Description
This warm, spiced sangria is made in a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy your own fall gathering without being stuck behind a bar. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it party drink that fills your home with the cozy aroma of autumn.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Zinfandel)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced into thin rounds
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2–3 star anise pods (optional)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
Instructions
- Wash the apple and orange. Slice the apple into thin rounds (about 1/4-inch thick). Slice the orange into rounds; cut rounds in half if needed to fit in the crockpot.
- Place the apple slices, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise (if using), and ginger slices into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Pour in the apple cider, red wine, and brandy. Add the honey or maple syrup. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sweetener and distribute the spices.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set to Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours. The sangria is ready when steaming hot and fragrant.
- Taste and adjust sweetness: add more honey or maple syrup if needed, or a splash of wine or fresh orange juice if too sweet.
- Turn the slow cooker to the ‘Warm’ setting. Ladle the sangria into mugs, including some fruit slices. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or star anise pod if desired.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, swap the red wine for non-alcoholic red wine or more apple cider, and add a splash of apple cider vinegar. To make ahead, prep fruit and spices the night before and store in a bag in the fridge. For a clearer drink, strain through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated on Low in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (Low) or 2 hours (High)
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: crockpot apple cider sangria, fall party drink, warm sangria, slow cooker sangria, apple cider sangria, autumn cocktail, mulled wine alternative