Fall Cocktails: Cider Sangria Spritzer Recipe
As the leaves start to fall, so does my taste in beverages. Any old cocktail won’t do. I want something that is full of fall flavor and spice. This Cider Sangria Spritzer is exactly that! With apple cider, wine, fresh fruit, a little brown sugar, soda and spices you are going to love every last drop.
Do you love fun seasonal drinks? Try this Cranberry Bliss Mimosa!
This Cider Sangria Spritzer recipe was originally published in (November 2017) and updated in September 2021.
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What is a Spritzer?
A spritzer is a simple cocktail that contains wine, soda and ice. In this case we are combining that with a sangria for a doubly wonderful drink.
Ingredients you will need for your Sangria Spritzer
- Cinnamon Sticks-added to the drink for extra flavor, they are also a fun garnish.
- Apples-I love to use Honey Crisp but any apple you have on hand will do. They are added to the drink and soak up the drink for an added bonus.
- Oranges-sliced and added to the drink, they add great flavor and color.
- Brown Sugar-granulated sugar just wouldn’t do, so brown sugar is added for a little extra sweetness.
- White Wine-Pinot Grigio is my choice but use what you love.
- Apple Cider-one of the main ingredients, it is important to have a good quality cider.
- Orange Juice-for flavor and freshness.
- Lemon Lime Soda-this is what makes it a spritzer and gives it that extra special touch. Add at serving so that you don’t lose the carbonation.
- Sprinkles or Cinnamon Sugar-for the rim of the glass.
How to make your Cider Sangria Spritzer
- Add wine, apple cider, orange juice, orange juice and brown sugar to a pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add cinnamon sticks, apple slices and orange slices to the pitcher. Stir gently, cover and refrigerate for 6-24 hours.
How to serve your Cider Sangria Spritzer
- Wet rim of glass with water and then dip into sprinkles {or cinnamon sugar mixture}.
- Pour Sangria into glass {be sure to add fruit} to about 1/2 full and fill to 3/4 full with lemon lime soda.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Can you make this Spritzer without alcohol?
Yes, omit the wine and add the same amount of apple cider or apple juice.
You could also use a sparkling cider as the bubbles instead of the lemon lime soda.
How to store your Sangria Spritzer
Store the Cider Sangria in the refrigerator. Keep in a pitcher for up to 3 days but know that the longer it sits the more the fruit soaks up the alcohol.
If the pitcher doesn’t have a lid you could add some plastic wrap to the top.
Helpful Tips
- Use a good quality cider. I love a honey crisp cider and in the fall you can find some really great fresh varieties.
- Cut the apples right before using. This will help keep the apples from turning brown.
- Add soda right before serving. If you add the soda too early you will lose carbonation.
What goes well with Cider Sangria Spritzer
There are so many things that go great with this spritzer. Sage, maple, caramel, ginger and ginger are all great flavors that compliment this drink.
Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve up with it. This Winter Salad is loaded with butternut squash and pomegranate for the perfect duo.
If you are looking for a great side dish, this Sweet and Yukon Potato Au Gratin is exactly what you are looking for. Add your favorite protein, add this drink and dinner is served.
Maybe something sweet is more your style {I feel you}. This Cranberry Orange Bottom Bundt Cake would be an awesome accompaniment with this cider.
Do you love to make fun drinks at home? Try these recipes…
- Cranberry Bliss Mimosa
- Festive Pomegranate Punch
- The Perfect Margarita
- Mixed Fruit Frozen Daiquiri
- Watermelon Limeade
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Cider Sangria Spritzer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (750ml) bottle white wine {I used Pinot Grigio}
- 2 cups apple cider {I used Honey Crisp}
- ยผ cup orange juice
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks {plus more for garnish}
- 2 red apples, thinly sliced {I used Honey Crisp}
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp sugar sprinkles or cinnamon sugar {rim of glass}
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda
Instructions
Cider Sangria Spritzer
- Add wine, apple cider, orange juice and brown sugar to a large pitcher and stir until the sugar is dissolved.ย Add cinnamon sticks, apple slices and orange slices to pitcher.ย Stir gently, cover and refrigerate for 6-24 hours.
Serving Cider Sangria Spritzer
- Wet the rim of your glasses with water and then dip it into plate of colored sugar {or a mixture of cinnamon sugar}.ย Pour sangria {be sure to add pieces of fruit} to about ยฝ full and fill to ยพ full with lemon lime soda.ย Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Store leftovers for up to 3 days, covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- To make this drink non-alcoholic:ย substitute wine for additional apple cider or apple juice.ย You can also substitute the lemon lime soda with sparkling apple cider if desired.