I didn’t grow up drinking sangria, but it’s a staple at every Hispanic gathering, especially during the holidays. I’ve had my fair share over the years, and this apple cider sangria with pears is my favorite. It brings together all the best fall flavors: sweet, crispy Honeycrisp apples and sliced pears with crisp white wine, plus a touch of brandy and orange liqueur that makes the flavor combination truly the best.

Glass of easy fall sangria over ice garnished with a rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick, and Honeycrisp apple slice

Cinnamon is one of my favorite spices, and I use it all year round. For this apple cider sangria, adding whole cinnamon sticks was a must. They bring out that cozy taste and smell we all love during the holidays. It’s the perfect fall sangria for Thanksgiving and an easy holiday sangria for Christmas parties. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Sangria

All the best fall flavors: Apple cider, pears, Honeycrisp apples, and cinnamon in every sip.
Light and crisp: Dry white wine keeps it refreshing instead of heavy.
Perfect for the holidays: It’s a crowd pleaser! No matter the holiday this sangria is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Make ahead friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, so you can mix it the night before.
Easy to adjust: Add more honey for sweetness or more cider for a lighter, juicier sangria.
Serves a crowd: One pitcher makes about 8 servings.

Ingredients for apple cider sangria with pears: white wine, apple cider, brandy, honey, pears, apple, orange, cinnamon, and rosemary

Apple Cider Sangria Ingredients

Dry white wine: The crisp base of this sangria.
Apple cider: Adds natural sweetness and classic fall flavor.
Brandy: Gives the sangria warmth and depth.
Orange liqueur or orange juice: Adds a bright citrus note. Use orange juice for a lighter version.
Honey: Sweetens it naturally. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
Bartlett or Anjou pears: Sweet, soft, and they hold their shape while the sangria chills.
Honeycrisp apple: Sweet, crisp, and perfect for soaking up the wine.
Orange: Adds color and citrus flavor.
Cinnamon sticks: Infuse the whole pitcher with cozy holiday spice.
Optional garnish: Star anise, fresh rosemary, or extra pear slices.

What Kind of White Wine for Apple Cider Sangria?

Choose a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A dry wine balances the sweetness of the apple cider, honey, and fruit so the sangria doesn’t taste too sugary. There’s no need to buy an expensive bottle. A good everyday wine works perfectly.

How to Make Apple Cider Sangria

Sliced oranges, Honeycrisp apples, and pears on a cutting board with rosemary and honey for apple cider sangria

Sliced pears, Honeycrisp apples, and orange layered in a large glass jar to start apple cider sangria

Step 1: Add the fruit: Place the sliced pears, apple slices, and orange slices in a large pitcher.

Pouring white wine into a glass jar of apple, pear, and orange slices to make apple cider sangria

Spoonful of honey held over a jar of apple cider sangria to sweeten the fall sangria

Step 2: Pour in the liquids: Add the white wine, apple cider, brandy, and orange liqueur.
Step 3: Sweeten: Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey and mix well.

Overhead view of apple cider sangria with pears, Honeycrisp apple slices, orange, and cinnamon sticks in a glass jar

Glass jar of apple cider sangria with pears, apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks next to fresh rosemary

Step 4: Add the cinnamon: Drop in the cinnamon sticks.

Step 5: Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

Apple cider sangria with pears, apple slices, oranges, and cinnamon sticks chilling in a large glass jar

Ladling apple cider sangria into a glass over ice with a jar of fruit, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks nearby

Step 6: Taste and adjust: Right before serving, taste the sangria. Add a little more honey if it needs sweetness, or a splash more cider if you want it lighter and juicier.

Step 7: Serve: Pour over ice, if desired, and garnish with star anise, rosemary, or extra pear slices.

Tips for the Best Fall Sangria

Chill it as long as you can: The longer it sits, the more the fruit and cinnamon flavor the wine.
Slice the fruit thin: Thin slices release more flavor and look beautiful in the glass.
Use firm, ripe pears: Overripe pears turn mushy as the sangria chills.
Mix the honey in well: Stir until it’s fully dissolved so it doesn’t settle at the bottom.
Add ice to the glasses, not the pitcher: This keeps your sangria from getting watered down.

Two glasses of apple cider sangria with pears garnished with rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and apple slices

Holiday Sangria Variations

Christmas sangria: Add a handful of fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive look.
Winter sangria with red wine: Swap the white wine for a fruity red like Garnacha or Pinot Noir for a richer, deeper flavor.
Sparkling apple cider sangria: Top each glass with a splash of prosecco or sparkling apple cider.
Extra spiced: Add star anise and a few whole cloves along with the cinnamon sticks.
Mocktail version: Use white grape juice instead of wine, skip the brandy, and use orange juice instead of orange liqueur.

What to Serve with Holiday Sangria

This apple sangria is perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and Christmas parties. Serve it with a cheese board, my Italian Bread Dipping Oil as an easy appetizer, or my Apple Fritters for a cozy fall dessert. For guests who don’t drink, my Homemade Hot Chocolate is a festive alternative. Looking for more seasonal ideas? Check out my 20 Easy Fall Recipes.

How to Store Apple Sangria

Refrigerator

Store covered in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. It’s at its best within the first day or two.

Fruit tip

The fruit softens the longer it sits. To keep leftovers fresh, strain out the fruit after the first day and add fresh slices before serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for the sangria itself, but you can freeze leftovers in ice cube trays and use them to chill your next pitcher.

Apple Cider Sangria FAQs

How do you make apple cider sangria?

Combine sliced pears, apples, and oranges in a pitcher with white wine, apple cider, brandy, orange liqueur, honey, and cinnamon sticks. Chill for at least 2 hours, then taste and adjust before serving.

How long should sangria sit before serving?

At least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. The longer it chills, the more flavor the fruit and cinnamon add.

Can I make holiday sangria ahead of time?

Yes! This is the perfect make ahead drink for parties. Mix it the night before and keep it in the fridge.

Can I use red wine instead of white?

Absolutely. A fruity red wine makes a richer winter sangria that’s perfect for Christmas.

How do I make apple cider sangria without alcohol?

Use white grape juice instead of wine, skip the brandy, and use orange juice in place of orange liqueur.