Description
A festive, kid-friendly fall drink that blends sweet caramel, tart apples, and warm spices. It’s easy to make ahead, looks elegant, and can be served as a non-alcoholic punch or spiked with rum or bourbon.
Ingredients
Scale
- 64 ounces (1.5 liters) 100% pure apple cider
- 16 ounces (480ml) apple juice
- 3 medium firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), sliced
- ½ cup (120ml) thick caramel sauce
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 2–3 pieces star anise (optional)
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes (or frozen apple slices)
- 1 cup spiced rum, bourbon, or apple brandy (optional, for adults)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Wash and slice the apples into thin rounds or wedges. Place in a bowl.
- In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider and apple juice. Stir gently.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Toss the sliced apples into the pitcher.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. If adding alcohol, pour it in now. Stir everything together gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days for the base) to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve over ice, garnished with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
Notes
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to prevent mushiness. For a make-ahead strategy, prepare the liquid base (cider, juice, spices) up to 3 days in advance and add apples and caramel right before serving. If the drink is too tart, add more caramel or apple juice. If too sweet, add more cider or a splash of lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: caramel apple cider sangria, fall drinks, kid-friendly recipes, non-alcoholic punch, party drinks, autumn recipes, easy sangria