Autumn Apple Cider & Champagne Sangria

by Kiran on October 16, 2012 · 161 comments

in Beverages, Cocktail

Hi!!

I know, I know… It’s sangria for goodness sake. Do I need to even write anything further??

I’d love to say, “just go and make it“, but being known as a chatterbox in the family, one liner is not my forte. It just sounds unlike me, and mom can definitely attest to that 😉

Instead, I’ll tell you what I would be up to this weekend. I’ll be in Chicago, and if you are a native Chicagoan, let’s meet for coffee, eats or giggles.

If only FAA allows packing this sangria along for the trip. But I’m sure Chicago deep dish pizza’s and conversations would keep us preoccupied.

Tell me, where should I go and what should I eat while in Chicago???

As a token of appreciation, I’m sharing this recipe with you. Deal?

Did you notice the silence today? Nothing much to say because I need to rush rush rush!

But before I go, you need to hear me out….

Drop everything on your to-do list today.

This recipe has just a handful of ingredients and only two simple method. MAKE IT, SIP and REJOICE.

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 honey crisp apples, sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup halved dried figs
  • 1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon (any fruity red wine would do)
  • 3 cups apple cider
  • 4 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 tbsp whole cloves
  • 1/8 tsp grated nutmeg

Garnish: Fruity champagne

Directions:

  1. In a tall pitcher, add all ingredients. Mix and refrigerate overnight.
  2. To serve, add sangria in a fancy-schmancy glass and top it with some bubbly champagne!

Off to run a lot of errands. Seriously, I just cannot wait to put my feet up at the end of today and sip away. Sangria is a self-rewarding beverage after running a huge list of errands.

Well, that’s my believe 😉

Cheers!!

How do you unwind? Beverage? Food? Do share!

 

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1 Dixya @ Food, Pleasure and Health October 16, 2012 at 2:48 PM

To unwind, I need a glass of that sangria now! if you are going to Chicago, you MUST try the deep dish pizza here: http://www.giordanos.com/ and if you have not been to Hancock building or planning on going to it- I would recommend this lounge- http://www.signatureroom.com/Signature-Lounge/ and enjoy drinks, unwind and watch the great Chi-town from the building 🙂

2 Kiran October 23, 2012 at 11:01 AM

Dixya — thanks for the recommendations! Chi-town was definitely a great experience. Too bad I had only 1.5 days to meander around.

3 Laura (Tutti Dolci) October 16, 2012 at 3:48 PM

Gorgeous, this is just what I need today!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..cinnamon chip, maple, & oatmeal cookies

4 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 2:35 AM

Laura — thank you and hope you get to make it soon 🙂

5 Melinda B. October 16, 2012 at 4:56 PM

Yum! I love mulled wine in the Fall and this takes it to the next level. Definately love Giordanos for Chicago pizza, my favorite. Also, Chicago Pizz and Oven Grinder on Clark. For breakfast I love Ann Sather, http://www.annsather.com
But its always good eating at my house, too!

6 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 2:40 AM

Melinda — thank for the recommendations. Loved Chi Town and wished I had more than 2 days to explore.

7 Alyssa (Everyday Maven) October 16, 2012 at 6:14 PM

I make a Harvest Sangria every Fall but have never included figs – what a great idea! Have a fun trip 🙂
Alyssa (Everyday Maven) recently posted..Roasted Spaghetti Squash with White Bean + Mushroom Ragout

8 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 2:41 AM

Alyssa — the beauty of sangria is the array of options with ingredients 🙂

9 Vijitha October 16, 2012 at 6:25 PM

My friend makes delicious Sangria and I think about making it someday at home.But for some reason I haven’t made it yet. Your post has motivated me to try it. Lets see whether I do it this weekend. I wanted to email you with a question. Will do it over the weekend. Have a lovely trip Kiran.
Vijitha recently posted..Scharffen Berger Bakery Crawl to announce the Chocolate Adventure Contest 2012

10 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 2:46 AM

Vijitha — thanks and I hope you did try this recipe and let me know if I can help answer any questions you may have for me 🙂

11 Nisrine October 16, 2012 at 6:43 PM

Lovely, Kiran. I wish I had a glass!

12 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 3:01 AM

Nisrine — thank you!

13 the wicked noodle October 16, 2012 at 7:52 PM

This is fabulous!! I can’t wait to make this. Not sure if I can wait until the weekend!
the wicked noodle recently posted..tasting chocolate

14 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 3:12 AM

Kristy — lol, I hope you got around to make this recipe 🙂

15 Juliana October 16, 2012 at 10:02 PM

Kiran, these drinks are perfect for the season…love them both and I would love to have the sangria right now 🙂
Hope you are having a fantastic week!

16 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 3:12 AM

Juliana — thank you and hope you are having a great week!

17 Deb October 17, 2012 at 12:08 AM

What a great drink idea for the upcoming holiday season! Adore the addition of apples, cranberries and figs. Have a scrumptious trip to Chicago!

18 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 3:13 AM

Deb — thank you!

19 Nami | Just One Cookbook October 17, 2012 at 2:47 AM

Your creative dish and styling are very inspiring to me. I’m not much of a drinker but Sangria is one of my exceptions. Looks so delicious! 🙂 I’ve never been to Chicago but I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Grilled Sanma 秋刀魚の塩焼き

20 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 3:18 AM

Nami — I’m not much of a drinker myself, but sangria’s are definitely a light cocktail without too much alcohol in it 🙂

21 Kathryn October 17, 2012 at 5:04 AM

Oh this sounds delicious; love the addition of the champagne. It makes everything better!
Kathryn recently posted..sunflower seed rice crispy treats

22 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 3:19 AM

Kathryn — oh yeah 🙂

23 Raymund October 17, 2012 at 5:43 AM

I totally forgot these, it was so popular in the Philippines during the late 80’s to early 90’s. Thanks for bringing back those memories and the nice recipe
Raymund recently posted..Pork and Seafood Noodle Soup (Hu Tieu Do Bien)

24 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 12:04 PM

Raymund — I love it when a recipe brings back great memories 🙂

25 Katerina October 17, 2012 at 9:18 AM

I’ll tell you a little secret, I don’t drink much of wine but I simply love sangria! This one is going straight to my notebook!
Katerina recently posted..Apple Cider Doughnuts

26 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 12:05 PM

Katerina — me too! And the same reason why I enjoy sipping Sangria even more. Hope you get to try this recipe and let me know how it tastes 🙂

27 Nik@ABrownTable October 17, 2012 at 1:17 PM

How fun, I am going to try this over the weekend at home for brunch. Have fun in Chicago.
Nik@ABrownTable recently posted..pan seared hot and spicy pumpkin cakes

28 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 12:10 PM

Nik — thank you and hope you enjoyed sipping 🙂

29 Kankana October 17, 2012 at 3:01 PM

Gorgeous color and perfect drink for the season. Have fun in Chicago! Love the place 🙂
Kankana recently posted..Honeyed Fig Cake

30 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 12:14 PM

Kankana — thank you sweets!

31 Choc Chip Uru October 17, 2012 at 3:16 PM

God your photos are stunning my friend and such beautiful drinks too 🙂

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..Winner Announced!!!

32 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 12:15 PM

Uru — thank you so much!

33 fabiola@notjustbaked October 17, 2012 at 3:35 PM

I am allergic to most alcohol, except wine and this! So you better believe this will be made very soon. I love love your photos, they are amazing. The colors of the red and spices are making me want to get a fire going and relax reading for the rest of the day. Maybe this weekend. Normally I relax and unwind on a morning where I know my day is not too busy. I do it with a huge cup of coffee and a book. If it is later in the evening, its with my kitties, my shows, and a treat.
fabiola@notjustbaked recently posted..How to Caramelize Onions

34 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 12:26 PM

Fabiola — I am so so glad you are not allergic with the ingredients for this recipe. Hope you get to try it soon and let me know how it tastes!

ps: I love your way of unwinding with coffee and book!

35 Shashank Shekhar October 17, 2012 at 3:55 PM

I like apple very much and I think I will surely give it a try…the best part of this Autumn Apple Cider is that it is also having high nutrition value because of added figs, cinnamon and other items…

I am visiting your awesome blog for the 1st time…and I must tell you that your photography is awesome…which DSLR camera u r using?
Thanks

36 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 12:27 PM

Shashank — welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the sweet comments!

Currently, I am using a Nikon D5000 dslr with a prime 50mm lens.

37 Honey What's Cooking October 17, 2012 at 4:57 PM

Kiran, this looks amazing. Your pictures are just fabulous. So easy to make too. Love the idea of Autumn Spiced Sangria.. yum! Hmm.. to unwind, I’m not the best person to go by… tea and DESSERT! 🙂
Sometimes jalapeno poppers if I’m sad.
Honey What’s Cooking recently posted..Tribute to my brother-in-law, "A"

38 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 12:28 PM

Honey — thanks! I’d easily go for tea and desserts to unwind 😉

39 Parsley Sage October 17, 2012 at 5:08 PM

Oh my! You’ve transported me to a wood cabin with a gorgeous view and an even gorgeousier man in flannel out chopping the wood in a manly style while I can wait with approval in my rocking chair sipping apple cider sangria. Lovely!

I hope you have a fabulous time on holiday!
Parsley Sage recently posted..Baking Club: In it, to Hallo-win it!

40 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 12:36 PM

PS — LOL, I love your description with the wood cabin etc. Now you’ve transported me there too 😀

41 Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch October 17, 2012 at 7:11 PM

Absolutely gorgeous!!!!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch recently posted..Frito Chili Pie Recipe

42 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 6:44 PM

Robyn — thanks for visiting my blog!

43 The Squishy Monster October 17, 2012 at 7:23 PM

aw, poo! I wish I were in Chicago so we could gab and gobble!! …something like this would be perfect for the occasion! =)
The Squishy Monster recently posted..Autumn Awesomes

44 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 6:45 PM

TSM — I know! There were so many people to meet, but so less time. Someday, I’m keeping all fingers and toes crossed 😉

45 Ina gawne October 17, 2012 at 8:20 PM

That is one beautiful sangria! Have a great holiday! 🙂
Ina gawne recently posted..PIZZA SLOPPY JOES

46 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 6:54 PM

Ina — thank you my friend 🙂

47 Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella October 17, 2012 at 8:53 PM

I love that picture of the basket of apples-so colourful and gorgeous! 😀
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Rainbow Salad

48 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 6:55 PM

Lorraine — thank you!

49 Kim Bee October 17, 2012 at 10:48 PM

Kiran I absolutely love this. I’ve always thought of sangria as a summer thing but you just showed me it’s a fall thing too. So beautiful!
Kim Bee recently posted..Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream for #SundaySupper

50 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 6:57 PM

Kim Bee — thanks love. Sangria can be a versatile cocktail any time of the year 🙂

51 Asmita October 17, 2012 at 10:51 PM

OMG,
This looks so good! Love it!
Asmita recently posted..Mung Bean or Green Gram Salad

52 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 6:57 PM

Asmita — thank you 🙂

53 Angie@Angie's Recipes October 17, 2012 at 11:53 PM

How gorgeous! Love the apple click, very seasonal and beautiful.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Pumpkin Spelt Doughnuts

54 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 10:16 PM

Angie — thank you!

55 Sanjeeta kk October 18, 2012 at 12:41 AM

Wow..what amazing clicks..the first one with apples from height..my..my! Coming back to the recipe..hick..do I need to write more 🙂 Giving a shot this weekend..
Sanjeeta kk recently posted..Recipes | Steamed Bottle gourd Koftas in Spicy Yogurt Curry – A Moment That Lasted an Eternity

56 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 10:26 PM

Sanjeeta — thank you and I hope you enjoyed every bite of the recipe 🙂

57 chinmayie @ love food eat October 18, 2012 at 3:14 AM

I could totally down a few of those right now! Beauty!

58 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 10:32 PM

Chinmayie — thank you 🙂

59 subhie October 18, 2012 at 6:19 AM

hi frst time to ur blog…loved it..cool…
glad to follow u!
by the way am frm malaysia….
subhie recently posted..Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Buttercream Icing-Hubby’s BirthDay

60 Kiran October 24, 2012 at 10:33 PM

Subhie — so nice to meet another fellow Malaysian. Thanks for dropping by 🙂

61 Simply Life October 18, 2012 at 8:46 AM

Sangria is my absolute favorite drink- I love this fall version!

62 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 12:25 AM

Gina — I don’t blame you one bit for liking it 🙂

63 Sommer@ASpicyPerspective October 18, 2012 at 9:15 AM

THESE… will be made this weekend!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective recently posted..Black and Orange Forbidden Rice with Acorn Squash and Pecans

64 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 12:40 AM

Sommer — I hope you enjoyed every sip!

65 dassana October 18, 2012 at 12:31 PM

gorgeous photographs kiran.
dassana recently posted..french fries | navratri recipe

66 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 12:40 AM

Dassana — thank you so much!

67 Averie @ Averie Cooks October 18, 2012 at 1:15 PM

Cranberries, figs, cloves, all these great fall spices..I could guzzle, not sip, this great sounding drink 🙂

68 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 12:51 AM

Averie — haha, I agree with you!

69 sangeeta khanna October 18, 2012 at 2:13 PM

Oh my God ..how gorgeous this sangria is. Loving the spicy notes.
Never ever tried Sangria with Apple cider, white or red wine is all I do, and pineapple is my fave add on 🙂
sangeeta khanna recently posted..spinach and buckwheat soup | fasting recipe for navratri…

70 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:31 AM

Sangeeta — thank you so much!! I’ve never had pineapple sangria before. Already sounds delish!

71 Caroline October 18, 2012 at 5:42 PM

What a stunning drink. I definitely wouldn’t mind a glass (or two) right now. 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful time in Chicago!!
Caroline recently posted..a nice change. [roasted tomato soup w. lemon arugula pesto]

72 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:33 AM

Caroline — thank you so much, my dear friend 🙂

73 Anamika | madcookingfusions October 18, 2012 at 10:30 PM

One glass for me toooo.. ok ok just two glasses would do :)!!!! Loved gorgeous sangria Kiran, all the clicks are simply awesome. I love chicago a lot, have a nice freaky trip …enjoy :)!
Anamika | madcookingfusions recently posted..Fresh Fruit Salad With Yogurt | Easy Navaratri Recipe

74 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:34 AM

Anamika — thank you! But what did you meant by “freaky” trip? 😀

75 Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen October 18, 2012 at 11:51 PM

Nice! I know what I’ll be drinking this weekend.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Twice Baked Roasted Butternut Squash Puree with Parmesan and Sage

76 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:36 AM

Sylvie — thank you! Let me know how it tastes 🙂

77 Cass @foodmyfriend October 19, 2012 at 12:12 AM

You read my mind! Bring on the weekend. I am no where near Chicago and have never been so I won’t be any help. I want to… if that makes any difference..
Cass @foodmyfriend recently posted..80% Cocoa Mousse with Butternut Biscuit Crumb and Pistachio Nougat

78 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:38 AM

Cass — awww, thanks my friend 🙂

79 Jen L | Tartine and Apron Strings October 19, 2012 at 10:19 AM

What a gorgeous drink!!! I literally wanna to lick and sip my screen because of your photographs! Now, I feel like having a cold drink, but it’s only 10 am here in Toronto? Too early? LOL!
Jen L | Tartine and Apron Strings recently posted..Swiss Chard, Pear, and Comté Tart

80 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:39 AM

Jen — it’s never too late to sip 😉

81 Julia October 19, 2012 at 12:15 PM

I did a roundup of fall recipes and included this one. It looks so good! (http://www.acedarspoon.com/15-fall-recipes-part-2/)

82 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:44 AM

Julia — thank you so so much 🙂

83 Carolyn Chan October 19, 2012 at 1:28 PM

I’m in Spain now abler me tell you, your sangria beats anything I’ve seen or tasted here! I’m going to see if I can get someone to understand my dreadful Spanish and try to order something similar!

84 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:47 AM

Carolyn — thank you so so much!! You definitely made my day 🙂

85 mom October 19, 2012 at 6:48 PM

wow! so clever!!

86 Kristi Rimkus October 20, 2012 at 10:17 AM

What a beautiful fall drink. I’m saving this one for the holidays. It’s so pretty!
Kristi Rimkus recently posted..Creamy Soups Don’t Have to be Loaded with Calories – Cream of Broccoli Soup with Bacon

87 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:49 AM

Kristi — thank you so much and I hope you’d enjoy every sip during the holidays 🙂

88 Katie October 20, 2012 at 11:57 AM

This sangria looks and sounds amazing–i love the idea of combining apple cider with wine! genius!
Katie recently posted..{Google Hangout} Halloween Sweet Treats + 25 ideas!

89 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:50 AM

Katie — thank you my dear 🙂

90 mom October 21, 2012 at 9:01 AM

wow!! must try.. hummm i dnt knw what to say u r the best!! give some tips to mommy!

91 mom October 21, 2012 at 9:04 AM

mommy loves you miss u so much!!

92 Hardesh October 21, 2012 at 9:08 AM

Really amazing and genius combination with really nice presentation. Apple and wine is just great….

93 Erin October 22, 2012 at 11:21 PM

I am going to make this for a baby shower next weekend and was wondering if this could be made non-alocholic? I would make both but wanted an option for the momma-to-be. Please let me know if you can.

94 Kiran October 23, 2012 at 10:55 AM

Erin — this definitely can be made alcohol-free for the momma-to-be. Just sub wine with cranberry juice and champagne with sparkling water or ginger ale? Something that fizz’s would work great 🙂

Have fun and let me know how it tastes!

95 Julee October 22, 2012 at 11:59 PM

These were the most BEAUTIFUL pictures! Well done ! Made me want to drink this cocktail at 8 am in the morning! will be making these for my autumn bunko brunch!!! Woo hoo!! thank you

96 Kiran October 23, 2012 at 10:59 AM

Julee — awww, thanks so much for taking the time to write this sweet comment. It definitely made my day 🙂

Sangria is fine any time of the day, in my opinion 😉 And I hope you would enjoy sipping it for your brunch. Let me know how it tastes!

97 Emi October 23, 2012 at 6:28 PM

Your photography is simply stunning… you have a new follower. 🙂

98 Kiran October 25, 2012 at 1:48 AM

Emi — thank you so so much! 🙂

99 Russell van Kraayenburg October 25, 2012 at 7:53 PM

Ooh. This cider looks fantastic! I would like a big ole bottle!

100 Raquel October 29, 2012 at 6:55 PM

Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous. I loved the part where you said you are a chatterbox. 😉

101 Jody Barstow October 30, 2012 at 10:28 PM

I served this at my halloween party and it was a monster hit! This is the best sangria EVER and I will be serving it all year.

102 Margie Burdick November 4, 2012 at 10:27 AM

Well-liked addition to the bridal shower we hosted yesterday. Now I’m trying to figure out what to do with the leftover figs and cranberries that absorbed the wonderful flavors from cider, wine and spices besides sharing their flavor in the sangria. Skimmed through the comments but didn’t see if anyone has found a secondary use for them. I may have found a drunken fruit cake recipe but am open to other ideas.

103 Stephanie @ CovetLiving November 19, 2012 at 1:02 PM

Hey girl! This looks delish – trying to calculate for Thanksgiving. How many does the posted recipe serve?? Thanks so much! Stephanie
Stephanie @ CovetLiving recently posted..What’s Cookin’ for Thanksgiving… plus some cheap table decor

104 Kiran November 21, 2012 at 7:52 PM

Stephanie — Thank you and so sorry for the late reply. I did not see this comment until now. This recipe makes approximately 6 glasses.

Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

105 marla December 3, 2012 at 8:33 PM

Such a beautiful post! The colors of those apples are AMAZING ~ and ~ the sangria looks fab!

106 Catharina Welmoed December 11, 2012 at 8:51 AM

Sounds delicious! For how many servings is this recipe?

107 Marie from thesheepareout.wordpress.com September 21, 2013 at 1:26 AM

That sangria is gorgeous! Thank y so much for sharing the recipe. Now I just have to decide if I make it just for my husband and myself this weekend, or if I invite my girlfriends over… Both are good options… Cheers!

108 Shobelyn November 22, 2013 at 11:19 AM

Hey Kiran, this post of yours has been featured in the link below…She is an amazing blogger and I love her blog.. ( hmmm, I bet you know this blog because the author is a famous blogger.)
Congrats!
http://iowagirleats.com/2013/11/22/friday-favorites-keurig-platinum-brewing-system-giveaway-2-winners/

109 Patty November 22, 2013 at 8:55 PM

My favorite breakfast restaurant in Chicago is Wildberry Cafe.
It’s close to Millenium Park.

110 Kevin June 23, 2014 at 4:36 PM

Wow, talk about an aesthetic AND tasty drink. Tried out the recipe…definitely a staple the next time I have some friends over and want to impress. I wrote a piece on my fav. cocktail as well if you care to check it out…not quite as fancy as yours though :/ – http://greatmate.com/blog/moscow-mule-history
Kevin recently posted..Help Others, Help Yourself: The Morality and Science of Altruism

111 Kelly October 23, 2014 at 4:14 PM

I just had a quick question. Is it supposed to be 1 CUP of wine or 1 BOTTLE of wine for the recipe??

112 Kiran October 23, 2014 at 4:29 PM

Hi Kelly. The recipe indicates 1 cup of any fruity red wine. Top it with champagne/bubbly just before serving. Enjoy 🙂

113 Shareen November 24, 2014 at 4:50 PM

Reading this at 22:50 while in bed is PURE TORTURE!! I might have this for breakfast haahaha

Cheers,
Shareen in Sweden

114 Crystal November 27, 2014 at 7:20 PM

Holy crap! Made this last night for Thanksgiving today… Amazing!! The flavors are perfection. Even family members that don’t normally drink had some. Doubled it this year but I may have to do even more next year!

115 Stacy December 9, 2016 at 9:15 PM

Hi! I made this last year, for a cookie exchange party, and it was gone way too soon! Made another batch, added Martinelli’s Cran-Apple sparkling cider (not a drinker, so didn’t add the champagne)…oh.my.word! Delish. That, too, was gone in minutes. I’m making it again this year, but wanted to double the recipe. Will that work out ok?

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