Description
A naturally gluten-free, autumnal sangria featuring rich caramel, spiced apple cider, and fresh fruit. This make-ahead cocktail is dairy-free adaptable and perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.78 liters) unfiltered apple cider
- 1 cup (240ml) caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup (240ml) Brandy or Bourbon
- 3 large fresh apples (mix of tart and sweet, e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp), sliced
- 2 large fresh pears (e.g., Bosc or Anjou), sliced
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- Ice (large cubes or spheres recommended)
Instructions
- Make the caramel sauce: Melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until amber. Remove from heat and carefully stir in heavy cream (or coconut cream) and butter (or coconut oil). Whisk until smooth and let cool slightly.
- Prep the fruit: Core and slice the apples and pears into uniform slices. Slice the orange into rounds without squeezing out the juice.
- Combine the base: In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider, bourbon or brandy, and the cooled caramel sauce. Stir well until the caramel dissolves. Add cinnamon sticks and grated nutmeg.
- Add the fruit: Gently toss in the sliced apples, pears, and orange slices. Press them down slightly to submerge.
- Chill and infuse: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4-6 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove cinnamon sticks. Fill glasses with ice, ladle the sangria over the ice, and garnish with a fresh apple slice or thyme.
Notes
Do not use apple juice as it lacks the depth of cider. Ensure all ingredients, especially caramel and alcohol, are certified gluten-free if serving those with Celiac disease. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and coconut oil in the caramel. The sangria improves with time; let it infuse for 4-6 hours for best flavor. Do not freeze, as the fruit texture will become mushy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: fall cocktail, gluten-free sangria, caramel apple cider, autumn drinks, dairy-free cocktail, make-ahead drink, party punch