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Flavorful Poisoned Apple Cider Sangria

poisoned apple cider sangria - featured image

A cozy fall sangria blending fresh apple cider, dry white wine, brandy, and warm spices for a comforting yet lively drink perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) fresh, unfiltered apple cider
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy
  • 1 large fresh apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise (optional)
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup (or honey/agave as substitute)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sparkling water or club soda (optional, added before serving)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the apple and orange, removing seeds but keeping the peel on. Place cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves in a large pitcher.
  2. Pour 4 cups apple cider and 1 bottle dry white wine into the pitcher. Add 1/2 cup brandy and stir gently for 2-3 minutes to combine.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Mix gently.
  4. Add the sliced apples and oranges to the mixture.
  5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4-6 hours, to let flavors meld and spices infuse.
  6. Just before serving, add 1 cup sparkling water or club soda for fizz and stir gently.
  7. Serve over ice in glasses, ensuring each glass gets some spiced fruit. Optionally garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.

Notes

Use fresh, good-quality apple cider for best flavor. Chill sangria for several hours to allow spices to infuse fully. Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing maple syrup. Remove fruit if it becomes too soggy. For non-alcoholic version, omit wine and brandy and replace with extra apple cider and sparkling apple juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall drink, spiced sangria, cozy cocktail, apple cider cocktail, brandy sangria, autumn beverage