Whipping up a batch of sangria is one of the easiest ways to make a distinctive cocktail-type drink. Traditionally a combination of wine and fruit, sangria has taken on countless variations in recent years. This recipe deliciously celebrates the favorite flavors of Fall--apples, cider and pumpkin spice.

I concocted this recipe last Fall for a party. It was such a hit that I continued to make it throughout the holiday season. It's so quick to mix up a batch of this to keep on hand in the fridge or make ahead to serve at parties. You can even make up a double or triple batch (or more) and serve it in a big punch bowl.

My variation on an autumn sangria has the traditional bottle of wine, with the addition of a bottle of hard apple cider. In case you're unfamiliar with it, hard cider is regular cider that has been fermented so it is carbonated and alcoholic. It's usually shelved with beer in grocery and liquor stores; in fact, hard cider bottles can easily be mistaken for beer bottles--same size and color.

I also add some spiced simple syrup to this sangria recipe to add both sweetness and a hint of seasonal spices. You can adjust the amount of the syrup according to how sweet you like your sangria.

Nutritional information (per half-cup): 110 calories, 0g fat, 11mg sodium, 12.9g carbs, 4.4g sugars, .1g protein, 0g fiber;
Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 4

Step-by-step photos for making
Spiced Apple Cider Sangria 

Step 1. Assemble the ingredients:

• white wine (pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, or reisling)
• hard apple cider (Use a plain hard cider or one that is flavored with something that complements this seasonal sangria; the bottle pictured here is flavored with ginger.)
• apples
• cinnamon sticks
• my Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup (or use my Cinnamon Simple Syrup); alternatively, you may be able to find spiced syrups to buy in specialty drink stores.

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS:

• 1 orange or 2 clementines, sliced into thin rounds (adds color and brightens the flavor)
• 1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed (for stronger apple flavor and additional sweetness)

view on Amazon:  cinnamon syrup,  cinnamon sticks

Step 2. Slice the apples as thinly as possible. First cut off the sides of the apple, top to bottom, next to the core. Place each piece cut side down, and cut into slices that are no thicker than 1/8".

Step 3. Add the ingredients to a large pitcher or jar, and stir to combine.

• view on Amazon:  glass pitchers

Step 4. Cover the pitcher or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. If you have time, mix the sangria a day ahead. The flavor improves the longer it sits in the fridge. It will be good for several days--if it lasts that long! 

The flavor from the cinnamon sticks and spiced simple syrup continue to infuse the wine, cider and apples as the mixture sits. The longer the better, as far as I'm concerned!

To serve the sangria, first use tongs to put a few apple slices in each glass; then pour in the sangria. Add a cinnamon stick to each glass--a garnish that doubles as a stir stick. Not only is the wine mixture delicious, but the apples also taste amazing after they've marinated for awhile. So good!

Although I normally serve sangria to guests from a pitcher, most of the time at home, I make it in a big half-gallon mason jar. It fits easily in my fridge, is easy to shake, and the flip-top lid makes it easy to neatly pour a glass.

• view on Amazon:  half gallon mason jars, flip-top pouring lids

This sangria is a festive, seasonal drink to enjoy throughout the holiday season. I love the convenience of being able to make a big batch the day before a party. I make a triple batch for parties and serve it in a punch bowl. Always a crowd pleaser!

• view on Amazon:  punch bowls

Make it a Yummy day!

Monica

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Apple Cider Sangria

By Monica              Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (750 mL) bottle white wine (pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, or reisling)
• 1 (12-oz) bottle hard cider
• 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pumpkin spice simple syrup (recipe at www.theyummylife.com/Pumpkin_Spice_Syrup); may substitute cinnamon simple syrup, (recipe at www.theyummylife.com/Cinnamon_Simple_Syrup)
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• OPTIONAL ADDITIONS:
• 1 orange or 2 clementines, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed (for stronger apple flavor and additional sweetness)

Directions

Combine ingredients in pitcher or jar, cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours; a day ahead is even better. Keeps for 3-4 days.

To serve, stir well, use tongs to remove a few apple slices and add to glasses. Pour sangria into glasses and enjoy. Add a cinnamon stick, if desired.

Makes 5 cups (not including apple slices).

May be doubled, tripled, or more, to make a big batch; serve in punch bowl.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per half-cup): 110 calories, 0g fat, 11mg sodium, 12.9g carbs, 4.4g sugars, .1g protein, 0g fiber; Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 4

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