Introduction
Looking for the perfect fall cocktail to serve at your next gathering or cozy evening at home? Look no further than Caramel Apple Sangria, a sweet, refreshing, and festive drink that brings together all the warm flavors of autumn. This delicious sangria combines crisp white wine, rich caramel vodka, and spiced apple cider for a beverage that tastes like caramel apples in a glass.
Caramel Apple Sangria is a fantastic choice for fall parties, Thanksgiving celebrations, or even a relaxing evening on the porch as the leaves change color. It’s easy to make in large batches, and the flavors improve as it sits, making it the ideal make-ahead cocktail.
Let’s dive into this irresistibly sweet and tangy drink that will quickly become your go-to fall sangria recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio recommended)
- ½ cup caramel vodka
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 pear, thinly sliced (optional, adds a nice touch)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional, for rimming the glasses or drizzling)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
- Club soda or ginger ale (optional, for a sparkling twist)
- Ice cubes, for serving
Preparation:
Step 1:
Prepare the Fruit
Start by washing and thinly slicing the apple and pear (if using). The fruit will absorb the sangria’s flavors, adding a touch of sweetness and providing a beautiful garnish for the drink. Leave the peel on for a pop of color.
Step 2:
Mix the Sangria
In a large pitcher, combine the bottle of white wine, caramel vodka, and apple cider. Stir well to blend the flavors. The combination of crisp wine, the rich caramel notes from the vodka, and the spiced sweetness of the apple cider is what makes this sangria so unique and perfect for fall.
Step 3:
Add the Fruit
Add the sliced apples and pears to the sangria mixture. The fruit will infuse into the liquid, releasing more flavor as it sits. If you want to intensify the autumn feel, you can also add a cinnamon stick or two to the pitcher for a warm, spiced undertone.
Step 4:
Chill the Sangria
Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let the sangria chill for at least 1-2 hours. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together, so feel free to make this a day ahead of time if you’re preparing for an event. Chilling the sangria also enhances the crispness of the wine and the sweetness of the apple cider.
Step 5:
Prepare the Glasses (Optional)
For an extra festive touch, rim your glasses with caramel sauce before serving. To do this, simply dip the rim of each glass into caramel sauce, then turn the glass upright and allow the caramel to slowly drip down for a decorative effect. This not only adds to the presentation but gives an extra burst of caramel flavor with every sip.
Step 6:
Serve the Sangria
When you’re ready to serve, fill each glass with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the top. Make sure to include some of the apple and pear slices in each glass for added flavor and decoration. For a sparkling variation, top off each glass with a splash of club soda or ginger ale right before serving.
Step 7:
Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple, if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy the crisp, sweet flavors of fall in every sip!
COOKING Note:
- Choosing the Right Wine: Opt for a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Riesling. These wines balance out the sweetness of the caramel and apple cider without overpowering the other flavors.
- Caramel Vodka: If you can’t find caramel vodka, you can use vanilla vodka or plain vodka with a splash of caramel syrup for a similar effect.
- Make it Sparkling: For a bubbly sangria, add a splash of club soda or ginger ale just before serving. This adds a refreshing effervescence to the drink.
Serving Suggestions:
This Caramel Apple Sangria is a crowd-pleasing drink for any fall celebration. Serve it with appetizers like a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar (a great match with apple flavors) or warm fall-themed snacks like spiced nuts or baked brie.
Perfect Pairings:
- Desserts: Pair this sangria with fall desserts such as apple pie, caramel tart, or pumpkin spice muffins for a harmonious flavor combination.
- Snacks: Complement it with salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn, as the saltiness will balance out the sweetness of the sangria.
Tips:
- Let it Sit: The longer the sangria sits, the more flavorful it becomes. Prepare it a day ahead of time to let the flavors really develop.
- Add Extra Flavor: For more fall spice, you can add a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg directly to the sangria, or simmer the apple cider with a cinnamon stick before adding it to the mix.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: To make this a non-alcoholic drink, swap the wine with sparkling apple cider and the caramel vodka with a little caramel syrup or butterscotch extract.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Chilling Time:
1-2 hours
Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 180-200
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugars: 18g
- Alcohol: Varies depending on wine and vodka used
Conclusion:
This Caramel Apple Sangria is the perfect fall drink to enjoy during cozy autumn evenings, festive gatherings, or even on Thanksgiving. Combining the sweetness of caramel, the crispness of white wine, and the richness of apple cider, it offers a blend of comforting flavors that tastes just like a caramel apple in a glass. Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a versatile cocktail that can be customized to your liking with sparkling options, extra spices, or even non-alcoholic variations.
So, grab your favorite fall mug or wine glass, pour yourself a tall glass of Caramel Apple Sangria, and savor the taste of the season!
Print
Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe – A Fall Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 bottle white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio recommended)
- ½ cup caramel vodka
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 pear, thinly sliced (optional, adds a nice touch)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional, for rimming the glasses or drizzling)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
- Club soda or ginger ale (optional, for a sparkling twist)
- Ice cubes, for serving
Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare the Fruit
Start by washing and thinly slicing the apple and pear (if using). The fruit will absorb the sangria’s flavors, adding a touch of sweetness and providing a beautiful garnish for the drink. Leave the peel on for a pop of color.
Step 2:
Mix the Sangria
In a large pitcher, combine the bottle of white wine, caramel vodka, and apple cider. Stir well to blend the flavors. The combination of crisp wine, the rich caramel notes from the vodka, and the spiced sweetness of the apple cider is what makes this sangria so unique and perfect for fall.
Step 3:
Add the Fruit
Add the sliced apples and pears to the sangria mixture. The fruit will infuse into the liquid, releasing more flavor as it sits. If you want to intensify the autumn feel, you can also add a cinnamon stick or two to the pitcher for a warm, spiced undertone.
Step 4:
Chill the Sangria
Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let the sangria chill for at least 1-2 hours. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together, so feel free to make this a day ahead of time if you’re preparing for an event. Chilling the sangria also enhances the crispness of the wine and the sweetness of the apple cider.
Step 5:
Prepare the Glasses (Optional)
For an extra festive touch, rim your glasses with caramel sauce before serving. To do this, simply dip the rim of each glass into caramel sauce, then turn the glass upright and allow the caramel to slowly drip down for a decorative effect. This not only adds to the presentation but gives an extra burst of caramel flavor with every sip.
Step 6:
Serve the Sangria
When you’re ready to serve, fill each glass with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the top. Make sure to include some of the apple and pear slices in each glass for added flavor and decoration. For a sparkling variation, top off each glass with a splash of club soda or ginger ale right before serving.
Step 7:
Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple, if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy the crisp, sweet flavors of fall in every sip!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 180-200
- Sugar: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g