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Perfect Cozy Caramel Apple Cider Sangria for Two

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A warm and cozy caramel apple cider sangria for two, perfect for a quiet evening in. This easy recipe combines tart apple cider, smooth bourbon, and rich caramel for a drink that feels like a hug in a glass.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) apple cider
  • 3 ounces (90 ml) bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) caramel sauce
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) apple brandy or Calvados (optional)
  • ½ medium fresh apple, thinly sliced
  • ½ medium fresh orange, thinly sliced into rounds
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 whole star anise pod (optional)
  • Ice cubes
  • For garnish: extra apple slices, orange wheels, and a drizzle of caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare your fruit. Wash the apple and orange thoroughly. Slice the apple into thin rounds or half-moons, about ⅛ inch thick. Slice the orange into thin rounds. Remove any seeds from the orange slices.
  2. Make the caramel base. If your caramel sauce is thick and cold, warm it slightly in a microwave-safe bowl for 10-15 seconds, just until it’s loose and pourable.
  3. Combine the liquids. In a pitcher or mason jar, pour in the apple cider, bourbon, and apple brandy. Add the warmed caramel sauce. Stir gently until the caramel is fully dissolved.
  4. Add the spices. Drop in the cinnamon sticks and star anise pod (if using). Give everything another gentle stir.
  5. Add the fruit. Gently slide the apple and orange slices into the pitcher. Try to submerge them as much as possible.
  6. Chill (optional but recommended). Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Serve. Fill two glasses with large ice cubes. Pour the sangria evenly between the glasses, making sure to include some of the soaked fruit and a cinnamon stick in each glass.
  8. Garnish. Top each glass with a fresh apple slice and a thin orange wheel. Drizzle a tiny bit of extra caramel sauce over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh unfiltered apple cider and a good middle-shelf bourbon like Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark. If you don’t have apple brandy, replace with an extra ounce of bourbon. The sangria can be made up to 24 hours ahead (without ice) and stored in the refrigerator. For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon and brandy with extra apple cider and a splash of ginger ale.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cider sangria, fall sangria, sangria for two, apple cider cocktail, bourbon sangria, cozy drink

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/perfect-cozy-caramel-apple-cider-sangria-for-two/