Fall Prosecco Sangria: A Simple + Pretty Cocktail

Perfect for Thanksgiving, this fall prosecco sangria serves a crowd and has all your favorite autumn flavors. With apples, spices, and a touch of apple brandy, this is sweet and seasonal and a huge crowdpleaser. Don’t forget to let it chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving! This allows the flavors to blend together perfectly.

Fall Prosecco Sangria

This festive fall sangria highlights the flavors of apples, cinnamon, and apple brandy, topped off with bubbly Prosecco.

Prep Time 10

Chill Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Serving Size servings

Ingredients

1 bottle Prosecco chilled (750 mL)
1 cup apple cider
½ cup apple brandy like Calvados
1 apple thinly sliced
1 pear thinly sliced
1 orange thinly sliced
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 star anise optional
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish optional

Instructions

Mix the Base. In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider and apple brandy.
Add Fruit & Spices. Add the sliced apple, pear, orange, cinnamon stick, and star anise (if using) to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
Chill. Let the sangria chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
Add Prosecco. Before serving, gently pour the chilled Prosecco into the pitcher and stir lightly to mix without losing the bubbles.
Serve. Serve the sangria in glasses, ensuring each one gets some fruit slices. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary if you’d like a fragrant touch.

This sangria is a real crowd-pleaser! I first made it for a fall gathering with friends, and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved the fruity flavors and how light and bubbly it was. Now, it’s my go-to drink for autumn get-togethers. And as the weather gets cooler, I like switching to my Christmas sangria.

glass of sangria with fruit slice and cinnamon stick on wooden board with apples.

It’s so easy to make ahead of time, which is perfect for hosting a party. Plus, it looks beautiful in a pitcher with all the colorful fruit. It’s always a winner!

Sangria Tips

Fruit Variety: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fruit! Try adding sliced grapes, pomegranate seeds, or even thinly sliced persimmons for an extra fall flair.
Spice It Up: If you love warm spices, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg with the cinnamon stick.
Sweetness Control: Add a tablespoon or two of simple syrup or agave nectar to the mix if you want a sweeter sangria.
Make it a Mocktail: Easily turn this into a non-alcoholic drink by replacing the Prosecco with sparkling apple cider or ginger ale.
Presentation Matters: For a festive touch, serve the sangria in wine glasses or mason jars with a cinnamon stick stirrer and a sprig of rosemary.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Here are a few things you’ll need for this recipe:

Apple Brandy. Apple brandy adds a warm, boozy flavor to the sangria. You can substitute it with regular brandy or spiced rum if you can’t find it.
Star Anise. Star anise has a unique licorice-like flavor that complements the other spices in the sangria. You can usually find it in the spice aisle of your grocery store.
Prosecco. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that gives the sangria its bubbly fizz. Look for it in the wine section of your grocery store (it’s usually near the champagne). Choose an extra-dry Prosecco to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.

These ingredients will help this simple drink stand out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cheese and crackers, spiced nuts, apple spice cake with caramel frosting, or apple pie yeast bread.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I make this sangria ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s better to make it ahead of time. Letting the sangria sit in the fridge for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to add the Prosecco right before serving to keep it bubbly.

What kind of apples should I use?

Any crisp apple will work nicely. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are all good choices. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they’re easy to eat.

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of apple brandy?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have apple brandy, you can use regular brandy or even apple liqueur. You could also try a spiced rum for a different flavor twist.

My sangria tastes a bit tart. How can I sweeten it up?

If you find the sangria a bit tart for your liking, you can add a touch of sweetness. A tablespoon or two of simple syrup or agave nectar should do the trick. You can also add a splash of orange juice for extra sweetness and flavor.

Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?

Of course! Replace the Prosecco with sparkling apple cider or ginger ale. You’ll still get all the delicious fall flavors without the alcohol.

If you have any more questions, leave me a comment. I’m always happy to help.

Storing Leftovers

This sangria is best enjoyed within 24 hours of adding the Prosecco.

In the Fridge:

Store it in the refrigerator in a pitcher with a lid or covered tightly with plastic wrap.
It is best enjoyed within 3 days.

Freezing:

I don’t recommend freezing this sangria. The Prosecco will lose its fizz, and the fruit will become mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

This sangria is the perfect way to celebrate the autumn season. It’s easy to make and always a hit with friends and family. I hope you enjoy this festive drink!

Fall Prosecco Sangria: A Simple + Pretty Cocktail