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!