Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (2024)

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Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (1)

As much as I love classic sangria, I’m a firm believer that cinnamon can make just about anything taste better. And, since fall calls for cinnamon everything and apple trees grow like weeds this time of year, I thought it’d be fun to share my famous cinnamon apple sangria in today’s post! This easy red wine sangria adds a sweet and spicy twist to traditional red wine sangria, and it can be prepped up to three days in advance, which is great for fall hostesses! Keep reading for the step-by-step easy fall sangria recipe. I’ve also included a video tutorial and nutritional information down below!

Cinnamon Apple Fall Sangria

Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (2)

I want to mention that this easy fall sangria recipe should technically be broken up into two parts– the cinnamon simple syrup recipe and the fall sangria recipe itself. I’m breaking down both the ingredients and actual recipe instructions into two sections. I know it can be annoying hopping back and forth from section to section, so I included a cohesive printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Ingredients

Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (3)

Here’s everything you’ll need to serve 8-10 people–

Cinnamon Simple Syrup Ingredients

  • 1 cupgranulated sugar
  • 5cinnamon sticks

Apple Cinnamon Sangria Ingredients

  • 1.5L red wine– I find the best red wine for fall sangria is either affordable Cabernet Sauvignon or a cheap red blend. Also, for reference, 1.5L of wine equals 2 standard bottles or 1 Magnum bottle (I looked it up online, and that’s really its name).
  • 1 1/2 cupssweet apple cider
  • 3/4 cupbrandy– I use E & J Brandy, although any affordable brandy will do.
  • 1/2 cup homemade cinnamon simple syrup– Recipe to follow!
  • 5soaked cinnamon sticks– These’ll come from the cinnamon simple syrup.
  • Red apple, chopped or sliced– Honeycrisp, Gala, Red Delicious– any of them will work. My personal favorite is Fuji, though.
  • Granny Smith apple, chopped or sliced– Granny Smiths are hands down my favorite sangria apples. They’re the perfect tart compliment to the sweetness of red wine.
  • Red pear, chopped or sliced– If you can’t find a red pear, either double up on the green D’Anjou pears or grab a Bosc pear.
  • Green pear, chopped or sliced– I know there are a few kinds of green pears, but my favorite is D’Anjou. They’re so sweet and can be found pretty much anywhere this time of year.
  • Orange, sliced and halved

Easy Fall Sangria Recipe

Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (4)

Homemade Cinnamon Simple Syrup Recipe

Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (5)

First, four or more hours before starting the sangria, combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved– about five minutes.

Next, transfer the simple syrup to a mason jar (or any other heat-safe jar with a lid) and add the cinnamon sticks. Be sure to cover the top securely with a lid and let chill in the refrigerator anywhere from 4-48 hours. Note that the longer the mixture sits, the more intense the cinnamon flavor.

Finally, once soaked, fish out the cinnamon sticks and set them aside for the sangria.

Easy Fall Sangria Recipe

Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (6)

I love this recipe so much– primarily because it’s so darn easy. I recommend doing a little bit of prep work while the cinnamon simple syrup sets, though. This recipe calls for chopped pears, apples, and oranges, so I like to do that while I wait.

Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (7) Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (8)

Once the syrup’s ready, combine the red wine, apple cider, brandy, cinnamon simple syrup, soaked cinnamon sticks, and fruits in a large container with a lid. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 72 hours.

After four hours, transfer the sangria to a pitcher (or keep it in the container and/or beverage dispenser) and pour it into sangria glasses. Scoop some fruit into each glass and serve it chilled. Just a note— some people like it over ice and others don’t. I personally do not, but to each their own!

Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (9)Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (10)Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (11) Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (12)

Fall Sangria Subtitution Ideas

This fall sangria recipe is my favorite because (A) it’s delicious and (B) it’s pretty much impossible to mess up. You can swap out fruit or add additional spices or whatever you like. Just keep trying until you find the perfect combo for you– because trust me, you’ll want to make this multiple times throughout the season. After all, multiple batches equal multiple opportunities for exploring!

Here are a few substitutions that I’ve played around with and enjoyed, although my favorite’s definitely still the original method–

  • If you prefer a fruitier taste, substitute 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of apple brandy and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of pear brandy for traditional brandy.
  • Another option is to drop the brandy altogether and use apple bourbon instead. It’s totally up to you, and I recommend playing around with the recipe to see just how much flavor and spice you like.
  • Similarly, if you love the taste of cinnamon, double the simple syrup from 1/2 cup to 1 cup. Conversely, if you don’t like sweetness, you may want to reduce the amount of cinnamon simple syrup to 1/4 cup. I find 1/2 cup to be a crowd-pleasing compromise, though!

Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (13)

Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (14)

Apple Cinnamon Fall Sangria

Yield: 8-10 glasses

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

This cinnamon apple fall sangria is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy! Made with red wine, brandy, sweet apple cider, and a mixture of cinnamon, apples, pears, and oranges, this red wine sangria is guaranteed to be a hit at any fall gathering!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 cinnamon sticks
  • 1.5L Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 1 1/2 cups sweet apple cider
  • 3/4 cup brandy
  • 1/2 cup cinnamon simple syrup (recipe to follow)
  • 5 soaked cinnamon sticks (from cinnamon simple syrup)
  • Red apple, chopped or sliced
  • Granny Smith apple, chopped or sliced
  • Red pear, chopped or sliced
  • Green pear, chopped or slice
  • Orange, sliced and halved

Instructions

Cinnamon Simple Syrup

  1. 4+ hours before starting the sangria, combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. Transfer the simple syrup to a mason jar, add the cinnamon sticks, and let chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 48 hours. Note that the longer the mixture sits, the more intense the cinnamon flavor.
  3. Once soaked, remove the cinnamon sticks and set them aside for the sangria.


Easy Fall Sangria

  1. Combine the red wine, apple cider, brandy, cinnamon simple syrup, soaked cinnamon sticks, and chopped or sliced fruits in a large container with a lid. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 72 hours.
  2. Transfer the sangria to a pitcher (or keep it in the container and/or beverage dispenser) and pour it into sangria glasses. Scoop some fruit into each glass and serve chilled.

Notes

Just a note— some people like this fall red sangria over ice and others don’t. I personally don't, but to each their own!

If you aren’t a fan of sweetness, reduce the amount of cinnamon simple syrup to 1/4 cup. Conversely, if you love cinnamon, you may want to double the amount to 1 full cup.

You can also sub out the traditional brandy for 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of apple brandy and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of pear brandy for a fruitier taste.

Nutrition Information

Yield 10Serving Size 1
Amount Per ServingCalories 353Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 4mgCarbohydrates 60gFiber 6gSugar 46gProtein 1g

Nutritional information isn't always accurate and can vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to discrepancies among brands, precision of measurements, and freshness of ingredients.

More Fall Cocktails to Try

If you loved this apple cinnamon sangria recipe, I’m confident you’ll love these easy fall cocktail recipes, too–

  • Spiced Apple Cider Hot ToddyThis spiced apple cider hot toddy recipe combines all the best things about fall in one glass! Made with bourbon, spiced apple cider, and a handful of spices, it’s the perfect drink for warming up on a cold fall night.
  • Black-Eyed Rye– This is a chilled fall cocktail, but don’t let that deter you! It’s probably my favorite on this list (still trailing slightly behind this fall sangria, though). The Black-Eyed Rye, which is a fun take on the Black-Eyed Susan, is a must-try Rye whiskey cocktail for blackberry and ginger beer lovers!
  • Homemade Mulled WineUsing coconut sugar instead of granulated, this paleo and completely gluten-free mulled wine recipe issuper simple and guaranteed to be a hit for ALL the guests at your next cozy gathering!
  • Apple Cider BellinisMade with fresh apple cider, Cointreau, and real maple syrup, these apple cider bellinis combine all the best things about fall in a flute! This sweet and crisp champagne cocktail is super simple and perfect for fall parties, particularly Thanksgiving dinner!

Also, I know it’s not a cocktail, but this cinnamon apple pear-infused water is seriously delish (and detoxifying)! It’s one of my favorite non-alcoholic treats that uses up leftover fall fruit.

Thanks so much for reading, y’all! What kind of fun fall drinks are you mixing up this year? We’re in for a cold winter, so I can use all the warm cocktail recommendations I can get. Also, please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any problems with this apple cinnamon sangria recipe or any of my others. I love hearing from you guys, and I’m happy to help!

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Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (15)

Fall Sangria Recipe | Sweet and Spicy Cinnamon Apple Sangria (2024)

FAQs

What are the basic ingredients for sangria? ›

Step 1In a large pitcher, mix wine, orange juice, brandy, and granulated sugar. Stir in oranges, apples, blueberries, strawberries, and cinnamon. Step 2Refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.

What is traditional sangria made of? ›

Spanish Sangria Ingredients:

If you ask bartenders here in Spain how to make sangria, they will be the first to tell you that — technically — there is no standard way to make sangria. It's really just a wine punch made with seasonal fruit, sweetener, a good splash of brandy, and possibly something fizzy added in.

Is it better to make sangria the night before? ›

Don't skimp on the chilling time.

By chilling the sangria, you give the fresh fruits a chance to infuse the wine with sweet, fresh flavor. If you cut this time short, your sangria won't taste as fruity or as balanced. I let mine chill for at least 8 hours before serving, or overnight for the best flavor.

What is the best wine for sangria? ›

The best wine for sangria is Garnacha (also called Grenache) or Pinot Noir. Garnacha comes from Spain, so it's my top pick for authentic Spanish sangria! Choose an inexpensive wine (under $20) that you would enjoy on its own. Why Garnacha and Pinot Noir?

How much alcohol is usually in sangria? ›

EU law says bottles from Spain are limited by law to less than 12% alcohol by volume (ABV). Bottles produced in the U.S. usually have between 5% and 15%. Sangria made with red wine is usually stronger than white wine punches.

How do you spice up a bottle of sangria? ›

Mix the sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and pumpkin purée in a pan with 125ml of water and heat over a medium heat until you have a pumpkin spice syrup (5-10 minutes). Add 2 shots of syrup to a pitcher with the wine and bourbon, then serve over ice.

What is the difference between Mexican and Spanish sangria? ›

The name sangria once meant “blood,” which it got because of its dark red color. Mexican sangria is similar to the fruit and wine of Spanish sangria, but it has a higher alcohol content. The high alcohol content makes this drink a great pairing with spicy food, like hot salsa.

What fruit is good for sangria? ›

It is recommended to add citrus, stone or tropical fruits for the perfect Sangria. If you prefer softer fruits such as berries, watermelon or melon, then add them just before serving so they don't get too soft and mushy. Don't forget to add a splash of sparkling water or soda for a little bit of extra fizz.

Why was sangria illegal? ›

Sangria, wine mixed with fruit, has always been legal and available. The issue comes about when Sangria is mixed with brandy or other spirits that raises the alcohol content of the drink. Alcohol-boosted Sangria was illegal because of a 1934 law formed post-prohibition to keep the percentage of alcohol low in drinks.

What do you eat when drinking sangria? ›

Red Sangria: Rich, Bold Pairings

You can also think about pairing it with dishes like empanadas, grilled steak, chorizo, manchego cheese, or sweet and sour meatballs. The bold flavors of red sangria can stand up to the richness of these dishes, creating a perfect match.

Can you leave fruit in sangria overnight? ›

The Overnight Resting Period Is Important!

This lets the fruit infuse the wine, letting its juices get in the mix and sweeten up the drink.

Can sangria sit too long? ›

"The fruit will get mealy and limp, and the sangria will taste bitter," says Martinez. In general, aim for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours, as in this recipe for Blood Orange Sangria.

What is the best cheap wine for sangria? ›

"For whites, we love the tropical fruit flavors that Spanish Verdejo from Rueda brings to the sangria party like the Marques de Riscal," said White. "An inexpensive Italian pinot grigio is also easy to find at any wine shop and makes a great base for white sangria."

What is the best cheap red wine for sangria? ›

Spanish Reds

A traditional Spanish red wine with plenty of backbone and a hint of spice (like Garnacha, Tempranillo, or a Rioja blend) will always lead you to a supremely balanced glass of red sangria.

Is red or white sangria better? ›

Key Takeaway: Red and white sangria are made with different wines. There is no way to tell which one is better. It all boils down to personal preference. However, don't be afraid to experiment with recipes for your bar or restaurant.

How long is homemade sangria? ›

Classic Spanish sangria is made with red wine, fruit, a little sugar and brandy. Once all of the ingredients are combined, they allow the sangria to sit for a few hours, usually overnight.

What is a substitute for wine in sangria? ›

VIRGIN SANGRIA Variations

You can replace with wine with fruit juice such as: Cranberry juice, which still gives you the gorgeous red colour but makes this a little less 'adult' so it's perfect if you're making this mocktail for kids. What is this? Pomegranate juice.

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