I bring this Apple Cider Sangria to the table and suddenly every other fall drink has competition, with crisp apples, cider, and bubbly prosecco in every glass.
I’m obsessed with this Apple Cider Sangria because it tastes like fall without getting heavy or syrupy. I get bright apple, a little spice, and that crisp pop from Prosecco that makes every glass feel party-ready.
No added sugar means I’m not stuck with a sticky-sweet drink, just clean, punchy flavor that still feels festive. And yes, I absolutely love a pitcher cocktail that looks this good on the table.
The fruit, the bubbles, the cider. So pretty.
But the real reason I keep coming back is the balance: fresh, boozy, sparkling, and dangerously easy to sip all night long.
Ingredients
- Dry white wine keeps it crisp, not syrupy, and lets the apple shine.
- Unsweetened apple cider brings cozy fall flavor without turning it into dessert.
- Prosecco adds bubbles, because sangria’s just more fun with fizz.
- Brandy gives it warmth and a little grown-up apple pie vibe.
- Orange slices add brightness, color, and that juicy citrus hit.
- Apple slices soak up everything, then become the best snack in the glass.
- Cinnamon sticks make it smell like sweater weather in the best way.
- Star anise is bold and pretty, but skip it if licorice isn’t your thing.
- Cloves add spice, so a little goes a long way here.
- Ice keeps each glass cold and easy to sip.
- Plus, rosemary looks fancy and smells fresh without trying too hard.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 bottle 750 ml dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 3 cups unsweetened apple cider
- 1 cup chilled Prosecco
- 1/3 cup brandy or apple brandy
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1 large apple thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole star anise optional
- 4 whole cloves optional
- Ice for serving
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish optional
How to Make this
1. In a large pitcher combine 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine and 3 cups unsweetened apple cider.
2. Add 1/3 cup brandy or apple brandy and stir to blend.
3. Add the thinly sliced orange and thinly sliced large apple to the pitcher.
4. Tuck in 2 cinnamon sticks and, if using, 4 whole star anise and 4 whole cloves.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours to let the flavors marry.
6. When ready to serve, gently stir in 1 cup chilled Prosecco.
7. Fill glasses with ice and ladle sangria over the ice, making sure each glass gets fruit and a cinnamon stick if desired.
8. Garnish each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig if using and serve immediately.
Equipment Needed
1. Large pitcher or drink dispenser
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Mixing spoon or long-handled stirrer
6. Ladle
7. Serving glasses
8. Ice scoop or tongs
FAQ
Apple Cider Sangria With Prosecco (No Added Sugar) Fork In The Kitchen Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Dry white wine: substitute a dry rosé or a light red such as Gamay for a fruitier, slightly deeper profile.
- Unsweetened apple cider: use unsweetened pear cider or unfiltered apple juice diluted with a splash of lemon to mimic cider brightness.
- Chilled Prosecco: swap with chilled Cava, Champagne, or even sparkling water for a lighter, lower alcohol finish.
- Brandy or apple brandy: replace with dark rum for warmth or Calvados/apple liqueur to emphasize apple character.
Pro Tips
1. Make it ahead overnight when you can; a longer chill time lets the fruit really infuse the wine so every sip tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, without any heat.
2. Toast the cinnamon sticks and star anise in a dry skillet for 30 to 60 seconds before adding; it wakes up their oils and gives a warmer, more aromatic backbone.
3. If you prefer a brighter, less sweet sangria, squeeze a bit of the orange into the pitcher and reserve the peel for garnish. For a sweeter profile, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup and stir until dissolved.
4. Add the Prosecco just before serving and pour over plenty of ice. That preserves the bubbles and keeps the drink lively while preventing the fruit from getting waterlogged.
Apple Cider Sangria With Prosecco (No Added Sugar) Fork In The Kitchen Recipe
I bring this Apple Cider Sangria to the table and suddenly every other fall drink has competition, with crisp apples, cider, and bubbly prosecco in every glass.
8
servings
147
kcal
Equipment: 1. Large pitcher or drink dispenser
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Mixing spoon or long-handled stirrer
6. Ladle
7. Serving glasses
8. Ice scoop or tongs
Ingredients
1 bottle 750 ml dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
3 cups unsweetened apple cider
1 cup chilled Prosecco
1/3 cup brandy or apple brandy
1 orange thinly sliced
1 large apple thinly sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole star anise optional
4 whole cloves optional
Ice for serving
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish optional
Directions
- In a large pitcher combine 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine and 3 cups unsweetened apple cider.
- Add 1/3 cup brandy or apple brandy and stir to blend.
- Add the thinly sliced orange and thinly sliced large apple to the pitcher.
- Tuck in 2 cinnamon sticks and, if using, 4 whole star anise and 4 whole cloves.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours to let the flavors marry.
- When ready to serve, gently stir in 1 cup chilled Prosecco.
- Fill glasses with ice and ladle sangria over the ice, making sure each glass gets fruit and a cinnamon stick if desired.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh rosemary sprig if using and serve immediately.
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 224g
- Total number of serves: 8
- Calories: 147kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 0g
- Monounsaturated: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Potassium: 112mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.5g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 11.3g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Vitamin A: 100IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.2mg
