Fall Harvest Sangria with Apples, Pears and Cinnamon

This Fall Harvest Sangria is a seasonal favorite—made with crisp white wine, fresh apple cider and packed with apples, pears, citrus, pomegranate or cranberries, and warm cinnamon sticks for the perfect holiday cocktail.

If you love sangria, this is the ideal autumn version: easy to make ahead, beautiful served from a large pitcher, and the flavors deepen the longer it rests. It’s a wonderful drink for Halloween, Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any fall party. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, extra cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a festive presentation that guests will notice.

My favorite combination includes crisp apples, juicy pears, orange slices and cinnamon sticks stirred into a dry white wine and fresh apple cider, with a splash of caramel vodka to echo that caramel-apple flavor. I also like adding pomegranate seeds for color and a touch of tartness—cranberries work equally well. For a sweeter sangria, stir in a little honey or agave to taste. For an elegant touch, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar and add an extra cinnamon stick as a stirrer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• White wine – A crisp, dry white like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio works well; dry riesling is a good choice if you prefer a touch more sweetness. A red wine variation also tastes great.
• Fresh fruit – Apples, pears, orange slices, and pomegranate seeds or cranberries for color and brightness.
• Apple cider – Adds natural sweetness and a full apple flavor so extra sugar is usually unnecessary.
• Caramel vodka – Optional, for a caramel-apple note. Regular, vanilla, or citrus vodka can be substituted.
• Club soda – Adds fizz; any sparkling water will do and should be added right before serving to keep the bubbles.
• Cinnamon sticks – Essential for warming fall spice.

Which Wine Should I Use?

Choose a wine you enjoy drinking. A dryer, crisp white like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio keeps the sangria bright. If you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, try a dry riesling. Red wine also makes a lovely, richer sangria. For a celebratory twist, you can use sparkling wine; if you opt for still wine, top glasses with club soda or a splash of bubbly just before serving. Be sure to add the club soda right before serving so the sangria stays fizzy.

How to Make Fall Harvest Sangria

This festive cocktail comes together in minutes and benefits from time in the fridge to meld flavors. Follow these simple steps:

1. Chop the fruit. Core and chop the apples and pears; slice the orange into rounds or half-moons.
2. Combine in a pitcher. Place the chopped apples, pears, orange slices, pomegranate seeds (or cranberries) and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher. Pour in the white wine, apple cider, and caramel vodka, then stir gently to combine.
3. Marinate. Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 3 hours, up to 6 hours or overnight if you prefer a more infused flavor. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld.
4. Serve. Fill wine glasses with ice, pour the sangria, and top each glass with a splash of club soda for bubble. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of rosemary if desired.

What Kind of Apples to Use

Choose firm apples that balance sweetness and tartness so they hold up in the sangria and add texture. Good options include:

• Honeycrisp
• Gala
• Pink Lady
• McIntosh
• Fuji
• Red Delicious

Recipe: Fall Harvest Sangria

Tips, Variations and Serving Ideas

• Swap the caramel vodka for vanilla or citrus vodka for a different flavor profile.
• Use sparkling wine or prosecco for a bubbly sangria; add club soda just before serving to preserve carbonation.
• Rim glasses with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, festive touch.
• Make this ahead of time and refrigerate—flavors develop as the sangria rests. Add ice and club soda right before serving.
• For a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine and vodka with sparkling apple cider and additional apple juice.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Harvest Apple Cider Punch
• Spicy Grapefruit Paloma
• Fresh Watermelon Margaritas
• Sparkling Grapefruit Frosé
• Sparkling Christmas Punch

More Apple Recipes

• Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
• Healthy Apple Crisp
• Maple Cinnamon Sautéed Apples
• Apple Pie Overnight Oats
• Apple Cinnamon Thumbprint Cookies

If you try this Fall Harvest Sangria, enjoy sharing photos of your version with friends and family. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail that highlights seasonal fruit and warm spices—perfect for fall entertaining.