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Cozy Caramel Apple Sangria with Cinnamon

caramel apple sangria - featured image

A warm and inviting fall sangria made with dry white wine, apple cider, caramel sauce, and cinnamon sticks. This easy, crowd-pleasing drink comes together in minutes and is perfect for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle dry white wine (750 ml), such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/4 cup bourbon or whiskey (optional)
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 45 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
  • Ice for serving
  • Fresh mint or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the fruit: Wash and core the apples, then slice into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Slice the orange into similar thickness. Leave the peel on both.
  2. Prepare the cinnamon sticks: If long, break them in half to fit better in the pitcher, or leave whole.
  3. Combine the liquid base: In a large pitcher, pour the entire bottle of white wine and add the apple cider. If using bourbon or whiskey, add it now. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  4. Add the caramel: Warm the caramel sauce slightly (about 10 seconds in the microwave) so it pours easily. Drizzle into the pitcher while stirring continuously until fully incorporated.
  5. Add the fruit and spices: Drop in the apple slices, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks. Gently push them down into the liquid so they are mostly submerged.
  6. Stir and taste: Give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust sweetness with more caramel or brown sugar if desired.
  7. Chill (optional but recommended): Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to let flavors meld.
  8. Serve with ice: Fill glasses with ice. Pour the sangria over the ice, making sure each glass gets some fruit and a cinnamon stick.
  9. Garnish and enjoy: Add a sprig of rosemary or mint, and an extra apple slice or orange wheel on the rim if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, let the sangria chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the sweetness. Don’t skip the orange—it adds necessary brightness. If making ahead, add fruit and cinnamon sticks a few hours before serving to keep fruit fresh. For a warm version, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple sangria, fall sangria, white wine sangria, apple cider sangria, cinnamon sangria, cozy drink, autumn cocktail