A crisp white sangria ideal for autumn, brimming with apples, pears, and apple cider. Make a large pitcher for effortless serving, then finish each glass with sparkling wine for an elegant, easy fall cocktail.
I’m not the biggest fan of the Pumpkin Spice Latte—often too sweet—but I love everything else about autumn: fresh-baked breads, warm cider, apple- and pumpkin-flavored treats, cozy sweaters and boots. Combine several fall flavors in a single wine-based drink and I’m sold.
This white sangria is seasonal, simple, and delicious. It’s also perfect for entertaining: prepare a pitcher ahead of time and avoid mixing individual drinks over and over. Even better, make it the night before—steeping in the refrigerator mellows and deepens the flavors.
What goes into a white sangria?
The base is, of course, white wine. My top pick for this recipe is Pinot Grigio: it’s dry with bright acidity and often carries apple and pear notes that pair beautifully with the added fruit. That said, any dry white you enjoy will work well.
To emphasize autumn flavors, add a cup of apple cider. Since the cider and fruit already bring sweetness, using a dry white wine balances the drink so it isn’t overly sweet. For fruit, apples and pears are central here; a handful of pomegranate seeds adds color and interest. Cranberries can also be used in place of or alongside pomegranate.
How far in advance can you make sangria?
The best time to prepare sangria is the day before you plan to serve it. A few hours will also work if needed—aim for at least a few hours so the wine, cider, and fruit have time to meld. Avoid making it more than a day ahead, as the fruit can soften too much and the wine may begin to oxidize. One day is ideal.
Can you add Prosecco or sparkling wine?
Yes—sparkling wine is a lovely addition. For best results, add the bubbles just before serving: pour the steeped sangria into glasses, leave about an inch or two of space, and top each glass with chilled Prosecco or another sparkling white. This keeps the fizz lively and fresh.
You can use Prosecco, Champagne, or any sparkling white wine you prefer. For mixing with other ingredients, more budget-friendly sparkling wines work perfectly and deliver the celebratory bubbles without costing a lot.
Autumn Harvest White Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml bottle white wine
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 Granny Smith apple
- 1 Honeycrisp apple
- 1 Bartlett pear
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 750 ml bottle Prosecco or sparkling white wine
- fresh rosemary and cinnamon sticks to garnish (optional)
Instructions
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In a large pitcher, combine the bottle of white wine with the apple cider. Core and chop the apples and pear into small chunks (no need to peel) and add them to the pitcher along with the pomegranate seeds. Stir to combine, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow flavors to meld.
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To serve, pour into individual glasses, leaving 1–2 inches of space at the top. Top each glass with chilled Prosecco or another sparkling white. Garnish with rosemary sprigs or cinnamon sticks if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Swap apple and pear varieties based on what you have—this recipe is flexible and forgiving.
