Print

Light Slow Cooker Apple Cider Sangria: Easy Fall Party Drink

light slow cooker apple cider sangria - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, fragrant, and light slow cooker apple cider sangria that fills your home with autumn aromas. Perfect for fall gatherings, this easy recipe balances apple cider, white wine, and warm spices for a crowd-pleasing drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) unsweetened apple cider or apple juice
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy or bourbon (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup, plus more to taste
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole star anise
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract added at the end)
  • 2 apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 pear, thinly sliced (Bosc or Anjou)
  • Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
  • Extra apple slices for garnish (optional)
  • Sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy version (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice the apples, orange, lemon, and pear into 1/4-inch thick slices.
  2. Pour the apple cider, white wine, and brandy (if using) into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Drizzle in the honey or maple syrup. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust to taste later.
  4. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and allspice berries. If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the liquid, and toss the pod in. If using vanilla extract, wait until the end.
  5. Layer the sliced fruit into the slow cooker, trying to submerge them slightly.
  6. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours. Do not let it boil.
  7. After 3 hours, taste and adjust sweetness with more honey or a squeeze of lemon. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
  8. Ladle the sangria into mugs, making sure each cup gets some cooked fruit. Garnish with fresh cranberries or an extra apple slice if desired.

Notes

Don’t crank the heat—low and slow is key to avoid harsh wine and mushy fruit. Tie whole spices in cheesecloth for easy removal. Taste after 2 hours and adjust sweetness. The sangria can be kept on ‘warm’ for hours. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and flavors deepen overnight. Reheat gently on low in the slow cooker or stovetop; do not microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker apple cider sangria, fall sangria, warm sangria, apple cider drink, party punch, mulled wine alternative, easy sangria recipe

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/light-slow-cooker-apple-cider-sangria-easy-fall-party-drink/