This Caramel Apple Cider Sangria is an easy 4 ingredient recipe that creates a fragrant and boozy recipes perfect for the season and holidays. A great pitcher style drink that can be made ahead of time and perfect for big groups! [ 156 Calories, 29.5 Carbs, 0 Fat, 0 Protein]
This recipe exists all over the internet but I made a change that I feel really makes it shine. One, I decreased the amount of apple cider so that the alcohol is more forward. Some recipes were using over 6 cups! Apple cider is delicious but also extremely sweet, and sweet boozy drinks are dangerous y’all! Alcoholic drinks should taste like alcohol!!! This drink definitely meets that requirement!
Wondering what’s the difference between apple cider and apple juice? Read this article here!
This Sangria-esque drink is very strong, but has enough cider to make it a real seasonal treat. I love adding lots of sliced apples because I actually eat them! They soak up all of the delicious flavors and oh my goodness they are just beyond amazing! They keep their delightful crunch but are imbued with caramel and boozy flavors. Hats off to apples, the real MVP’s of Autumn.
This recipe is very high in carbs and sugar*. Though, you really only need one or two cups of this because it is actually quite strong. I am a lightweight so I may be biased, however even my “heavyweight” friends who do drink have commented and said that this recipe is very strong! So stick to a cup per person! In any case, the nutrition facts should not be too scary!
*NOTE: I strive to create accurate nutrition labels. In this case I was not able to create a label which reflected the amount of sugar in this recipe. Just be aware that because of the cider and caramel vodka, the sugar in this recipe is high.
This recipe is best served cold, so either refrigerate it ahead of time for a few hours or serve over ice! Apples can be added right along with the rest of the ingredients, they generally maintain their fresh white color even through several hours.
Now it has to be said: Alcohol does not offer any health benefits. This is a drink I make every season because I enjoy sharing it with friends and family and it uses both fresh apples and apple cider, two ingredients I love. If you are dieting, as I am, limiting alcohol can be an easy way to save calories and subsequently make more progress!
Caramel Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 cup caramel vodka I use Smirnoff "Caramel Kissed"
- 3-4 cups apple cider NOT apple juice!
- 1-2 medium sliced apples honeycrisp or fuji are my favorites
- 1 bottle white wine use your favorite!
Instructions
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In a large pitcher add all the ingredients, stir to make sure the alcohol is equally dispersed. Serve cold or over ice.
Recipe Notes
I use Smirnoff "Caramel Kissed" vodka for this. I have tried to replace the vodka with caramel flavored syrup but it did not turn out well. I would not recommend using actual caramel either, the thickness would cause problems and it would continuously settle to the bottom.
Apple cider is the key part of this recipe! To learn the different between apple cider and apple juice, The Kitchn has a great, simple article on the subject.
My favorite apples to use are honeycrisp and fuji, any crisp apples works best.
The white wine you use is totally up to you! I have used Moscato and Pinot Grigio with success. A good rule of thumb is to use a wine you enjoy by itself.
