Red Wine Sangria in a tumbler with fall themed surroundings

Table of Contents

As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like a glass of fall-inspired sangria to warm the soul and brighten a gathering. This recipe combines the rich flavors of red wine with seasonal fruits, spices, and a touch of sweetness, making it the perfect drink for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. The vibrant colors of the fruits and the warming spices make this sangria not only delicious but also a beautiful centerpiece for your autumn table.

This fall red wine sangria is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together. With ingredients like apples, oranges, cinnamon, and pomegranate seeds, it brings a delightful blend of sweet and tart, while red wine serves as the perfect base to enhance the cozy vibes of fall.

Red Wine Sangria in a long stemmed red wine glass

Why You Will Love This Red Wine Sangria

Perfect for Fall Gatherings: The cozy combination of red wine and autumn fruits makes this sangria an ideal drink for any fall get-together, from casual dinners to festive holiday parties.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare this sangria a day ahead, allowing the flavors to fully meld and saving you time on the day of your event. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
Rich, Seasonal Flavors: Infused with apples, oranges, pomegranate, and warming cinnamon, it captures the essence of fall in every sip, delivering a balance of sweetness, tartness, and spice.
Customizable Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less maple syrup or by swapping it with honey or agave for different flavor notes.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Sangria is universally loved, and the addition of seasonal elements makes it feel extra special, ensuring your guests will keep coming back for refills.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the red wine and fruit make this sangria as beautiful as it is delicious. It looks stunning served in a pitcher or glass, enhancing the festive, cozy atmosphere.
Budget-Friendly: Using affordable red wine and seasonal fruits, this sangria is not only delicious but also easy on the wallet, making it great for hosting large groups.
Versatile Garnishes: Whether you want to add a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple for garnish, this sangria is endlessly adaptable, allowing you to add your own personal touch.

This fall sangria is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

What Alcohol Does Sangria Have In It?

his fall red wine sangria contains three types of alcohol:

Red Wine: The base of the sangria, typically a dry and fruity variety like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Tempranillo, which provides the rich body and flavor.
Brandy: Adds depth and warmth to the sangria, complementing the wine with a slightly sweet, fruity flavor.
Orange Liqueur: Commonly Triple Sec or Cointreau, this liqueur adds a citrusy brightness that enhances the flavors of the oranges and balances the richness of the red wine.

These three alcohols combine to create a perfectly balanced, flavorful sangria for fall!

close up of a glass filled with red wine sangria diced fruits

What’s The Best Red Wine for Sangria?

The best red wine for sangria is typically a dry, fruity wine that isn’t too expensive. Since sangria incorporates fruits, spices, and other mixers, there’s no need to use a high-end bottle. Look for wines that are smooth, easy to drink, and have good fruity notes.

Here are some great choices:

Merlot: Known for its smooth, medium body and soft tannins, Merlot has fruity flavors like plum and cherry that blend well with sangria’s ingredients.
Cabernet Sauvignon: A fuller-bodied option, Cabernet offers rich, bold flavors like blackcurrant and dark cherry, which work well with spices and fruits in fall sangria.
Tempranillo: A Spanish wine traditionally used in sangria, Tempranillo has earthy and fruity flavors like berries and dried figs, making it a classic choice.
Garnacha (Grenache): Another Spanish option, Garnacha is light, fruity, and slightly sweet, with flavors of red berries and hints of spice.
Zinfandel: This wine has a jammy fruit-forward character, with flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and pepper, which complement the autumn spices in sangria.

When choosing a red wine for sangria, go for something that’s fruity but not too sweet or tannic. A bottle in the $10–$15 range should work perfectly!

A tumbler glass with red wine sangria inside

Ingredients

1 bottle (750ml) of red wine (choose a dry, fruity wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (for a touch of autumn sweetness)
2 cinnamon sticks
2 apples, cored and thinly sliced (use a variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1 orange, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional for garnish)
1 cup apple cider (fresh and unfiltered for a deeper flavor)
1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda (optional, for a little fizz)
Ice, for serving

Method

Prepare the fruit: Start by washing, coring, and thinly slicing the apples and oranges. Spread them out in a large pitcher. Add the pomegranate seeds and cranberries (if using). These fruits will infuse the sangria with both flavor and a beautiful visual appeal.
Add the wine and spirits: Pour the entire bottle of red wine into the pitcher with the fruits. Then, add the brandy and orange liqueur. These spirits add depth to the flavor, with the brandy giving a warming note and the orange liqueur enhancing the citrus elements.
Sweeten with maple syrup: Stir in the maple syrup to taste. This adds a subtle autumnal sweetness and complements the fruit and spices beautifully.
Add the apple cider and spices: Pour in the apple cider and add the cinnamon sticks. The apple cider adds a rich fall flavor, while the cinnamon sticks give the sangria a warming, spicy undertone that’s perfect for the season.
Let it rest: For the best flavor, let the sangria sit in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the fruit to infuse the wine and the spices to develop fully.
Serve with a sparkle: Just before serving, if you like your sangria with a bit of fizz, add the sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing touch. Stir gently.
Garnish and serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over the ice, making sure to include some fruit in each glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange, and enjoy your delicious fall sangria!

sangri filled jug and glasses with lemons and oranges

Recipe Tips & Variations for Fall Red Wine Sangria

Tips

Let it Sit: For the best flavor, let your sangria chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This allows the fruit to infuse the wine and the spices to blend with the other ingredients.
Chill the Ingredients: Use chilled wine, brandy, and juice to keep the sangria cool from the start, especially if you don’t have time to refrigerate it for long.
Fresh Seasonal Fruit: Use crisp apples, juicy oranges, and pomegranate seeds for a fall twist. Slice the fruit thinly so it absorbs and releases more flavor into the wine.
Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by controlling how much maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup you add. Taste and tweak to your liking. The fruit also adds natural sweetness, so consider this when adjusting.
Add Sparkle Last Minute: If using sparkling water or soda, add it just before serving to retain the fizz.

Variations

Change the Fruit: While apples, oranges, and pomegranates are perfect for fall, you can also experiment with pears, cranberries, or even figs for a different flavor profile.
Spice it Up: For a cozier sangria, add a few whole cloves, star anise, or nutmeg along with the cinnamon sticks. This will give it a more warming, spiced flavor.
Swap the Sweeteners: Maple syrup adds a fall touch, but you can use honey, agave syrup, or simple syrup based on your preference. For a more festive touch, try using apple butter as a sweetener.
Go Sparkling: If you prefer a fizzy sangria, replace part of the wine with sparkling wine, or add sparkling water or ginger ale before serving for a refreshing twist.
Use White Wine: If you’re not a fan of red wine, you can substitute with a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a lighter version. Add more apple cider and citrus fruits to complement the white wine.
Non-Alcoholic Version: To make a mocktail version, use non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice as the base and skip the brandy and liqueur. Add a splash of pomegranate juice and apple cider to keep the fall flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Fall Red Wine Sangria

Wine Glass containing red wine sangria on a wooden table with ingredients stewn around

Garnish with Seasonal Flair: Serve each glass with a slice of fresh apple or orange on the rim for a pop of color. Add a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary to give the sangria an extra fall touch and a bit of aromatics.
Use Rustic Glassware: Serve the sangria in sturdy glass tumblers, mason jars, or stemless wine glasses to create a cozy, laid-back vibe that matches the warmth of fall.
Pair with Fall Appetizers: Complement the rich, fruity flavors of the sangria with a selection of fall-inspired appetizers. Think along the lines of cheese boards with sharp cheddar, brie, or gouda, alongside fresh figs, nuts, and crackers. Small bites like roasted pumpkin seeds, spiced nuts, or crostini with apple butter also pair beautifully.
Serve Chilled with Ice: Fill each glass with a few cubes of ice before pouring the sangria. The ice will help keep the drink cool while mellowing out the richness of the wine and brandy.
Offer a Sparkling Option: For a festive touch, offer your guests the option to top their sangria with sparkling water or ginger ale, adding a refreshing bubbly element to the drink.
Set a Fall Table: Serve the sangria in a large glass pitcher placed on a table decorated with fall elements—mini pumpkins, candles, and autumn leaves. This enhances the cozy, seasonal ambiance.
Great for Parties: Sangria is perfect for larger gatherings because it can be made in bulk and served in pitchers. Place a ladle next to the pitcher and let guests help themselves to refills throughout the evening.

FULL RECIPE