Thanksgiving Apple Cider Sangria

Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Jacqueline Rafidi

As the holiday season rolls in, there’s no better way to welcome loved ones than with a Thanksgiving apple cider sangria!

As the holiday season rolls in, there’s no better way to welcome loved ones than with a Thanksgiving apple cider sangria!

It’s such a festive drink and perfectly captures the essence of fall. I knew I needed to make a sangria for my cocktail series that I’ve been working on this year. The last couple of years have been iffy with get-togethers. Now that people are really soaking up their time with others and hosting more gatherings, I thought this would be the perfect time to share a batch cocktail like this!

Sangrias are an alcoholic punch that originated in Spain. They’re mixed with wine (red or white), fruit and other ingredients. This one in particular is a crisp, and refreshing white wine cocktail that pairs well with your favorite fall flavors. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, a cozy holiday party, or a simple gathering, this fall sangria recipe is the perfect batch cocktail and guaranteed to be the star of your Thanksgiving table.

Made with fresh apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and a vibrant mix of fruit, this Thanksgiving sangria recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors. Add in a little apple brandy and your favorite white wine—like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc—and you’ve got yourself a perfect fall cocktail to sip on throughout the night.

How to make a Thanksgiving Apple Cider Sangria

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this apple cider sangria recipe:

• 1 bottle of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc (your favorite dry white wine will work perfectly) – the base of any sangria
• Fresh apple cider – to really make that fall, appley flavor pop
• Brandy of choice OR Apple brandy – a touch of this takes the sangria up a notch 
• Maple syrup – to add a touch of smoky sweetness
• Apple butter – This is optional although I like the flavor it adds.
• Apple slices – Not only does it add flavor, but adding the slices in here makes the whole pitcher look beautiful 
• Pear slices – because it’s another favorite fall fruit
• Frozen or fresh cranberries- I love the pop of red this brings
• Cinnamon sticks – For that added spice
• Lemon juice – just to balance out the sweetness
• Ginger beer or seltzer water (optional) – to give another touch of spice and fizz

Making the perfect fall sangria

Prepare the sangria base

I like to start by combining the apple butter, maple syrup and apple cider. These ingredients will form the sweet and spiced base of your sangria, giving it that comforting fall flavor we’re going for. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding a little more or less maple syrup and apple butter. Then, pour the bottle of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Both wines work well, but pinot grigio will give a light, crisp flavor, while sauvignon blanc offers more herbal and citrus notes. Add the sangria base and top it all off with the brandy!

Add the fruit and spices

Now it’s time to add the seasonal fruit! Toss in the pear and apple slices, and fresh cranberries. This mix of fruit will infuse the sangria with both flavor and color, making it not only delicious but beautiful. Add in the cinnamon sticks which will give the sangria a lovely warmth and spice, perfect for the holiday season. For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

​Let it chill

Once all the ingredients are combined, place the sangria in the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together, giving you that perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and spice.

Serve and enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, give the sangria a good stir. For some added fizz, pour in the splash of club soda or ginger beer right before serving. The little bit of fizz elevates the drink and gives it a refreshing twist. Serve in glasses over ice with an extra cinnamon stick (optional), and don’t forget to scoop out some of that fruit for garnish.

Why make this Thanksgiving sangria

Not only is this Thanksgiving sangria a pretty and festive cocktail for any holiday party, it’s also easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time which makes it a hosts dream. Anything that can be done ahead during this busy time of year is always a plus! The combination of fresh apple cider, pinot grigio, and apple brandy creates a drink that pairs perfectly with the rich and savory dishes served at Thanksgiving dinner. If you put it in a pitcher, it also looks beautiful on a Thanksgiving table. 

Don’t want to wait till Thanksgiving? Serve this sangria alongside a charcuterie board with cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits, for a small gathering. And if you have leftover sangria, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Make a double batch & switch things up!

If you’re hosting a larger gathering, it’s always a great idea to make a double batch of this apple cider sangria recipe. Plus, any leftover fruit can be eaten as a boozy late-night snack.

SWITCH THINGS UP
– Switch the apple butter for some pumpkin butter if that’s what you have on hand! It’s super easy to make too!
– Use red wine instead of white wine if that’s what you have or prefer
– Swap the pears for persimmons for a different note in the final sangria

With its crisp apples, warm cinnamon sticks, and delicious flavor, it’s the ultimate festive drink to share with friends and family.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail or just want to impress your guests at your next holiday party, this fall sangria recipe is sure to excite your taste buds and keep everyone in the holiday spirit. I hope you give this special drink a try this holiday and that it’s a great addition to your Thanksgiving table! Cheers to the fall festivities!

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When you make this Thanksgiving Apple Sangria, comment down below and rate this recipe to let me know your thoughts! Also share a picture or tag me on Instagram @thebitewithjackie, I love seeing your remakes!