Once the fall season is here, pumpkin spice becomes available everywhere. For those who love a seasonal cocktail, a Pumpkin Spice Sangria is a fun fall party, Thanksgiving dinner and cozy family cocktail recipe to try.
This beverage is a blend of the comforting taste of pumpkin spice, fruit and a refreshing sangria base. It’s simple to make in advance, making it great for serving several people.
Typically, Sangria is brewed from wine, fruit and various flavoring ingredients. It is a pumpkin spice variation that brings some fall flair to the pumpkin with a seasonal mix of ingredients like apple cider, cinnamon and pumpkin spice.
What Is Pumpkin Spice Sangria?
Pumpkin Spice Sangria is a fall flavor Sangria featured with pumpkin spice flavors and pumpkin and fruit.
Common ingredients in a typical recipe include:
- Red or white wine
- Apple cider
- Fresh apples
- Oranges
- Cinnamon
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Orange juice
- Sparkling water
You can make changes to the ingredients according to your preference.
If you don’t want to include alcohol, substitute sparkling grape juice or another appropriate non-alcoholic beverage for the wine.
Ingredients You Need
To make a simple pumpkin spice sangria recipe:
1 bottle of dry white wine
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- The 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice takes the place of the nutmeg in this recipe.
- Maple syrup (optional) 1 to 2 tablespoons.
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Ice for serving
The amount of sweetness can be altered to suit the cider and wine used.
Use sparkling white grape juice or another non-alcoholic beverage instead of the wine for a non-alcoholic version.
What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice?
Pumpkin pie spice is a spice mixture that is used in fall dishes.
It commonly contains:
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Allspice
The exact mixture may vary.
Pumpkin pie spice may be purchased at a store or homemade.
The spice adds warmth to the fall flavor of this sangria without the need of pumpkin puree.
By Maria DeFanti and Arnold Barnett, December 14, 2015
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sangria
Step 1: Mix All the Ingredients in a Bowl
Wash the apple and orange.
Cut apple into very thin slices.
Cut up the orange into rounds or chunks.
The skins of the apples may be left on if desired.
Put the cut fruit in a large pitcher.
Stir in cinnamon sticks and pumpkin pie spice.
Add the apple cider, orange juice and wine.
To make the beverage sweeter, add a bit of maple syrup.
Stir gently.
Step 2: Chill the Pumpkin Spice Sangria
Cool the Sangria in the fridge for about an hour.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate.
Allow to cool for 2 hours or more.
It can be left to sit longer for more intense fruit flavour.
When chill the fruit and spices will have time to blend with the drink.
Step 3: Add the Sparkling Water
Pour the sparkling water into the mixture.
Add sparkling water just prior to serving.
Stir gently.
If adding sparkling water at the end, it will keep the drink fizzy.
Step 4: Serve
Fill the glasses with ice.
Fill each glass with the pumpkin spice sangria.
Just add a bit of fruit and a cinnamon stick for a seasonally appealing presentation.
Best Wine for Pumpkin Spice Sangria
The most ideal wine is determined by the taste preference you have.
A dry white wine can be used as it lends sweetness from the apple cider and fruit.
Try a light red wine for a richer taste.
If you have, say, very sweet apple cider and maple syrup, do not use very sweet wines.
For the non alcoholic version, use sparkling grape juice for a fruity base.
Non-Alcoholic Pumpkin Spice Sangria
What do you need to make a non-alcoholic pumpkin spice sangria?
This is a simple, alcohol-free pumpkin spice sangria for those who don’t drink, for kids, or anyone who wants to have a zero-proof drink.
Use a different wine such as:
Sparkling white grape juice,
- Apple sparkling juice
- Non-alcoholic wine
- Sparkling apple cider
Then add the fruit, spices and orange juice as you normally would.
If you cannot have any alcohol, see the label of the non-alcohol wine, as some may contain a small amount of alcohol.
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a pumpkin.
A Thanksgiving pumpkin spice sangria is a seasonal drink for an adult party.
Many fall foods pair nicely with the apple, orange, cinnamon and pumpkin spice.
Fruit and base can be made in advance and then mixed with the sparkling water just before serving.
When using alcohol, make sure to clearly mark the drink to let guests know what they are drinking.
Provide a non-alcoholic option for family events involving children.
Pumpkin Spice Sangria for Halloween
This is also a good Halloween sangria recipe.
Try using oranges and fall spices to add a seasonal touch.
Serve in large glass pitcher or drink dispenser.
Sparkling grape juice or apple cider is a great alternative to alcohol for an Halloween party.
slice an apple and orange and mix in for some added color
Tips for Creating the Best Pumpkin Spice Sangria
Use Fresh Fruit
Fresh apples and oranges taste and feel better.
Remember not to add too much spice.
Pumpkin spice can pick up a lot of flavor. Use small quantities and fine-tune as necessary.
Chill Before Serving
Because it’s served cold, sangria is more refreshing, and the fruit has more time to flavor the drink.
Add Fizz at the End of the Day
Add sparkling water, as near to serving as possible, to avoid losing any bubbles.
Balance the Sweetness
Depending on how sweet the apple cider is, maple syrup may not be necessary.
Serve Responsibly
When serving alcoholic beverages, do so only for adults of legal drinking age and adhere to local drinking laws.
Easy Pumpkin Spice Sangria Variations
The recipe can be modified to make different fall flavors.
Apple Pumpkin Sangria
For a stronger apple flavor use extra apple slices and apple cider.
Cranberry Pumpkin Sangria
For a tart flavor and vibrant color, add fresh or frozen cranberries.
Pear Pumpkin Sangria
Thinly slice pear and replace some of the apple.
Citrus Pumpkin Sangria
If you wish to add a little lemon or extra orange for a brighter flavor.
Maple Pumpkin Sangria
For a sweeter fall taste, add a little maple syrup.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sangria Ahead
The great thing about this easy pumpkin spice sangria is that you can make a lot of it in advance.
Combine all the wine, cider, juice, fruit and spices together several hours prior to serving.
Refrigerate the pitcher.
Do not add sparkling water until you are ready to serve.
If it is made in advance, taste the fruit before serving. Fruit that is very soft can alter the consistency of the beverage.
Store any leftover Sangria in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate the leftover sangria, covering.
The recipe is made of fresh fruit, so it’s best to serve this recipe when the fruit is fresh.
However, if sparkling water has been added, the bubbles may dissipate from the drink after sitting.
Cook just enough for your needs so that you can enjoy the best flavor.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Sangria
Pumpkin spice sangria is served with a few staples.
This fall drink pairs well with seasonal foods such as:
- Roasted vegetables
- Apple desserts
- Pumpkin desserts
- Cheese boards
- Roasted chicken
- Turkey dishes
- Fresh bread
- Cinnamon desserts
Serving the sangria with small appetizers and fall-flavored desserts are good choices for a party.
Why Try Pumpkin Spice Sangria?
Quick to make and can be adapted to taste.
It blends apple, orange, cinnamon and pumpkin spice, which are all common fall tastes.
Also, you can make it a non-alcoholic beverage, giving guests another option.
The recipe is particularly helpful for events since the majority of the prep work could be finished prior to guests.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice Sangria is a basic fall-inspired cocktail that combines fruit, apple cider, hot spices and chilled sangria base.
It can be made for Thanksgiving, Halloween, fall parties or a fall get together.
If you’re an adult, use wine and serve responsibly. If you are looking for a family friendly alternative, use sparkling grape juice, sparkling cider or other non-alcoholic beverage instead of the wine.
Balance is essential when making a pumpkin spice sangria. Add just enough pumpkin spice to warm the drink, but not to make it overpowering, use fresh fruit material, chill the drink before serving, and finish with sparkling water.
A quick and easy recipe can make a seasonal beverage that’s festive and delicious for autumn.
