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Perfect Caramel Apple Sangria: Easy Fall Cocktail Recipe

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This Perfect Caramel Apple Sangria for Fall Gatherings is a crowd-pleasing cocktail that tastes like autumn in a glass. With crisp white wine, warm apple cider, and buttery caramel, it’s quick to make and perfect for any fall occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered)
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for garnish)
  • ¼ cup bourbon or whiskey (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp + Granny Smith), cored and cut into thin wedges
  • 1 pear (Bosc or Anjou), firm but ripe, cored and sliced
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Macerate the apples: In a small bowl, combine sliced apples and pears with ¼ cup caramel sauce and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Layer the fruit: Transfer macerated apples and pears to a large pitcher. Add halved grapes. Pour in any remaining caramel-lemon juice from the bowl.
  3. Add liquids: Pour in apple cider, then white wine. If using bourbon, add it now. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  4. Sweeten to taste: Add remaining ¼ cup caramel sauce. Stir until dissolved. Taste and add more caramel if desired.
  5. Chill: Cover pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4-6 hours or overnight.
  6. Serve: Fill glasses with ice. Pour sangria, including some fruit in each glass. Garnish with rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick, and extra caramel drizzle if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the maceration step—it infuses the apples with caramel flavor. Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc; avoid sweet wines. Thin apple slices (about ¼ inch) work best. For best flavor, make 4-12 hours ahead. Serve over ice in individual glasses, not in the pitcher. Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the refrigerator; fruit softens after 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple sangria, fall cocktail, apple cider sangria, easy sangria recipe, white wine sangria, autumn drink, party punch