Pumpkin Spice Sangria with Citrus and Apples
Pumpkin Spice Sangria with Citrus and Apples is like fall in a glass—bursting with cozy pumpkin spice flavors, crisp apples, and bright citrus notes. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional…
Tip: save now, cook later.Pumpkin Spice Sangria with Citrus and Apples is like fall in a glass—bursting with cozy pumpkin spice flavors, crisp apples, and bright citrus notes. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional sangria that brings all those warm autumn vibes into a fruity, sparkling drink. The combination of spices, fruit, and wine makes it both festive and inviting.
I love making this sangria when friends come over for a casual get-together or a chilly afternoon on the porch. The aroma of pumpkin spice mixed with the fresh scent of oranges and apples always gets people excited to sip. It’s easy to put together, and you can adjust the level of sweetness or spice to fit your mood. Plus, it looks really pretty in a big glass pitcher, so it’s a great conversation starter.
My favorite way to serve this sangria is over ice with a cinnamon stick for stirring and a few slices of fresh apple and orange floating on top. It’s a lovely way to enjoy the flavors of fall without needing to be stuck by the fireplace. If you want to keep the party going, it pairs perfectly with light appetizers like cheese, nuts, or even a pumpkin-flavored treat for the sweetest fall experience.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dry White Wine: I like using Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for their fresh, crisp flavors. If you prefer something sweeter, try a Riesling or Moscato.
Pumpkin Puree: Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to keep the flavor balanced. If you can’t find pumpkin, sweet potato puree works well too.
Apple Cider: Unsweetened cider adds natural sweetness and tang. If unavailable, substitute with apple juice but reduce added sweeteners.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves suits this drink perfectly. You can add extra cinnamon or use a chai spice mix for a twist.
Brandy or Spiced Rum: Optional but adds depth. For a non-alcoholic version, skip or add sparkling apple cider instead.
How Do You Get the Pumpkin Puree to Blend Smoothly into the Sangria?
Since pumpkin puree is thick, it needs proper mixing to blend well with the liquids.
- First, whisk the pumpkin puree with apple cider, orange juice, and maple syrup to create a smooth base.
- Use a wire whisk to break up any clumps and combine the spices evenly.
- Then slowly add the wine and gently stir; this prevents separation and keeps the texture pleasant.
- Chilling the sangria for several hours helps the flavors meld and the texture to settle nicely.
This method keeps the sangria smooth and flavorful, without any thick pumpkin chunks floating around.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pitcher – perfect for mixing and chilling all the ingredients together.
- Whisk – helps blend the pumpkin puree smoothly with liquids without lumps.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for slicing apples, oranges, and lemon easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the spice and liquid amounts just right.
- Glasses – to serve the sangria beautifully, ideally clear so you see the colorful fruit.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try red wine instead of white for a richer, deeper flavor that pairs well with pumpkin spice.
- Add fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds to give a tart pop and pretty color.
- Swap apples for pears if you want a softer, slightly floral fruit note.
- Include a splash of ginger beer or sparkling water before serving for a fizzy, refreshing twist.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sangria with Citrus and Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 cup apple cider (preferably unsweetened)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup brandy or spiced rum (optional)
- ¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 medium orange, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 medium apple (e.g., Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
- 2 whole star anise pods (optional, for garnish and flavor)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sangria takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 2 to 4 hours (or overnight) to chill so the flavors can blend beautifully. It’s a quick mix and then some patient waiting for the tastiest results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Pumpkin Base:
In a large pitcher, whisk together the pumpkin puree, apple cider, orange juice, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup until everything looks smooth and well combined.
2. Add the Wine and Spirits:
Slowly pour in the white wine and the brandy or spiced rum if you’re using it. Stir gently so all the ingredients blend without losing the fizz or texture.
3. Add the Fruit and Spices:
Pop in the sliced orange, apple, and lemon, then add the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods for a warm and fragrant flavor boost.
4. Chill and Marinate:
Cover the pitcher and pop it in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours or overnight. This gives all those lovely fall flavors time to mingle and develop.
5. Serve and Garnish:
When you’re ready to enjoy, stir the sangria gently to mix everything back up. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the sangria over the ice—don’t forget some fruit in each glass! Add a cinnamon stick or a fresh slice of apple or orange for a pretty, tasty finish.
Can I Use Red Wine Instead of White Wine?
Yes, you can swap in a dry red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir for a richer, deeper flavor. Just keep in mind it will change the color and slightly alter the taste profile.
How Long Should I Let the Sangria Sit Before Serving?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the sangria for at least 2-4 hours, but overnight is ideal to let the spices and fruit fully meld together.
Can I Make This Sangria Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Skip the wine and brandy, and use sparkling apple cider or a mix of apple juice and sparkling water instead for a festive, kid-friendly version.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover sangria in an airtight pitcher or container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for the freshest flavor and fruit texture.