This fall apple cider sangria mocktail is crisp and bright with autumn flavors. A spiced zero-proof drink perfect for fall gatherings.
I have a thing for sangria. Or punch. Or really any drink you can put fruit in.
There's something so delightful about little bursts of fruit in your drink. When you let it sit, the flavors of the liquid (in this case cider and fruit juice) meld with the fruit.
So each sip is fruity and each bite of fruit is full of spiced flavor.
This fall apple cider sangria mocktail has all the fall vibes! With a base of apple cider, the flavor is rich. And apples and figs (if you can find them) just embody fall.
My personal favorite touch is the spices - cinnamon and star anise. To me they turn this sangria from a fruit drink to a full fall immersion.
And an extra bonus if you rim your glasses with cinnamon. You get a burst of warm flavor in every sip! (I did this in my Thanksgiving mocktail and it is absolutely my favorite thing.)
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Fall Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail
- Alcohol-free - of course! It's a mocktail, so there's no alcohol at all. If you want to add alcohol I have several suggestions for additions below.
- Super easy - this drink takes less than 10 minutes to prep!
- Light & bubbly - Sparkling water keeps this drink crisp & refreshing
- Customizable - Add your favorite fruits for endless flavor combos
- Perfect for entertaining - Easy to batch for brunches, showers & parties
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Fresh Fruit: I used apples, oranges, figs and pomegranate arils. You could also use sliced pears or blood oranges.
- Spices: cinnamon sticks and star anise pods. I recommend using the whole versions of these spices, as they add so much flavor without the grittiness of the ground spic
- Apple Cider: this is the substitute for the wine. If you want to use a sparkling wine, use half the amount called for and the other half apple cider.
- Orange Juice: usually sangria has a juice or other sweetener - even though the base of this mocktail is juice, I still like adding the OJ to help create a deep flavor
- Lemon Juice: I added a bit of lemon juice to help bring a tang that mimics the bite of alcohol. As always, fresh is best
- Seltzer Water: you can also use ginger beer or ginger kombucha, both of which would result in a sweeter drink. An apple flavored seltzer would also be quite delicious here
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. Add the fruit, cinnamon, and star anise to a large pitcher or punch bowl.
Step 2. Pour in the grape juice and orange juice and stir to combine. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 3. When ready to serve, top with the seltzer water.
Step 4. If desired, rim each glass with cinnamon by dipping the rim of the glass in water or apple cider and then in cinnamon.
Step 5. Pour the sangria into each glass, ensuring some of fruit makes it into the glass, for the best experience.
Pro Tip: Let the sangria chill with the fruit for 30-60 minutes for the best flavor infusion.
FAQ & Expert Tips
Yes! Sangria is best when made ahead, to allow the flavors to blend.
Add the seltzer right before serving to keep the fizz.
Almost any fruit is great in sangria. For fall vibes go for apples, pomegranate arils, figs, pears, blood oranges, even persimmons!
Yes! Apple seltzer would be delightful in this recipe.
This sangria mocktail will last about a week in the fridge. The acid in the fruit and juice helps keep the drink fresh, but the fruit will start to go bad by the end of the week.
To add alcohol by the glass, I recommend adding a shot of brandy or your favorite liquor to each glass.
If you want to add alcohol to the entire pitcher you can replace the grape juice with a bottle of wine or add a cup or so of brandy to the pitcher when you mix the grape juice and OJ.
A fruity drink that replaces the wine usually in sangria with several types of fruit juice, for that classic sangria taste without any of the booze.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for this drink. We appreciate the opportunity to nourish our bodies and enjoy a cozy fall drink. Amen.
More fall mocktails
📖 Recipe
Fall Apple Cider Sangria Mocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Small Apples sliced
- 1 Small Orange sliced and cut into quarters
- 4-6 Fresh Figs halved (if available)
- ¼ Cup Pomegranate Arils
- 4 Cinnamon Sticks or sub ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 Star Anise Pods or sub ⅛ teaspoon ground star anise, or omit entirely
- 24 Ounces Apple Cider
- 8 Ounces Orange Juice
- ¼ Cup Lemon Juice
- 24 Ounces Seltzer Water OR Ginger Beer OR Ginger Kombucha
To rim glass
- Cinnamon
- Water or Cider
Instructions
- Add the fruit, cinnamon, and star anise to a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Pour in the grape juice and orange juice and stir to combine. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- When ready to serve, top with the seltzer water.
- If desired, rim each glass with cinnamon by dipping the rim of the glass in water or apple cider and then in cinnamon.
- Pour the sangria into each glass, ensuring some of fruit makes it into the glass, for the best experience.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Comments
No Comments