Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Sangria: Easy Fall Cocktail
A warm, comforting autumn cocktail made with apple cider, crisp white wine, and caramel sauce. This easy-to-make drink balances sweetness with tartness, perfect for cozy evenings or fall gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh-pressed apple cider
- 1 bottle (750ml) crisp, dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 cup high-quality caramel sauce
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced into thin rounds
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- Plenty of ice cubes
Instructions
- Wash apples and slice them into thin rounds. Place slices in a large bowl.
- Zest the orange directly over the apples and squeeze the juice in. Set aside.
- Pour apple cider into a saucepan over medium heat. Add cinnamon sticks and warm for about 5 minutes without boiling.
- Pour the warm cider into a large 2-quart pitcher.
- Add caramel sauce and vanilla extract to the pitcher. Stir vigorously until the caramel is completely dissolved.
- Pour in the white wine and stir gently to combine.
- Add the prepared apple slices to the pitcher.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld (or up to an hour for deeper flavor).
- Serve over ice in large glasses. Garnish with a fresh apple slice or rosemary sprig if desired.
Notes
Do not boil the cider to avoid bitterness. Slice apples uniformly for consistent flavor. Add fruit just before serving to prevent sogginess. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with sparkling apple cider. Ensure caramel sauce is gluten-free if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: fall cocktail, apple cider sangria, caramel drink, white wine cocktail, easy party drink, autumn recipes, cozy drinks