Spiced Apple and Pear White Sangria: Your Ultimate Fall & Winter Cocktail Recipe

Embrace the cozy vibes of the cooler months with this delightful Spiced Apple and Pear White Sangria. Infused with a hint of warm cinnamon and bursting with the fresh flavors of crisp apples and sweet pears, this sangria is an irresistible addition to any fall or winter gathering. With just a handful of readily available ingredients, it’s remarkably easy to prepare, making it the perfect stress-free option for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a festive holiday party, this recipe can be effortlessly scaled up to create the ultimate crowd-pleasing cocktail.

There’s nothing quite like a seasonal cocktail to perfectly complement the changing weather, and this spiced apple and pear white sangria truly captures the essence of autumn and winter. Unlike heavier, darker drinks, this white sangria offers a crisp, refreshing, yet warmly spiced profile. It’s expertly crafted with a blend of naturally sweet apples and pears, which are then macerated in a delightful mix of dry white wine, aromatic pear liqueur, fresh apple cider, and a lively splash of ginger beer. The result is a vibrant, flavorful beverage that’s a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas celebrations, or any chilly evening when you crave something special.

Sangria, traditionally a Spanish punch, is famed for its fruit-infused wine base. While red sangria is more commonly known, white sangria offers a lighter, brighter alternative, making it exceptionally versatile. The beauty of this particular recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of seasonal produce. The cinnamon sticks slowly release their comforting spice, intertwining with the fruity notes to create a truly invigorating and complex flavor that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.

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Essential Ingredients for Your Spiced White Sangria

Creating this delicious apple and pear sangria starts with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors that make this cocktail so special. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each element is important:

• White Wine: The foundation of our sangria. For the best results, choose a dry and crisp white wine. Varieties like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices as their clean, bright profiles allow the fruit and spice flavors to truly shine without being overly sweet or heavy. Avoid heavily oaked Chardonnays, which can clash with the delicate fruit notes. A good quality, unoaked dry Riesling or even a Verdejo could also work beautifully.
• Apples: Fresh, sweet apples are key to this recipe. I often opt for Honeycrisp or Gala varieties due to their delightful sweetness and crisp texture, which holds up well in the wine. Other fantastic choices include Fuji or Pink Lady apples. The most important thing is to use an apple you genuinely enjoy eating, as its flavor will infuse directly into the sangria. Remember to wash your apples thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skin on.
• Pears: For pears, Bosc or Bartlett varieties are highly recommended. Bartlett pears are known for their classic sweetness and juicy texture, while Bosc pears offer a slightly firmer texture and a hint of spice, which beautifully complements the cinnamon in this recipe. Ensure your pears are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape after being chopped and marinated in the wine.
• Pear Liqueur: This ingredient significantly enhances the pear flavor and adds a lovely depth and touch of sweetness to the sangria. While any good quality pear liqueur will work, I personally highly recommend St. George Spirits Spiced Pear Liqueur. Its complex aromatic profile truly smells like fall in a bottle, elevating the entire drink.
• Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider is an absolute must. It intensifies the apple flavor, contributing a wholesome, autumnal sweetness and a slightly richer body than regular apple juice. For a more rustic flavor, choose an unfiltered, cloudy cider.
• Ginger Beer: This component adds a fantastic spicy kick and effervescence to the sangria. Ginger beer has a more intense, spicier ginger flavor compared to ginger ale. However, if you prefer a milder ginger note or a sweeter profile, ginger ale can be used as a substitute. The bubbles also make the sangria feel lighter and more festive.
• Cinnamon Sticks: These aren’t just for garnish! Cinnamon sticks slowly infuse the drink with a warm, festive spice, adding a comforting aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the fruit. Unlike ground cinnamon, sticks provide a subtle, long-lasting infusion without clouding the drink.

See the recipe card below for full ingredients and quantities.

Customizing Your Sangria: Substitutions and Variations

One of the best aspects of sangria is how incredibly adaptable it is. This recipe provides a wonderful base, but feel free to experiment with ingredients you have on hand or adjust quantities to suit your personal taste preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Wine Alternatives: Instead of a still white wine, consider using a sparkling wine like Prosecco, Cava, or even a dry sparkling cider. This will add an extra layer of celebratory bubbles, making the sangria even more festive. A dry cider wine will also lend a more pronounced apple flavor.
• Apple Juice instead of Cider: If fresh apple cider isn’t available, or you prefer a slightly less intense apple flavor and a smoother texture, you can absolutely use apple juice. Just be aware that apple juice is typically sweeter and clearer than cider.
• Liqueur Swaps: If you can’t find a spiced pear liqueur, don’t worry! A good quality triple sec or an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier can introduce a lovely citrus complexity. For a bolder fruit essence, a good quality apple brandy or a regular (unspiced) pear brandy would also be excellent choices. These alternatives will subtly shift the flavor profile but still deliver a delicious result.
• Add More Fruit: Feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits. Cranberries, sliced oranges, or even a few star anise pods can add visual appeal and additional layers of flavor. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pitcher, allowing the primary apple and pear flavors to shine.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If your fruit isn’t very sweet or you prefer a sweeter sangria, you can add a touch of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved) or a drizzle of maple syrup. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: To make a delightful mocktail, simply replace the white wine with sparkling apple cider or a non-alcoholic white wine alternative. You can also increase the apple cider and ginger beer ratio, perhaps adding a splash of white grape juice.

Simple Equipment for Sangria Success

You’ll be pleased to know that you don’t need any specialized or fancy equipment to whip up this delicious spiced apple and pear sangria. The most important tool you’ll need is a good pitcher, and maybe something to stir with!

• Glass Pitcher: A 1-liter capacity pitcher is perfect for this recipe. Opt for a clear glass pitcher not only because it allows you to see the beautiful fruit infusing into the wine but also for its elegant presentation when serving.
• Long-Handled Spoon: Essential for gently stirring all the ingredients together and ensuring they are well combined.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For preparing your fresh apples and pears.

That’s it! With these basic items, you’re all set to create a stunning and flavorful sangria that will impress without any fuss.

Making Ahead & Storing Your Sangria

One of the most appealing features of this spiced apple and pear white sangria is its make-ahead potential. Not only can it be made in advance, but it actually improves with time as the fruit flavors fully meld with the wine and spices. This makes it an ideal choice for entertaining, allowing you to prepare it hours before your guests arrive and minimize last-minute stress.

I find that preparing the sangria 4-6 hours in advance is the sweet spot. During this marinating period, the fruit releases its sweet juices and aromatic compounds into the wine, deepening the overall flavor profile. The cinnamon also has ample time to infuse its warm spice, creating a truly harmonious blend. If you plan to serve it the next day, a longer marination of up to 12 hours is perfectly fine, though I generally recommend adding the ginger beer closer to serving time to maintain its fizz.

If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence with this delicious drink!), you can store it in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the fruit may start to become too soft, and the flavors might diminish. Always give it a gentle stir before serving any stored sangria.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Apple & Pear Sangria

More Delightful Seasonal Recipes

Looking for more delicious recipes to celebrate the autumn and winter seasons? Explore these wonderful options that pair beautifully with cozy evenings and festive gatherings:

Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.

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