There are few better ways to embrace the flavors of Fall and Winter than a beautifully-made sangria.
We’re not talking about throwing lemonade and some cheap red plonk in with some sliced fruit and calling it a day, either. We’re talking superior sangrias. Ones which celebrate the season at hand: in this case, warming notes of cinnamon apples, pumpkin spice, and more.
Here are five of the best fall Sangrias:
What are the best Fall sangria recipes?
This Sangria, which I’ve lovingly referred to as The Only Sangria Recipe You’ll Ever Need, is fairly fool-proof (and, unlike some of the others on this list, requires no time to “steep” the fruit).
Wine Recommendation: Opt for a rich red wine, such as Rioja or Tempranillo, capable of maintaining its character against added fruit.
Ingredients:
1 bottle (750ml) of rich red wine
1 cup spiced rum
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 blood oranges (one thinly sliced, one for garnish)
1 cup cranberries
1 cup cherries
2 cups ginger beer
Instructions:
Mix everything into a large pitcher and serve over ice. Garnish with any selection of the fruits used on a cocktail stick.
What is the best apple cider autumn sangria?
Sittin’ On The ‘Orch is a warm hug of a sangria, packed with lots of nostalgic Fall and Winter flavors.
Wine Recommendation: Opt for a bottle of medium-bodied orange wine to provide a balanced canvas for the autumnal flavors.
Ingredients:
1 bottle (750ml) of medium-bodied orange wine
1 cup fresh apple cider
Slices of crisp red apples
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup brandy
Instructions:
Mix everything in a large pitcher, without ice, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving over ice. This also doubles up as a brilliant mulled wine recipe if you add slices of orange and star anise before heating.
What are good red wine sangria recipes for Fall?
Likely my personal favorite sangria recipe altogether, the Crimson Wave is one you’ll come back to season after season.
Wine Recommendation: Opt for a fruity and slightly tart red wine, such as Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, to compliment the sangria’s cranberry and orange elements.
Ingredients:
1 bottle (750ml) of fruity and slightly tart red wine
1/2 cup fresh cranberry juice
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 oranges
A splash of Grand Marnier
Instructions:
Cut the oranges into thin slices and mix all the ingredients in a pitcher. If you want an extra snazzy garnish, sugared cranberries go down a treat.
What is the best pumpkin spice sangria recipe for Fall?
Taking inspiration from Starbucks’ infamous PLL, The PSS is a must-try sangria.
Wine Recommendation: Choose a medium to full-bodied floral wine, such as Viognier or Moscatel, to create a smooth canvas for the spice.
Ingredients:
1 bottle (750ml) of medium to full-bodied white wine
200g golden caster sugar
50g light brown soft sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
2 tsp ground ginger
grating of nutmeg
2 tbsp canned pumpkin purée
2 shots of bourbon
Instructions:
Mix the sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and pumpkin purée in a pan with 125ml of water and heat over a medium heat until you have a pumpkin spice syrup (5-10 minutes). Add 2 shots of syrup to a pitcher with the wine and bourbon, then serve over ice. Leftover syrup can be stored for up to two weeks.
What are good white wine sangria recipes for Fall?
Super festive and fun to “dress up” as a Thanksgiving or holiday party welcome drink, the Pear Tree is a true delight.
Wine Recommendation: Choose a medium to full-bodied white wine, such as Chardonnay, to complement the delicate sweetness of the pear.
Ingredients:
1 bottle of medium to full-bodied white wine
1 cup pear juice
1 tbsp manuka honey
2 pears
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
A splash of brandy
Instructions:
Thinly slice one pear and mix with all over ingredients to a large pitcher. Chill for a minimum of four hours, and serve with a pear garnish (“stars” are fairly easy to cut, and look fantastic, but a simple slice will suffice).