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Caramel Apple Sangria is a slightly sweet and bubbly fall beverage filled with apple cider, white wine, fresh fruit, cinnamon sticks, and so much more. It’s the perfect light cocktail to sip throughout the fall season whether you’re curling up by the fire or toasting at Thanksgiving.
Why This Recipe Works
They say wine ages well with time and that’s the case for sangria too, but don’t let that stop you from sipping away after you’ve finished preparing it. Letting the sangria sit overnight in the fridge allows the fruit to soak up all the flavors, and the alcohol too, which leads to some powerful flavor.
Sangria is always great for making a big batch so it’s perfect for entertaining or any fall party you may be planning. Halloween and Thanksgiving are ideal times to toast with this delicious fall cocktail.
Though there is apple cider and caramel sauce this sangria version isn’t overly sweet, which makes it great when you plan on having guests sip it throughout the night. You can easily sweeten it by adding more caramel sauce or coating the rim of your glass with coarse sugar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Apple Cider: I like to use the fresh apple cider that comes into the grocery stores during the fall months, but if you can’t find it or plan on making this cocktail year-round then you can also use apple juice, but it will be a tad sweeter.
- Vodka: I always use my favorite vodka when making this recipe because using one that’s lower quality will often affect the taste no matter how many other ingredients are mixed in. You can also use a flavored vodka. Some delicious options are caramel vodka, vanilla vodka, or whipped cream flavored vodka.
- Fruit: I like to keep my fruit fall-colored, which is why I stick to red apples and oranages, however, you can add all kinds of additional fruit options such as strawberries, cranberries, canteloupe, etc.
- Cinnamon Sticks: If you plan on adding cinnamon sticks, which adds a delicious flavor, I suggest placing the whole cinnamon sticks into the mixture 1 to 2 hours before you plan on serving it. The sticks will expand and not look as pretty if left in the mixture overnight.
Best Wines for Sangria
This option is entirely up to you and your wine preference, however, there are some options that are better than others if you don’t have a preference. Dryer and more acidic wines such as a Pinot Grigio or Riesling work better than a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. If you like sweeter sangria then a Moscato will also work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the fruit. Cut up the apples and orange and place them at the bottom of a large pitcher. I like to slice mine in to round shapes.
- Assemble. Pour the white wine, apple cider, vodka, and caramel sauce over the fresh fruit and stir all the ingredients well.
- Season. Add the cinnamon sticks to the top of the mixture if planing to serve within 2 hours.
- Chill. Place the pitcher into the fridge to chill for up to 8 hours for the best flavor. When ready to serve pour the sangria into your desired glass and top with the ginger ale.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Before you plan on serving the sangria give it a good stir. The sediment from the apple cider will settle at the bottom and you’ll want all that goodness mixed in with the other flavors.
- Get fancy and coat your glass rim in some extra caramel sauce and coarse sugar. To do this pour some caramel sauce onto a flat dish and dip the glass edge into it. In a separate flat dish pour some coarse sugar and then dip the caramel-coated glass edge into it until covered all around.
- Don’t add the ginger ale until you’ve filled your glass with the sangria, then top it off with some of the bubbles. If you add it to the entire sangria mix the carbonation will dissipate.
- Sangria has the best flavor after it’s chilled overnight in the fridge for about 8 hours, but you can certainly enjoy it right after you’ve made it.
- Add some more spice by placing some whole cloves, allspice berries, or star anise on top.
FAQ’s
Yes, you can use your favorite light-colored sodas such as Sprite, 7-Up, or switch it up and use ginger beer too. If you’re trying to prepare a lighter version you can also use sparkling water or flavored sparkling water too.
Yes! To make this delicious fall beverage a mocktail leave the wine and vodka out. Increase the apple cider by 2 cups and add 2 cups of ginger ale.
Yes, you can! Since this is a fall cocktail consider swapping the vodka for bourbon or even spiced rum.
Yes, and I recommend making it at least 6 to 8 hours in advance of when you plan to serve it. Letting the sangria sit in the refrigerator allows the fruit to soak up the other flavors as well as infuse it with additional flavor.
If you made this Caramel Apple Sangria I want to hear all about it! Share a photo and tag me on Instagram using @AimeeMarsLiving and #AimeeMars so I can see your beautiful work. Enjoy!
Caramel Apple Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle White Wine
- 2½ cups Apple Cider
- 1/2 cup Vodka
- 3 tablespoons Caramel Sauce plus extra if you plan to use it on the rim
- 3 Apples sliced
- 2 Oranges sliced
- 5 Cinnamon Sticks
- 8 ounces Ginger Ale
Instructions
- Slice the apples and oranges and place them at the bottom of a large pitcher.
- Pour the white wine, apple cider, vodka, and caramel sauce over the fresh fruit and stir all the ingredients well.
- Top with the cinnamon sticks (if serving within 2 hours otherwise wait to add the cinnamon sticks until before serving).
- Place in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours to chill or for up to 8 hours for the best flavor.
- Before serving stir the sangria again and pour into your desired glass and then top with the ginger ale.
Notes
- Before you plan on serving the sangria give it a good stir. The sediment from the apple cider will settle at the bottom and you’ll want all that goodness mixed in with the other flavors.
- Get fancy and coat your glass rim in some extra caramel sauce and coarse sugar. To do this pour some caramel sauce onto a flat dish and dip the glass edge into it. In a separate flat dish pour some coarse sugar and then dip the caramel-coated glass edge into it until covered all around.
- Don’t add the ginger ale until you’ve filled your glass with the sangria, then top it off with some of the bubbles. If you add it to the entire sangria mix the carbonation will dissipate.
- Sangria has the best flavor after it’s chilled overnight in the fridge for about 8 hours, but you can certainly enjoy it right after you’ve made it.
- Add some more spice by placing some whole cloves, allspice berries, or star anise on top.
