Description
This Light Caramel Apple Sangria with Cinnamon Sticks is a crisp, refreshing fall drink that swaps heavy sugar for natural sweetness from apple cider. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 Honeycrisp apples
- 1 lemon (thinly sliced, seeds removed)
- Extra cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Apple slices for garnish (dipped in lemon water)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Wash apples thoroughly, core and slice into thin rounds or half-moons about 1/4 inch thick. Slice lemon into thin rounds and remove seeds.
- Build the base: In a large pitcher, pour apple cider and brandy. Stir gently to combine.
- Add the caramel: Drizzle in caramel sauce. Do not stir yet.
- Layer in the fruit and spices: Add sliced apples, lemon slices, and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher.
- Pour the wine: Slowly pour white wine over everything. Give one gentle stir to start incorporating the caramel.
- Chill and meld: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Serve: Give a final gentle stir. Pour into glasses, ensuring each gets fruit and a cinnamon stick. Garnish with fresh apple slice and extra cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
Don’t skip the chilling time; the flavors meld and improve after 2-4 hours, with peak flavor at 24 hours. Use quality ingredients for best results. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with white grape juice and brandy with vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Carbohydrates: 22
Keywords: sangria, apple sangria, caramel apple sangria, fall sangria, easy sangria recipe, white wine sangria, apple cider sangria