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Cozy Apple Cider Bourbon Sangria: The Perfect Fall Drink

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This Cozy Apple Cider Bourbon Sangria is a warm, spiced, and refreshing fall drink that captures the essence of autumn in a glass. Made with apple cider, bourbon, maple syrup, and seasonal fruit, it’s perfect for gatherings and easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups apple cider (fresh, unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 1/2 cups bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (optional, e.g., triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier)
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, cored and cut into thin wedges or cubes
  • 2 medium Bosc or Anjou pears, cored and cut into thin wedges or cubes
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 4–6 thin slices fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 cup club soda (added just before serving)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the apples and pears. Core them and cut into thin wedges or bite-sized cubes. Place the fruit in a large pitcher.
  2. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the apples and pears.
  3. Drop in the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods. If using fresh ginger, add the slices now.
  4. Measure and pour the apple cider, bourbon, maple syrup, and orange liqueur (if using) directly into the pitcher. Use a wooden spoon to stir gently until the maple syrup is fully dissolved.
  5. Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally 8-24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Just before serving, remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise from the pitcher. Pour in the club soda and give it one gentle stir. Taste and adjust sweetness or bourbon if desired.
  7. Fill glasses or mason jars with ice cubes. Ladle or pour the sangria over the ice, making sure to include plenty of fruit in each glass. Garnish with an extra cinnamon stick or fresh apple slice if desired.

Notes

The sangria is best when marinated overnight. Remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise before serving to prevent overpowering flavors. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and orange liqueur and replace with additional apple cider and a splash of ginger beer. The fruit will continue to soften over time; it’s best within 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, bourbon sangria, fall sangria, apple cider bourbon sangria, fall drink, sangria recipe, easy sangria, autumn cocktail

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/cozy-apple-cider-bourbon-sangria-the-perfect-fall-drink/