Description
A warm, spiced apple cider sangria designed for relaxation and self-care. This simple, no-cook drink combines apple cider, red wine, fresh fruit, and aromatic spices to create a comforting beverage that encourages slowing down and decompressing.
Ingredients
- 64 oz (8 cups) apple cider
- 1 bottle (750 ml) medium-bodied red wine (e.g., Merlot or Pinot Noir)
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced
- 1 medium pear (Bosc), sliced
- 3 large cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise pods
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Wash apples, pears, and orange. Slice apples and pears into thin rounds (1/4 inch) and slice orange into rounds. Place all fruit in the bottom of a large pitcher.
- Add cinnamon sticks and star anise pods to the pitcher with the fruit.
- Pour in the apple cider and red wine. Stir gently to combine.
- Let the mixture steep at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve warm by ladling into heat-proof mugs with fruit and spices, or serve chilled. Gently warm on low heat or in the microwave if desired, avoiding boiling.
Notes
Do not rush the steeping process; let it sit for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Use whole spices, not ground, to avoid grittiness. The drink is best consumed within 24 hours as the fruit may break down. Do not boil the drink when warming, as high heat can make the wine bitter and evaporate alcohol. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine with additional apple cider.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 0.5
Keywords: apple cider sangria, fall drink, self-care recipe, cozy beverage, spiced cider, red wine sangria, non-alcoholic option, autumn drinks