Yum

Autumn Spice Sangria Recipe

By Kait Welch | November 18, 2016

One of my favorite things about autumn is how well crisp weather and aromatic spices fit hand in hand. Whether they are giving a kick to apple cider or bringing warmth to pumpkin pie, they welcome in festive tidings.

The cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise that flavor this Autumn Spice Sangria are no exception.

So as you’re curled up in your blanket scarf and fleece-lined leggings, pour yourself and a friend a big glass of this fresh sangria and welcome the chill. Don’t forget a fork to nibble on your wine-infused fruit salad when you’ve drained the last drop!

Autumn Spice Sangria

Sangria Ingredients:

1 bottle of your favorite red wine (I prefer Malbec for its spicy flavor profile)
1 bottle sparkling apple cider
2 apples
2 pears
½ pomegranate
2 cinnamon sticks
¼ cup star anise pods (about 6)
1 tbsp. whole cloves

Instructions

Yield: about eight, 8 oz glasses of sangria, fruit included

Roughly chop your apples and pears, removing seeds and cores, and de-seed your pomegranate. I like to keep the skin on my fruit, so make sure that if you do, your produce is organic!

Recommended Read: What You Need to Know: Organic vs. Natural vs. GMO-Free

Toss the fruit chunks, pomegranate arils, and all of your spices into a large pitcher. I love using a glass pitcher, because this blend just screams ‘autumn aesthetic!’

Pour your entire apple cider and wine bottles over the top of your fruit mixture and stir well.

Like most sangrias, this cocktail gets better with time. I leave mine to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, but overnight is best. You want the spices to fully infuse into the wine and fruit!

Serve at room temperature, and add an extra cinnamon stick or star anise pod for a beautiful (and tasty!) garnish.

This spicy fall beverage is perfect for that autumn night in, or a flannel-heavy picnic in the sunshine! With apples and pears in season, I love grabbing them from my local farmer’s market. A cocktail supporting local business? You can’t go wrong with that!