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Halloween Sangria

Dry red wine soaked with cinnamon-sugared apple and blood orange, then topped with sparkling apple cider. Dark, fruity and festive, and it's made ahead so you can enjoy your own party.

Time: 25 min
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Built in glass
Glass: Wine glass

Ingredients

Servings

Amounts below make 8 servings (the full recipe).

Apple — thinly sliced1
Blood orange — thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish2
Sugar — ¼ cup4 Tbsp
Ground cinnamon½ tsp
Red wine — one bottle, dry, such as Rioja3 ¼ cups (25 oz)
Sparkling apple cider — one bottle, chilled — or ginger ale for a sweeter sangria3 ¼ cups (25 oz)

Garnish: Blood orange slice (8 slices), Colored sugar rim (optional)

Batching tip: mix everything except ice up to a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Pour over fresh ice to serve.

How to make it

1
Thinly slice the apple and blood oranges. Toss them in a bowl with the sugar and cinnamon, then let stand for 20 minutes.
2
Tip the fruit into a large pitcher, pour in the red wine and stir.
3
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and no more than 4 (after that the fruit turns soft).
4
To serve, fill glasses with ice, then add equal parts wine mixture and sparkling cider. Or top the wine mixture with ginger ale.
5
Garnish with blood orange slices. The wine-soaked fruit makes a great snack once the glasses are empty.

Swap it: Make it ahead: the wine and fruit can chill for up to 4 hours. Add the sparkling cider only when serving so it stays bubbly.

Bar gear

Tools you'll need

JiggerA double-sided measure so every drink comes out the same. Look for one marked in ½ and ¼ oz.
Bar spoonA long, thin spoon for stirring, layering and fishing out cherries.
Punch bowl & ladleLets guests serve themselves from a big batch.

Recommended glassware

Wine glassDoubles as the go-to glass for spritzes and sangria.

No shaker? A clean jar with a tight lid works. Build your home bar →

Recipe source: A Couple Cooks — Halloween Sangria. Quantities and basic method are factual. Description and steps are original Mixistry copy. Last updated 2026-10-11.

Contains alcohol. For adults of legal drinking age — please enjoy responsibly.