avoid the cheap stuff.
• Apple Cider: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Not apple cider vinegar! The sweet stuff. Essential for that apple cider sangria recipe .
• Brandy: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Adds a bit of warmth.
• Orange Liqueur: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Cointreau or Grand Marnier, your call.

Seasoning Notes

For spiced sangria , the essential combos are cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Honestly, these three are the backbone. Orange liqueur adds a citrusy kick.

If you're out of orange liqueur, try triple sec. A touch of maple syrup boosts the fall cocktails flavors.

Equipment Needed

You'll need a large pitcher or punch bowl. A chopping board and knife. A citrus juicer helps with the oranges.

Measuring cups and spoons, naturally. Don't forget ice for serving! You can get away with using a bowl and a spoon if you don't have a proper pitcher.

Just make sure it's big enough! This festive autumn drinks recipe is super simple.

Creating this red wine sangria recipe is easy, and soon, you'll be enjoying warm spiced wine with friends! A great thanksgiving cocktails to share together and enjoy the holidays.

Stirring Up Autumn Sangria Magic

Honestly, as the weather gets colder, there's nothing quite like a glass of something warm and festive. This spiced apple and cranberry autumn sangria recipe is my go-to for all things autumn.

Think bonfire night drinks. It’s ridiculously easy to make and tastes like a hug in a glass.

Prep Like a Pro: Autumn Sangria's Secret

Essential mise en place is key, innit?. Chop your 2 apples, measure out 1 cup of cranberries, slice one orange, and juice the other.

Get your 4 cinnamon sticks , 2 star anise , and 8 cloves ready. Weigh out 1/4 cup of sugar.

Honestly, this makes it so much smoother.

For time saving, prep the fruit earlier in the day. Pop it in a sealed container in the fridge. This makes your festive autumn drinks come together in a flash! No special safety tips for this one, unless you count avoiding apple slicing mishaps.

step-by-step: Stirring up the Magic

1. Combine the apples, cranberries, orange slices and juice, spices and sugar in a big pitcher.
2. Muddle lightly. Gently press to release the lovely juices.
3. Pour in your 750ml bottle of red wine, 1 cup of apple cider, 1/2 cup brandy, and 1/2 cup orange liqueur.
4. Stir well! Make sure everything is mixed properly.
5. Chill for at least 2- 4 hours . Ideally overnight for maximum flavour.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Sangria

Don't skimp on the chill time. Overnight is best, trust me. Common mistakes? Not letting it sit long enough. For Thanksgiving cocktails, or any occasion, this one's a crowd pleaser.

Plus, it's a red wine sangria recipe everyone will ask for!

For a cheat, add a splash of ginger ale before serving. The warm spiced wine adds a lovely fizz. Enjoy your autumn sangria

Recipe Notes for Your Autumn Sangria

Oh my gosh, you're going to love this autumn sangria ! I made it last year for bonfire night. Honestly, it was a total game changer.

My friends are still talking about it! But before you dive in, here are a few pointers to make sure yours is just as amazing.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Presentation On!

Forget boring glasses! Serve this spiced sangria in cute mason jars or even hollowed out apples for a rustic autumn feel.

I like to garnish with extra apple and orange slices. A cinnamon stick adds a touch of elegance. For sides, think a cheese board with some crusty bread.

Mini sausage rolls are always a winner, especially for a bonfire night drinks party.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!

This cranberry sangria is best served fresh, you know? But, if you have leftovers, refrigerate it. It'll keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Don't freeze it though. It just doesn't hold up well. When you're ready to drink it, give it a good stir.

Add a splash of soda water to liven it up.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Want a twist? Try using white wine instead of red. A warm spiced wine sangria is also amazing! Just gently heat it on the hob before serving.

For a festive autumn drinks option, add a splash of pomegranate juice. If you're avoiding alcohol, use sparkling apple juice instead of cider.

You could adapt this recipe to create an apple cider sangria recipe .

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

Okay, so this isn't exactly health food, but it's good for the soul, right? Each serving is about 220-250 calories, with some sugar from the fruit.

The red wine has antioxidants. Let's call it a win! This Thanksgiving cocktails is a way to enjoy yourself without going overboard.

This holiday sangria recipe is seriously going to be a hit. It's packed with flavour and is so easy to make! This red wine sangria recipe is perfect for gatherings.

Just give it a go, and don't be afraid to tweak it to your liking. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make autumn sangria ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it's highly recommended. The longer the autumn sangria sits, the more the flavours meld together. I'd say 2-4 hours is the minimum, but overnight is even better. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute all those lovely flavours.

What's the best type of red wine to use for this autumn sangria recipe?

For the best autumn sangria, a dry, medium bodied red wine like Rioja or Merlot works wonders. You don't need to splash out on an expensive bottle something decent but not overly complex is ideal. Avoid anything too sweet, as the fruit and other additions will provide plenty of sweetness.

I don't have all the liqueurs. Are there any substitutions I can make for this autumn sangria?

No worries, substitutions are totally fine! If you're missing the orange liqueur, a good splash of triple sec will do the trick. If you don't have apple cider, use unsweetened apple juice. For those wanting a lighter version, a splash of ginger ale just before serving will add fizz and a touch of warmth.

It's all about making it your own!

How long does autumn sangria last once it's made?

Once made, the autumn sangria is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher or container. The fruit might start to get a little mushy after a few days, but the flavour should still be great, though you might need to strain it.

After that, best to make a fresh batch it's hardly a chore, is it?

Can I make this autumn sangria non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can absolutely make a non-alcoholic version! Simply omit the red wine, brandy, and orange liqueur. Replace the red wine with an equal amount of grape juice or cranberry juice, and perhaps a splash of alcohol free orange extract to mimic the orange liqueur flavour.

The rest of the ingredients stay the same, and it's still a fantastic autumn treat, perfect for the whole family.

Help! My autumn sangria is too strong. How can I dilute it?

A classic British problem sometimes things get a bit too enthusiastic! The easiest way to dilute your autumn sangria is to add a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale to each glass before serving.

You can also add some extra fruit, a little extra cider, or simply add more ice to the pitcher to let it slowly dilute as it melts. Cheers!