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Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Sangria for Two: Easy Fall Recipe

caramel apple cider sangria - featured image
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A warm, cozy sangria made with apple cider, red wine, and caramel sauce—perfect for a fall evening. This accidental recipe turned into a favorite, offering a comforting, dessert-like drink that’s simple to make and perfect for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 cup dry red wine (Merlot or Zinfandel recommended)
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Orange peel strips (from 1/2 orange, avoiding white pith)

Instructions

  1. Prep your fruit: Thinly slice the apple into rounds or half-moons. Use a vegetable peeler to strip long pieces of orange peel, avoiding the white pith. Set aside.
  2. Combine the liquid base: In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, red wine, caramel sauce, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
  3. Add the spices: Add cinnamon stick, whole cloves, star anise (if using), a few apple slices, and one orange peel strip to the saucepan.
  4. Heat gently: Warm over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil. Heat until steam rises and the mixture is hot but not bubbling.
  5. Taste and adjust: After 8 minutes, taste and adjust sweetness with more caramel or brown sugar if desired.
  6. Strain or remove spices: Either pour through a fine-mesh strainer or use a spoon to remove cinnamon stick, star anise, and orange peel pieces. Leave the apple slices in.
  7. Pour and garnish: Divide warm sangria between two heatproof mugs. Add fresh apple slices and a fresh cinnamon stick to each. Optionally, drizzle extra caramel sauce inside the mug or on top. Garnish with a fresh orange peel strip.
  8. Serve immediately: Enjoy warm with a cozy blanket.

Notes

Don’t rush the heating—low and slow prevents scorching and preserves flavor. Use a fruit-forward red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with strong brewed spiced chai tea. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cider sangria, fall sangria, warm sangria, apple cider cocktail, cozy drink, sangria for two, easy fall recipe

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-caramel-apple-cider-sangria-for-two-easy-fall-recipe/