If you are looking to elevate your next get-together with a drink that feels both festive and refreshing, this Spiced Orange Apple Cider Sangria Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together crisp white wine, fragrant apple cider, and a luscious homemade orange spiced simple syrup that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and warm spice. The vibrant slices of honeycrisp apples and navel oranges, paired with aromatic cinnamon sticks and star anise, create not only a delightful flavor profile but also a beautiful presentation. This sangria will quickly become your favorite for cool evenings or lively gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a stainless steel pot with a clear liquid inside. Floating on the surface are two dark brown cinnamon sticks, two dark star anise pieces, and a thin piece of bright orange peel laying flat in the middle. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and the spices and peel have a slightly shiny and wet texture from the liquid. The light reflects softly on the metal inside the pot, highlighting the rich colors and smooth texture of the ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Spiced Orange Apple Cider Sangria Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting the taste, texture, and inviting color of the final drink. From the bright notes of citrus to the cozy spices, every component matters.

1 bottle white wine: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to provide a refreshing, light base.
2 1/2 cups apple cider: This adds natural sweetness and a lovely fruity depth to the sangria.
1/3 cup Grand Marnier: Adds a subtle orange liqueur complexity that enriches the flavor layers beautifully.
3/4 cup orange spiced simple syrup: A homemade syrup infused with orange peel, cinnamon, and star anise to give your sangria that warm, spiced character.
1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced: Offers crisp texture and juicy bursts of flavor; save some slices for garnish.
1 navel orange, thinly sliced: Brings bright citrus notes and vibrant color to your drink.
3 cinnamon sticks: These infuse the sangria with a subtle, comforting spice.
1 cup water: Essential for crafting the orange spiced simple syrup.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the syrup to perfectly balance the tartness and spice.
2 whole star anise: Adds a fragrant, licorice-like note that elevates the syrup’s complexity.
1 2-3 inch piece orange peel: Make sure to avoid the white pith for a clean, bright citrus flavor in the syrup.

How to Make Spiced Orange Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Spiced Simple Syrup

Start by creating the heart of this sangria’s flavor—the orange spiced simple syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, the orange peel, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 1-2 minutes. This process infuses the syrup with layers of warm spice and bright citrus aroma. Once done, remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely. After cooling, strain out the solids so your syrup is smooth and ready to sweeten the sangria perfectly.

Step 2: Combine the Sangria Ingredients

Grab a large pitcher and pour in the white wine, apple cider, and Grand Marnier. Add 3/4 cup of the freshly made orange spiced simple syrup—feel free to start with 1/2 cup if you want to keep it on the lighter, less sweet side. Toss in the thinly sliced honeycrisp apple, navel orange slices, and the cinnamon sticks. Give everything a gentle stir to marry all these delicious components together.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Pop the filled pitcher into the fridge and let it chill for 2 to 4 hours to allow those scrumptious flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, serving it immediately over crushed ice works wonderfully too. When ready to serve, garnish with additional apple slices and cinnamon sticks for an extra pop of charm and spice.

How to Serve Spiced Orange Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

A clear glass pitcher filled with a light brown liquid sits on a white marbled surface with scattered ice cubes around it. Inside the pitcher, there are visible thin slices of bright orange and pale green apples floating near the top, layered vertically. A cinnamon stick rests among the fruit slices inside the pitcher. A woman's hand is holding a long wooden stirrer placed inside the pitcher. The background is dark, making the pitcher and its colorful contents stand out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your sangria is just as important as making it. Use thin apple slices and cinnamon sticks to float on top—they not only look stunning but also enhance the aroma and flavor with every sip. A small star anise or a twist of orange peel can add an elegant touch for guests who appreciate extra visual and sensory appeal.

Side Dishes

This sangria pairs beautifully with a wide range of snacks and meals. Think warm spiced nuts, soft cheeses like brie or camembert, or even a charcuterie board with dried fruits and cured meats. For a more substantial combo, try it with roasted turkey sandwiches or autumnal salads featuring walnuts and dried cranberries.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine serving this Spiced Orange Apple Cider Sangria Recipe in rustic mason jars or delicate stemmed glasses to highlight its vibrant colors. Adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer or a sugared rim to the glass can invite your friends to a multi-sensory experience. For outdoor gatherings, freeze some apple slices or orange wheels in ice cubes to keep drinks cold without diluting the flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover sangria, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, sometimes tasting even better after resting overnight. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the fruit and spices.

Freezing

Freezing sangria is not recommended since the wine and fresh fruit can lose their texture and flavor upon thawing, and the cinnamon sticks might become overpowering. Instead, focus on keeping leftovers chilled and fresh in the fridge.

Reheating

This sangria is best served cold, so reheating is generally not advised. If you’re craving those warm spice flavors, consider making a separate batch of warm mulled cider using similar spices to complement your sangria experience.

FAQs

Can I use red wine instead of white for this Spiced Orange Apple Cider Sangria Recipe?

Absolutely! Red wine brings a richer, deeper flavor that pairs nicely with the spices and fruit; just choose a lighter red like a Pinot Noir for the best balance.

How far in advance can I make this sangria?

You can prepare the sangria up to 24 hours before serving. Allow the flavors to meld in the fridge, but add fresh garnishes right before serving for the best presentation.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply replace the white wine and Grand Marnier with additional apple cider and a splash of sparkling water or a non-alcoholic orange extract for brightness.

Can I substitute the honeycrisp apple with other apples?

Definitely. Fresh, crisp apples like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Gala also work well and offer slight variations in sweetness and tartness.

What can I do if I don’t have Grand Marnier?

If Grand Marnier isn’t on hand, you can substitute with any orange-flavored liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec, or simply omit it and add a bit more orange zest or juice to keep that citrus kick.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Orange Apple Cider Sangria Recipe is a joyous celebration of autumn flavors that will brighten any occasion. Its warm spices, bright citrus, and crisp apple combine effortlessly with the wine and cider to deliver a drink that feels cozy yet refreshingly vibrant. I encourage you to whip up a batch soon and share it with friends—you’re going to love how easy it is to charm everyone’s taste buds with this delightful sangria.

Spiced Orange Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Spiced Orange Apple Cider Sangria Recipe