Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe

Just because the seasons are changing and the weather is cooling down does NOT mean we need to stop making refreshing summery cocktails! Today I am sharing a fun cocktail recipe with an autumnal twist on the classic fruity favorite…Sangria!

My favorite memory of the fall time growing up was visiting our local cider mill. A lovely afternoon of spicy cider, sugary donuts, and the sweet smell of apples throughout the air. Now that I’m out on the west coast, cider mills are few and far between, so I’ve had to come up with new and creative ways to celebrate the season in a much less autumnal climate. This Caramel Apple Sangria cocktail is a fruity boozy punch with a hint of that festive sweet apple flavor. Find out how to make your own with the recipe below!

Caramel Apple Sangria Ingredients:

2 cups apple cider
1 bottle white wine (I used a Pinot Grigio)
1/2 cup vodka
1-2 large apples (I used Honeycrisp)
Cinnamon sugar
Caramel syrup
1 bottle ginger beer
Ice
Toppings: cinnamon sticks, star anise, etc (optional for garnish)
Glass pitcher

Chop up your apples into bite size pieces, I did pieces that were about 3/4” squares. For my pitcher, I only used one large chopped apple but you can use more if you have a larger pitcher. Dump apple pieces into the bottom of your pitcher. Then take your caramel syrup and drizzle a layer over the apple pieces.

Pour in one full bottle of Pinot Grigio. Then add in 1/2 cup of Vodka. I used plain vodka that I already had in my bar cart, but I think a caramel flavored vodka would be perfect for this recipe!

Next, add in your 2 cups of apple cider. Stir your sangria mixture well and then place in the refrigerator to chill.

This recipe is best if you can make the sangria a few hours before serving to allow your flavors to combine. It also tastes great the next day, just give it another good stir before serving!

To serve up this drink, I gave my glasses a sugary rim of caramel syrup and cinnamon sugar. I did this by pouring a small amount of each into two separate shallow bowls and dipping the upside down glass into the syrup first then the cinnamon sugar.

Give the sides & bottom of your glass a drizzle of more caramel syrup, then fill your glass with ice cubes. Pour in your Caramel Apple Sangria. Top with a bubbly pour of ginger beer, then add in a few cinnamon sticks for garnish! (you could also add a few star anise because they look beautiful but I’m NOT about that licorice flavor…lol).

Your cocktail is now complete and ready to enjoy!

This drink recipe would be perfect if you are hosting any upcoming fall or Halloween parties! What are some of your favorite cocktails to enjoy during the fall season?

Cheers! Xo Rachael