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Best Spiked Apple Cider Sangria – Easy Halloween Punch

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This spiked apple cider sangria is the perfect Halloween party punch. It’s budget-friendly, make-ahead, and features a deep ruby-red color with floating fruit and spices for a spooky, delicious centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 liter (4 cups) apple cider, preferably unfiltered
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine, such as Tempranillo or Merlot
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy or bourbon
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Cointreau (optional)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) ginger ale or sparkling water, for fizz
  • 2 large firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 large orange, sliced into thin rounds
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 star anise pods
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Fruit: Wash the apples and orange. Slice the apples into thin rounds (about 1/4-inch thick), leaving the peel on. Slice the orange into thin rounds. Set aside a few apple slices for garnish if desired.
  2. Combine the Base: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour in the entire bottle of red wine, 4 cups of apple cider, 1/2 cup of brandy (or bourbon), and 1/4 cup of orange liqueur (if using). Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add the Spices and Fruit: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and whole cloves. Add the sliced apples and oranges. Push the fruit down into the liquid so it starts to soak up the wine.
  4. The Essential Wait: Cover the pitcher or bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. The fruit will soften, the spices will infuse, and the alcohol will mellow.
  5. Taste and Adjust: After chilling, taste the sangria. If it needs more sweetness, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. If it’s too strong, add a splash more apple cider. If it’s too weak, add a tiny bit more brandy.
  6. Add the Fizz: Just before serving, slowly pour in the 2 cups of ginger ale or sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Serve with Ice and Garnish: Fill glasses with ice. If using a frozen hand or ice ring, place it in the punch bowl now. Ladle the sangria into glasses, ensuring each glass gets some fruit. Garnish with a fresh apple slice or a cinnamon stick.

Notes

The key to this sangria is letting the flavors meld for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Don’t use sweet wine, as it will make the punch cloying. Add the ginger ale just before serving to keep the fizz. For a spooky touch, freeze a latex glove filled with water or apple cider to make a frozen ‘hand’ that floats in the punch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween punch, apple cider sangria, spiked cider, party punch, fall cocktail, easy sangria, Halloween drink

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/best-spiked-apple-cider-sangria-easy-halloween-punch/