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fall caramel apple cider sangria - featured image

Fall Caramel Apple Cider Sangria: Grandma’s Cozy Autumn Recipe


  • Author: Karina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A nostalgic, warm autumn sangria featuring homemade caramel sauce, spiced apple cider, and white wine, designed to bring cozy family memories to your table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (200g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml), room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups apple cider (480ml)
  • 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (e.g., Riesling or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1/2 cup apple brandy or Calvados (120ml)
  • 3 large fresh apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled and sliced
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise pods (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir constantly until dissolved and deep amber (5-7 minutes).
  2. Remove from heat and carefully stir in heavy cream and vanilla. Set caramel sauce aside to thicken.
  3. Peel and core apples, slicing them into thick wedges. Toss with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. In a large stockpot, combine apple cider, white wine, apple brandy, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  5. Add sliced apples to the pot, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until apples are tender but hold their shape.
  6. Remove pot from heat and stir in the prepared caramel sauce until fully incorporated.
  7. Let the sangria sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Ladle into mugs or heat-proof glasses. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Serve warm.

Notes

Ensure cream is at room temperature to prevent caramel from seizing. Do not boil the sangria vigorously to preserve alcohol and delicate flavors. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine and brandy with extra cider and apple juice concentrate. Can be made in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mug
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 28
  • Sodium: 10
  • Fat: 4
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5
  • Carbohydrates: 32
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 1

Keywords: fall sangria, caramel apple cider, autumn drink, cozy recipes, gluten-free cocktail, warm wine, holiday drinks, grandma's recipe