Print

Cozy Spiked Apple Cider Sangria: Best Halloween Drink

cozy spiked apple cider sangria - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, spiced apple cider sangria with bourbon and apple brandy, perfect for Halloween parties or cozy fall nights. Quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (1 liter) apple cider
  • 1 cup (240 ml) bourbon
  • ½ cup (120 ml) apple brandy
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 4 to 5 whole cloves
  • 2 thin slices fresh ginger (peeled)
  • 1 large Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, cut into thin rounds or small chunks
  • 1 medium navel orange, cut into thin half-moons
  • ½ cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish)
  • Cinnamon-sugar rim (optional garnish)
  • Ice cubes (if serving cold)

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash the apple and orange thoroughly. Cut the apple into thin rounds (about ¼-inch thick) and then cut those rounds in half if desired. Cut the orange into thin half-moons. If using pomegranate, remove the seeds from the fruit and set aside.
  2. Combine the liquids: Pour the apple cider into a large pitcher. Add the bourbon and apple brandy. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add the spices: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, whole cloves, and ginger slices. Let infuse for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) for best flavor.
  4. Add the fruit: Gently slide the apple slices and orange half-moons into the pitcher. Add the pomegranate seeds if using. Stir slowly to combine.
  5. Chill or serve warm: For cold version, refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours). For warm version, pour mixture into a large pot and heat over medium-low for 10–15 minutes (do not boil).
  6. Serve and garnish: Fill glasses with ice (if serving cold) or leave room temperature (if serving warm). Ladle sangria into each glass, including some fruit and a cinnamon stick or star anise. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig or thin apple slice if desired.
  7. Adjust to taste: Before serving, taste and adjust: add more cider if too strong, lemon juice if too sweet, or extra bourbon if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, let the sangria infuse for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If serving warm, do not boil to avoid cooking off alcohol and turning fruit to mush. Use large ice cubes to prevent dilution. For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon and brandy with sparkling apple cider or ginger ale.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, spiked apple cider, Halloween drink, bourbon cocktail, fall cocktail, cozy drink, apple cider recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/cozy-spiked-apple-cider-sangria-best-halloween-drink/