If you love cocktails that bring the crisp, cozy flavors of fall to your glass, the Easy Apple Cider Sangria with Prosecco Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful drink blends fresh apple cider, bright citrus juices, aromatic spices, and bubbly Prosecco into a festive concoction that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or a lively party, this sangria brings warmth and sparkle with every sip, making it a standout crowd-pleaser that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Easy Apple Cider Sangria with Prosecco Recipe is a breeze thanks to these simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, aroma, and visual appeal that makes this sangria so irresistible.
- Apple cider: The star of the show, providing a sweet and tangy base full of fall character.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty note to balance the sweetness.
- Fresh orange juice: Brings a juicy citrus layer that lifts the flavor.
- Orange (sliced): Gorgeous for color and a lightly sweet aroma when infused.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Impart an earthy, herbal twist that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Cinnamon sticks: A warm spice touch that evokes cozy vibes.
- Diced apples: Fresh fruit chunks add texture and extra bursts of apple flavor.
- Bourbon (optional, but recommended): A splash of warmth to give the sangria a subtle kick and richness.
- Prosecco: The bubbly finish that turns this into a celebratory drink with effervescent charm.
How to Make Easy Apple Cider Sangria with Prosecco Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients in a large pitcher. Pour in the apple cider, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fresh orange juice. Toss in the orange slices, fresh thyme sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and diced apples. If you enjoy a hint of warmth and complexity, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of bourbon. Stir everything gently to mix those wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Let the Flavors Marry
If you have the time, allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps the spices and fruit infuse the cider and juices, creating a deeper, more harmonious flavor profile. But if you’re short on time or eager for a sip, you can skip this and proceed straight to serving.
Step 3: Add the Prosecco for Bubbly Bliss
When ready to serve, carefully pour in the whole bottle of chilled Prosecco. Give the sangria a gentle stir to combine the fizz with your spiced fruit base. This final step brings a sparkling, refreshing liveliness to the drink that’s simply unbeatable.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Pour the sangria into glasses, making sure each glass gets some of the fruit and herbs. This is where presentation meets pleasure—every sip is a burst of festive flavor and charming aroma.
How to Serve Easy Apple Cider Sangria with Prosecco Recipe
Garnishes
To really wow your guests, embellish each glass with a fresh thyme sprig and a cinnamon stick. Add a couple of thin orange or apple slices for extra color and texture. These garnishes not only decorate but also subtly enhance the scent and flavor as you drink.
Side Dishes
This sangria pairs wonderfully with a variety of light, complementary dishes. Think warm spiced nuts, crisp cheddar cheese with crackers, or even a platter of autumn fruits like pears and figs. It’s a great accompaniment for both brunches and evening gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive vibe, serve the sangria from a large, clear glass pitcher or a mason jar dispenser so everyone can admire the colorful fruit and herbs. Consider adding some ice cubes made from apple cider to keep the sangria cool without watering it down. You can also float edible flowers on top for a charming special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sangria left after your event, transfer it to a sealed container and keep it refrigerated. The flavors will continue to meld overnight, often tasting even better the next day. Just be sure to add the Prosecco right before serving if you plan to store the base mixture separately.
Freezing
Freezing sangria is generally not recommended because the carbonation from the Prosecco will be lost, and the texture of the fruit can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this sangria fresh or stored in the fridge for a day or two.
Reheating
This sangria is meant to be served chilled and sparkling, so reheating is not advisable. However, if you want a warm twist, try making a hot apple cider drink with the spices and fruit separately, excluding the Prosecco and citrus juices.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Apple Cider Sangria with Prosecco Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bourbon and substitute the Prosecco with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling cider for a festive, family-friendly version.
How far in advance can I prepare the sangria?
To get the best flavor, mix the cider, juices, fruit, and spices up to 12 hours ahead. Keep it refrigerated and add the Prosecco just before serving to preserve the bubbles.
What type of apples work best in this sangria?
Crisp apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, making them ideal for this recipe.
Can I use other types of juice in the sangria?
Fresh orange and lemon juice are key to brightening the flavors, but feel free to experiment with a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice for a colorful twist.
Is this sangria suitable for large parties?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients as needed and prepare it in a large dispenser or punch bowl. It’s easy to scale up and always a crowd favorite.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Easy Apple Cider Sangria with Prosecco Recipe that turns any moment into a celebration. It’s approachable, flavorful, and brimming with festive charm that will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and share this bubbly, spiced delight with friends and family—you won’t regret it!
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Easy Apple Cider Sangria with Prosecco Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional 30 minute infusion)
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Apple Cider Sangria with Prosecco perfect for fall gatherings or any festive occasion. This recipe combines crisp apple cider, fresh citrus juices, aromatic thyme and cinnamon, diced apples, and a splash of bourbon for warmth, topped off with bubbly Prosecco for a light and sparkling finish.
Ingredients
Base and Citrus
- 1 ½ cups apple cider
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 ounces fresh orange juice
- 1 orange, sliced
Herbs and Spices
- 8–10 fresh thyme sprigs
- 3–6 cinnamon sticks
Fruit
- 2 apples, diced
Alcohol
- 2–4 tablespoons Bourbon (optional, but recommended)
- 1 bottle Prosecco
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix together the apple cider, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fresh orange juice, orange slices, thyme sprigs, cinnamon sticks, diced apples, and bourbon if using. This forms the flavorful base of the sangria.
- Infuse Flavors: Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If short on time, you can skip this step and serve immediately.
- Add Prosecco: When ready to serve, pour in the bottle of Prosecco and gently stir to combine the sparkling wine with the infused cider mixture.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the sangria into individual glasses and garnish with additional thyme sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and pieces of fruit from the pitcher as preferred for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- The bourbon is optional but adds a warm depth to the sangria; omit for a lighter, non-spiked version.
- Allowing the sangria to rest for 30 minutes enhances the infusion of herbs and spices, but it can be served immediately if needed.
- Use chilled apple cider and Prosecco for a perfectly refreshing drink.
- Feel free to swap Prosecco with another sparkling wine or champagne of your choice.
- Adjust sweetness by choosing a sweeter or drier Prosecco or by adding a small amount of simple syrup if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American