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Cozy Spiked Apple Cider Sangria: Best Halloween Punch

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This cozy spiked apple cider sangria is a forgiving, adaptable, and delicious Halloween punch that comes together in under 10 minutes of active prep. Let it rest for at least an hour to let the flavors meld, then serve chilled or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing fall drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider, unsweetened or lightly sweetened
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine, preferably fruity like Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, or Merlot
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) bourbon or brandy
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) honey or maple syrup, optional
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1 medium orange, thinly sliced into rounds
  • 3–4 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 whole star anise pods, optional
  • 2–3 thin slices fresh ginger
  • 1 cup (240 ml) club soda or ginger beer, for topping

Instructions

  1. Wash the apple and orange thoroughly. Slice the apple into thin rounds, removing the seeds but keeping the peel on. Slice the orange into thin rounds. Place both in the bottom of your pitcher or punch bowl.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and fresh ginger slices to the pitcher. Break the cinnamon sticks in half if needed.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the honey or maple syrup with about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of warm apple cider. Stir until fully dissolved.
  4. Add the remaining apple cider, the entire bottle of red wine, and the bourbon or brandy to the pitcher. Pour in the dissolved sweetener mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  5. Cover the pitcher and let it sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate for 4-6 hours (overnight is even better).
  6. Just before serving, gently stir in the club soda or ginger beer.
  7. Pour the sangria into ice-filled glasses, making sure each glass gets a few slices of the macerated fruit and a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time—it allows the fruit to release juices and spices to infuse. Choose a fruity red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel; avoid heavy, tannic wines. Taste the cider before adding sweetener, as sweetness varies. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the wine and bourbon and use 4 cups apple cider, 2 cups pomegranate juice, and 1 cup sparkling water. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; remove ginger slices after 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, Halloween punch, spiked apple cider, fall cocktail, easy sangria, party punch

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/cozy-spiked-apple-cider-sangria-best-halloween-punch/