This cozy spiced apple cider sangria mocktail is filled with fresh apples, citrus, and warm fall spices — all the flavor of classic sangria, no alcohol required.
Tested twice: simmered cider with cinnamon and citrus for 10 minutes gives the best, balanced warmth and aroma.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apple cider (unfiltered if possible) | 4 cups (950 ml) |
| White grape juice or pear juice | 1 ½ cups (355 ml) |
| Brown sugar (optional) | 2 tbsp (25 g), adjust to taste |
| Oranges | 2, sliced |
| Lemon | 1, sliced |
| Apples | 2, sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work best) |
| Whole cinnamon sticks | 2 |
| Whole cloves | 5 |
| Fresh ginger slices (optional) | 3–4 |
| Club soda, sparkling apple cider, or ginger ale | 2 cups (475 ml), for topping |
| Ice cubes | as needed |
Swaps & Notes
| Need | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| No brown sugar | Use honey or maple syrup | Stir in while cider is warm |
| Low sugar | Skip the sweetener | White grape juice adds natural sweetness |
| No grape juice | Use pear or apple juice | Adds mellow fruit flavor |
| Sparkling finish | Use ginger ale or sparkling apple cider | Add just before serving |
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Simmer the spices:
In a medium pot, combine apple cider, brown sugar, half the orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until fragrant. - Cool and strain:
Remove from heat, cool slightly, and strain out the solids (spices and citrus). - Mix the sangria:
In a large pitcher, combine the spiced cider with white grape juice and sliced apples and remaining citrus. Chill 2–4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor. - Serve:
Pour over ice, top with club soda or sparkling cider, and garnish with fruit slices and a cinnamon stick.
Tested note: The mocktail keeps its sparkle best when topped with soda right before serving.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Use unfiltered apple cider for a richer, cloudy texture and deeper apple flavor.
- Slice apples thinly and keep the peels on for color.
- Add pomegranate seeds or cranberries for a pop of red.
- Want it warm? Skip chilling and serve straight from the stovetop as a hot spiced cider sangria.
- For meal pairing: complements roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, or apple crisp.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in large wine glasses or mason jars with fruit slices and cinnamon sticks.
- Make it ahead for parties—flavors deepen after 4+ hours in the fridge.
- For kids: skip the fizzy topping; they’ll love the fruity cider base.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in a sealed pitcher.
- Reheat (for hot version): Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat (no boil).
- Do not freeze: The fruit turns mushy after thawing.
Food safety: Discard after 4 days or if off aroma develops.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Make the base up to 2 days early, then add sparkling cider or soda right before serving.
Q2: Can I serve it warm instead of chilled?
Absolutely. Reheat gently on the stove until steamy (don’t boil to avoid bitterness).
Q3: What fruits go best in this sangria?
Crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji), orange slices, and lemon slices work beautifully; pears and pomegranate seeds add festive flair.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 95; Carbs: 24g; Sugar: 22g; Protein: 0g; Fat: 0g
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Cozy Spiced Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Alcoholic
Description
A refreshing, alcohol-free spiced apple cider sangria mocktail filled with apples, citrus, and warm spices, perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
- 1 ½ cups white grape juice or pear juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 apples, sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala preferred)
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 3–4 slices fresh ginger (optional)
- 2 cups club soda, sparkling apple cider, or ginger ale (for topping)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine apple cider, brown sugar, half the orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat, cool slightly, and strain out the solids (spices and citrus).
- In a large pitcher, combine the spiced cider with white grape juice and sliced apples and remaining citrus. Chill 2–4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Pour over ice, top with club soda or sparkling cider, and garnish with fruit slices and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
For a warm version, skip chilling and serve directly from the stovetop. The mocktail can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, but discard if an off aroma develops.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mocktail, apple cider, sangria, fall drinks, non-alcoholic, party drink