After years of hosting gatherings where some guests couldn't enjoy traditional sangria, I created this non-alcoholic apple cider sangria that's become my signature fall drink. It all started when I wanted something good that everyone could enjoy.
This beautiful mocktail combines the crisp flavors of apple and pear with warm cinnamon and aromatic rosemary, creating a drink that looks as impressive as it tastes. It takes just minutes to throw together, but looks like you spent hours crafting it.
My guests always ask for the recipe, and now I'm sharing my secret with you!
Why I Love This
- Perfect for Everyone: This alcohol-free sangria is ideal for gatherings with guests of all ages and preferences.
- Stunning Presentation: The beautiful combination of sliced fruits, cinnamon, and rosemary creates an Instagram-worthy drink that's as gorgeous as it is delicious.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your taste preferences with simple ingredient swaps.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors intensify for effortless entertaining.
- Seasonal Celebration: Captures the essence of fall and winter with warm spices and fresh fruits.
- Balanced Flavors: The perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and fruity notes creates a complex and satisfying mocktail experience.
Ingredients
I carefully selected these ingredients to create a perfect balance of flavors and visual appeal. The non-alcoholic white wine provides a sophisticated base, while apple cider and pear juice add natural sweetness and authentic fall flavors. Fresh fruits not only infuse the drink with more flavor but create a stunning presentation.
The cinnamon and rosemary bring warmth and aromatic complexity that transforms this from a simple juice blend into an elegant mocktail worthy of special occasions.
- 1 bottle (750ml) non-alcoholic white wine (see alternatives below)
- 2 cups fresh apple cider (non-alcoholic)
- 1 cup pear juice
- 2 cups ginger beer (for serving)
- 1 firm pear, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady recommended), sliced into thin wedges
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
- Ice, for serving
- Optional: ½ cup fresh cranberries (especially for holiday versions)
Equipment
- Large Pitcher or Punch Bowl (2-quart capacity or larger) - For mixing and serving multiple portions
- Sharp Knife - For cleanly slicing fruits into attractive garnishes
- Cutting Board - To prepare your fruit safely
- Measuring Cups - For accurate ingredient proportions
- Long-Handled Spoon - For gentle stirring without splashing
- Tall Glasses - For serving (consider rimming with sugar for an extra special touch)
- Ice Bucket - To keep your sangria chilled throughout serving
- Garnish Picks (optional) - For securing fruit garnishes on glass rims
How To Make
- Wash and slice all fruits - cut the apple and orange into thin rounds and the pear into lengthwise slices. Reserve a few attractive pieces for garnishing.
- Pour the non-alcoholic white wine, apple cider, and pear juice into a large pitcher or punch bowl and stir gently. Add the cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs to the liquid.
- Add the sliced fruits to the mixture and stir carefully. Taste and add maple syrup if you'd like it sweeter. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for about an hour to let the flavors blend together.
- When ready to serve, add the ginger beer and stir gently. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish each with the reserved fruit slices, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of rosemary.
- Enjoy your beautiful, refreshing apple cider sangria that's perfect for any occasion!
Substitutions
- Non-alcoholic white wine: White grape juice makes an excellent substitute. For a lighter option, try white tea cooled to room temperature or coconut water for a tropical twist.
- Apple cider: Can't find non-alcoholic apple cider? Use cloudy apple juice or make your own by blending 5 unpeeled, cored apples with ½ cup water and straining.
- Pear juice: Substitute with white grape juice, peach nectar, or additional apple cider.
- Ginger beer: Swap with ginger ale for less spice, sparkling water for fewer calories, or ginger kombucha for probiotic benefits.
- Sweeteners: Instead of maple syrup, try honey, agave nectar, or a simple syrup infused with cinnamon.
- Fruits: Feel free to add or substitute with seasonal fruits like peaches, plums, or berries. For a holiday version, add cranberries and additional rosemary.
Pro Tips
- Fruit selection: Choose firm, slightly underripe fruits that won't quickly turn mushy in your sangria.
- Infusion time: For the most flavorful result, prepare the base mixture at least 1 hour before serving. For parties, make it the morning of your event.
- Layered addition: Add delicate fruits like apples later if infusing for several hours to prevent browning. Add sturdier fruits like oranges first.
- Beautiful presentation: Use a clear pitcher to showcase the gorgeous colors and slice fruits in different ways (rounds, wedges, stars) for visual interest.
- Serving suggestion: Provide long spoons so guests can enjoy the infused fruit with their drinks.
- Glass rimming: For a special touch, rim glasses with cinnamon sugar by dipping the rim in a bit of apple cider, then into a mix of fine sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Ice recommendation: Use large ice cubes or an ice block which melts more slowly and won't dilute your sangria as quickly.
FAQ
Yes! In fact, preparing your sangria a few hours before serving enhances the flavor as the fruits infuse the liquid. Just add the ginger beer right before serving to maintain the carbonation.
It depends on where you are. In the United States, apple cider typically refers to unfiltered, unsweetened apple juice that is non-alcoholic. In other countries, "cider" often refers to a fermented alcoholic beverage. For this recipe, use non-alcoholic apple cider or fresh, cloudy apple juice.
Up to 2 days. The sangria base (without ginger beer) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruits may soften over time but will continue to infuse the mixture with flavor. Add the ginger beer only when ready to serve.
This mocktail contains vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh fruits and apple cider. While it does contain natural sugars, it's free from alcohol and artificial ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to traditional sangria.
Use dry non-alcoholic wine, unsweetened apple cider, and skip the maple syrup. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Yes! Since this is completely non-alcoholic, it's safe and appropriate for children and makes a special treat for family gatherings.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle 750ml non-alcoholic white wine (see alternatives below)
- 2 cups fresh apple cider non-alcoholic
- 1 cup pear juice
- 2 cups ginger beer for serving
- 1 firm pear thinly sliced
- 1 orange sliced into thin rounds
- 1 crisp apple Honeycrisp or Pink Lady recommended, sliced into thin wedges
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks plus extra for garnish
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup optional
- Ice for serving
- Optional: ½ cup fresh cranberries especially for holiday versions
Instructions
- Wash and slice all fruits - cut the apple and orange into thin rounds and the pear into lengthwise slices. Reserve a few attractive pieces for garnishing.
- Pour the non-alcoholic white wine, apple cider, and pear juice into a large pitcher or punch bowl and stir gently. Add the cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs to the liquid.
- Add the sliced fruits to the mixture and stir carefully. Taste and add maple syrup if you'd like it sweeter. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for about an hour to let the flavors blend together.
- When ready to serve, add the ginger beer and stir gently. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish each with the reserved fruit slices, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of rosemary.
- Enjoy your beautiful, refreshing apple cider sangria that's perfect for any occasion!
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