This Ina Garten Autumn Sangria is a cozy and refreshing recipe, which uses dry red wine and apple cider. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Ina Garten Autumn Sangria Ingredients
- 1 (750 ml) bottle Pinot Noir or Tempranillo
- 1/2 cup brandy or Grand Marnier
- 2 cups apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 apples, sliced or diced
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
For the rim (optional):
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 orange wedge
How To Make Ina Garten Autumn Sangria
- Combine base ingredients: In a large pitcher, stir together the wine, brandy, apple cider, and maple syrup (if using).
- Add fruit and spice: Toss in the sliced apples and cinnamon sticks. Stir again to mix well.
- Chill the sangria: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste and adjust sweetness or alcohol strength if needed.
- Serve over ice: Pour chilled sangria into glasses over ice. For a festive touch, rim glasses with brown sugar and cinnamon using an orange wedge to moisten the rim.

Recipe Tips
- What’s the best wine for autumn sangria?: Choose a dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Tempranillo for a smooth, fruity base.
- Can I make it the night before?: Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting overnight in the fridge.
- What fruit works best in fall sangria?: Apples are perfect, but you can also add pears, oranges, or pomegranate seeds.
- How to rim glasses easily: Rub a glass rim with an orange wedge, then dip in a mix of cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Can I skip the maple syrup?: Yes, the cider and fruit already add natural sweetness—maple is optional for a richer flavor.
What To Serve With Autumn Sangria
This fall-inspired drink pairs beautifully with seasonal appetizers like:
- Sharp cheddar or baked brie
- Roasted nuts or spiced pecans
- Butternut squash soup shooters
- Apple or pear crostini
- Pumpkin or cranberry desserts
How To Store Autumn Sangria
Refrigerate: Store sangria in a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days. Remove cinnamon sticks if storing longer to avoid overpowering the flavor.
Freeze: Not recommended. The texture of the fruit and cider doesn’t hold up well after freezing.
Autumn Sangria Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 106
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sugar: 6g
- Alcohol: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes used.
FAQs
Can I use white wine instead of red in autumn sangria?
Yes, try a dry white like Chardonnay for a lighter twist on this recipe.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Nope—leave the skin on for added color and texture, just be sure to wash them well.
How long does sangria need to chill?
At least 2 hours, but it’s even better if left overnight to soak in the flavors.
Can I serve this warm instead of cold?
This recipe is meant for chilled serving. For a warm version, try mulled wine instead.
Can I make this alcohol-free?
Yes, swap wine and brandy for grape juice and a splash of orange juice, and it becomes a festive mocktail.
Try More Recipes:
Ina Garten Autumn Sangria
Description
Dry red wine, crisp cider, fall spices, and fresh apples—this sangria tastes like a chilled, drinkable version of apple picking.
Ingredients
For the rim (optional):
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, stir together wine, brandy, cider, and maple syrup.
- Add apples and cinnamon sticks. Mix well.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or alcohol to preference.
- Serve over ice in rimmed glasses if desired.
