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Cozy Apple Cider Sangria with Cinnamon Sticks: Easy 5-Minute Recipe

cozy apple cider sangria with cinnamon sticks - featured image

This cozy apple cider sangria with cinnamon sticks is a simple, 5-minute recipe that tastes like autumn in a glass. With apple cider, dry white wine, and cinnamon, it’s the perfect fall drink for gatherings or a quiet evening.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Albariño)
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 large apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady), sliced into thin rounds or chunks
  • 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds (optional)
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • Ice (for serving)
  • Optional garnishes: extra cinnamon sticks, apple slices, or fresh rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Wash the apple thoroughly and slice it into thin rounds or chunks, about ¼-inch thick. If using an orange, slice it into thin rounds and remove any seeds.
  2. Add the apple slices and orange rounds (if using) to a large 2-quart pitcher.
  3. Break one cinnamon stick in half and add all the cinnamon sticks to the pitcher.
  4. Pour 4 cups of apple cider over the fruit and cinnamon. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  5. Open the bottle of dry white wine and pour it into the pitcher. Stir gently again to combine.
  6. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if desired: add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey for more sweetness, or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance.
  7. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight (up to 24 hours).
  8. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice. Give the sangria a gentle stir, then pour over the ice, ensuring each glass gets some apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Garnish as desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling time—the sangria needs at least 2 hours for the flavors to meld. Overnight is even better. Avoid using ground cinnamon; whole sticks are essential. For a stronger version, add ½ cup bourbon or dark rum. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute sparkling apple cider or ginger ale for the wine. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; strain out fruit after 24 hours if keeping longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall sangria, cinnamon sangria, easy sangria recipe, 5-minute sangria, apple cider cocktail, fall cocktail