A cozy blend of warm apple cider, tart cranberry juice, and spiced rum, finished with sparkling wine and seasonal fruit slices.
Serve this festive sangria at gatherings or enjoy a comforting sip by the fire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Warm, spiced flavors — apple cider infused with cinnamon and orange notes.
Fruity complexity — pomegranate-tart cranberry juice and sweet pear nectar.
Boozy warmth — spiced rum adds depth, while sparkling wine brings effervescence.
Simple prep — mix, chill, and top with bubbles when ready.
Beautiful presentation — floating fruit and cranberries create a vibrant display.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Apple cider — 8 cups of sweet, spiced base.
Orange juice concentrate — 12-oz can adds bright citrus flavor.
Cranberry & pear juices — balance sweetness and tartness.
Spiced rum — 2 cups for warming spice notes.
Sparkling white wine — for a bubbly finish.
Seasonal fruit & cinnamon sticks — garnish for aroma and color.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use high-quality cider for the best flavor.
Chill juices and rum before assembling to minimize dilution.
Slice fruit uniformly so they float attractively.
Add sparkling wine just before serving to retain fizz.
How to Delicious Refreshing Apple Cider Sangria
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
In a large pitcher, stir together 8 cups apple cider, 1 can orange juice concentrate, cranberry juice, and pear juice.
Step 2: Add the Rum
Pour in spiced rum and stir to combine all the flavors.
Step 3: Chill
Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
Step 4: Add Sparkle & Garnish
Just before serving, pour in half a bottle of sparkling white wine and gently stir.
Add sliced oranges, apples, pears, a handful of frozen cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle into glasses, making sure each gets fruit and a cinnamon stick.
Enjoy warm or cold.
What to Serve It With
Warm apple turnovers or pumpkin muffins.
Savory cheese board with aged cheddar and brie.
Spiced nuts or roasted pumpkin seeds.
Variations & Substitutions
Substitute bourbon or dark rum for a richer profile.
Use ginger beer instead of sparkling wine for extra spice.
Add a splash of brandy for deeper warmth.
Storage & Leftovers
Keep the sangria base refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Add sparkling wine and fruit just before serving for best taste.
FAQs
Can I make this in advance?
Yes — prepare the base and chill up to 3 days; add bubbles and fruit when serving.
Can I serve it warm?
Yes — gently heat the base before adding rum and skip the sparkling wine.
What sparkling wine should I use?
A dry Prosecco or Cava works beautifully.
How much fruit should I add?
Use enough slices to float attractively—about 2–3 of each fruit per pitcher.
Is this sangria strong?
The 2 cups of rum balance well with cider; reduce rum for a lighter drink.
Can I use fresh juice instead of concentrate?
Yes — replace concentrate with ½ cup fresh orange juice and 2 Tbsp sugar.
How do I keep fruit from browning?
Toss fruit slices in a bit of citrus juice before adding to prevent oxidation.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Autumn Cider Sangria marries seasonal flavors with festive sparkle.
It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail that captures the warmth of fall.
