Please tell me you’ve seen the hilarious hot chocolate meme on Facebook telling pumpkin spice everything where it can go until next year (hint: it’s not a nice place.) Hot chocolate’s back in town!
My first thought was hallelujah! I can’t wait to wrap my hands around a hot mug of cocoa as I’ve already got big plans to make an epic almond milk/dark chocolate version for myself this year. My second thought though? No WAY it’s time for hot chocolate! Leaves are fluttering yet still firmly planted on our trees and, I don’t know about where you live, but we’re still flirting with the lower 70s.
No matter where you stand on the hot chocolate vs pumpkin spice debate, there’s one fall favorite that remains relevant all fall and season that shall not be named long – apples – and I’m celebrating this sweet seasonal fruit with Sparkling Hard Apple Cider Sangria!
Watch How to Make It!
Lots of sangrias can get complicated with adding brandy or different liquors but I kept this Sparkling Hard Apple Cider Sangria super, super simple with just five ingredients: wine, an apple, a pear, a cinnamon stick, and, drumroll please, hard apple cider! We’re not messing around with mixers here people, we’re goin’ straight for the good stuff – muwahaha!
The result is a fall-inspired, crisp, refreshing, sublty bubbly and sweet sangria that’s going to be perfect for every fall occasion under the sun. Make then serve alongside a cheese platter for girl’s night, book club, date night in, Thanksgiving cocktail hour, or simply when Mama’s had a DAY! You’ve been there. ;)
Like I said, this drink could not be simpler. All you need to do is add 1 sliced apple and pear into a large pitcher. If you’re serving the drink right away, have them both chilled so you don’t warm up the sangria.
To the fruit add 1 bottle white wine. Since we’re skipping added sweeteners like juice or simple syrup, purchase a sweeter resiling or moscato if you like sweet sangria. I don’t like my drinks too sweet so I stuck with a run of the mill Sauvignon Blanc. You don’t need to buy a $20 bottle of wine, but stay away from the $3-5 price range wines. You’ll be able to taste it.
Next, slowly add 2-12oz cans Smith and Forge Hard Cider. I was introduced to the world of hard cider after getting diagnosed with Celiac Disease and, while the bubbles quench my craving for fizzy beer at times, the sugar content in most hard ciders make my teeth ache. I’ve found Smith & Forge, Sutliff Cider, and Bold Rock cider to be the least sweet-tasting.
Psst:Â Wait to add the hard cider until just before serving if combining the wine and fruit ahead of time!
Pop 1 cinnamon stick into the sangria to infuse it with the warming flavor of fall then gently stir and pour into glasses. Sink in a straw, then sip away!
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Sparkling Hard Apple Cider Sangria
Description
Sparkling Hard Apple Cider Sangria is the perfect fall drink. Not too sweet, and subtly sparkly, you'll love each refreshing sip!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle white wine (use decent quality and avoid oaky Chardonnays,) I used Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 red apple, sliced
- 1 pear, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2-12oz cans Smith and Forge Hard Apple Cider (or your favorite brand of hard apple cider)
Directions
- Add wine, fruit, and cinnamon stick into a large pitcher then chill. Just before serving, slowly stream in hard apple cider then serve.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
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Analecia 09.29.2017
I made this tonight for craft night with the girls. Perfect! I used Angry Orchard hard cider because I had it on hand. Really good! This is a perfect fall recipe.
Kristin 10.02.2017
YUM – thanks so much for your feedback, Analecia!
Valerie 09.29.2017
I can’t wait to make this! I love making sangria and I love the Bold Rock Hard Cider, that is my favorite and I agree it is less sweet then some other brands! I think I will make this for my next scary movie night with the girls! Thank you!
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Lara 10.24.2016
This was delicious! I used Riesling and it came out perfect for a fall birthday party. The only change I made was I added a little bit of Fireball to the wine/apples/cinnamon mixture to amp up the cinnamon flavor. This was so easy and tasty, I will definitely make it again.
Kristin 10.26.2016
Oh. Yum. Will definitely have to try that sometime. :)
Carma 10.23.2016
Made for a crisp and beautiful weekend for hanging out. Another grand-slam. Picked up a lovely local white table wine from Wines of Iowa (locals it’s in Valley Junction, the sisters are extremely helpful)
One small addition of a bit of the caramel syrup that I add to my coffee. (Like what they use at the coffee shops use)
Kristin 10.26.2016
Love that idea! I will definitely be trying that! ;)
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Kristen 11.26.2015
Happy Thanksgiving! So excited to make this today. Any idea how much vodka to add to this?
Kristen 11.23.2015
Thoughts on adding a sprig of rosemary (for the pitcher or the garnish). Too overpowering?
Kristin 11.25.2015
I think it might be a little too overpowering/not complimentary flavor-wise. A sprig of fresh mint could be pretty though!
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Kathy Runk 11.03.2015
Tried this but added some pecan pie flavored vodka (didn’t have caramel) and it was great! Thanks for a super new drink I will enjoy even if it not Fall!
Kristin 11.05.2015
Love it – great addition!
michkabibbles 10.31.2015
Hi, this recipe looks great. Can you tell me if the alcohol keeps the fruit from oxidizing? I’d hate to end up with a pitcher of brown fruit. Thanks!
Kristin 11.02.2015
Hi there! Yes it does – the apples will stay nice and white even overnight.
Becky 10.23.2015
This was sooooo good! I made it for an evening with friends and we all loved it! The wine soaked apples were particularly delicious. I’m going to be making this for our Thanksmas celebration, too!
Kristin 10.24.2015
Wohoo!! Thanks so much for the feedback, Becky!