Print

The Best Cozy Halloween Spiked Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

halloween spiked apple cider sangria - featured image

A happy accident turned into a signature fall party move—this spiked apple cider sangria is quick, easy, and perfectly balanced with crisp wine, warm spices, and a touch of brandy. It’s the ultimate festive drink for Halloween gatherings or cozy autumn nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1/2 cup brandy (or apple brandy)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced thin into rounds
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds then quartered
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional)
  • Ice cubes (or frozen apple cider cubes)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash the apple and orange thoroughly. Slice the apple into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick), then cut the rounds in half. Slice the orange into rounds, then quarter each round. If using cranberries, rinse and set aside.
  2. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine 4 cups apple cider, the entire bottle of wine, and 1/2 cup brandy. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  3. Drizzle in 1/4 cup maple syrup and stir until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
  4. Add 2 cinnamon sticks and 3 star anise pods directly into the pitcher.
  5. Gently add the apple slices, orange quarters, and cranberries (if using). Push them down with a spoon to submerge.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  7. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice (or frozen apple cider cubes). Pour sangria over ice, including some fruit in each glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and an extra cinnamon stick if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, make the sangria a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. Use frozen apple cider cubes instead of regular ice to avoid dilution. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with more apple cider and skip the brandy, adding a splash of ginger ale for fizz.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween sangria, apple cider sangria, spiked apple cider, fall cocktail, Halloween drink, white wine sangria, brandy sangria