Cider Sangria isn’t just any drink; it’s a festive mocktail that combines the warmth of cider with the zing of ginger, the sweetness of pear juice, and so much more. It’s perfect for those who love to blend traditional flavors with a twist. I love it for Thanksgiving and for Christmas – and I’ll often slip a little boozy kick into mine while keeping it alcohol-free for the kids.
I love this Cider Sangria – it’s a great alternative to traditional sangrias which are made with wine and fruit. This version is lighter, alcohol-free, and perfect at gatherings or just cozy nights in with friends.
Easy to make and deliciously different, be sure to make the Cider Sangria the night before so the flavors and the fruit all have a chance to blend. My family fights over this holiday mocktail, and I often cut up more fruit so everyone can have extras!
What is Cider Sangria?
Cider Sangria is a delightful blend of non-alcoholic sangria elements with the cozy warmth of cider. It incorporates fresh fall fruits and a hint of ginger, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s perfect as fall sangria at autumn gatherings and equally fitting as Christmas sangria during the holiday season.
What You’ll Love About Cider Sangria
- It’s lighter than traditional sangria and non-alcoholic, so everyone can enjoy it.
- Cider Sangria is easy to make ahead, so it’s ideal for stress-free entertaining.
- It has a fresh, fruity flavor and is perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast or parties.
Ingredients
- Pear juice – Or pear nectar.
- Cranberry juice
- Lemonade
- Cider
- Ginger juice – You can buy this in health food or specialty stores. Omit if you can’t find it.
- Cranberries
- Apple – Cored and diced.
- Pear – Cored and diced.
- Pomegranate arils
How to make Cider Sangria
- In a pitcher or large bowl, combine pear juice, cranberry juice, lemonade, ginger juice and cider.
- Add the fresh fruit and mix well.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve with cinnamon sticks and enjoy!
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- For a deeper flavor, let the sangria infuse overnight.
- Cut the apple and pear into small dice to fit easily in the glass.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a festive touch.
Recommended
What to Serve with Your Cider Sangria
This sangria pairs wonderfully with festive appetizers like baked brie, spiced Chex Mix, or savory Bacon & Mushroom Tartlets. It’s also fantastic alongside a holiday dinner spread featuring a holiday ham or turkey, complementing both the light and hearty flavors of the season.
How to Make Cider Sangria Alcoholic
For those who’d like a bit more cheer in their glass, it’s easy to transform this into an alcoholic beverage. Simply use hard cider instead of regular cider, or add a splash of your favorite spirit. Options include brandy, rum, or Calvados, an apple liqueur that complements the apple in the cider.
Cider Sangria
Ingredients
- 2 cups pear juice or nectar
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup lemonade
- 2 ounces ginger juice find this in a natural food or specialty store. Omit if you can't find it.
- 4 cups apple cider
- ½ cup cranberries
- 1 apple cored and diced small
- 1 pear cored and diced small
- ½up cup pomegranate arils
- cinnamon sticks for garnishing
Instructions
- In a pitcher or large bowl, combine pear juice, cranberry juice, lemonade, ginger juice and cider.
- Add the fruit and mix well.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- For a deeper flavor, let the sangria infuse overnight.
- Cut the apple and pear into small dice so they fit easily in the glass.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a festive touch.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
