Apple Cider Moonshine Sangria Recipe With Red Wine

If you are on the hunt for more apple recipes, I have a few more you might want to try out. Sticking with drinks, you could make some mulled apple cider. Or if you want to make a meal with your apples, grab some pork and make this apple feta stuffed pork tenderloin.

Still in the mood for more moonshine? Check out these moonshine recipes to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of apple pie moonshine, Pinot Noir, and warm spices creates a distinctive taste that sets this fall sangria apart from traditional recipes.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This refreshing drink is an ideal choice for parties and gatherings, offering a festive and delicious option that guests will rave about.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip up this sangria quickly, allowing you to spend more time with your friends and family.
• Seasonal Delight: Fresh apples and spices make this cocktail a seasonal treat, a perfect drink for fall or any time of year you crave a taste of autumn.

What Is Moonshine?

Moonshine is basically high-proof spirits usually made illegally, named for the secret nighttime production, or “under the light of the moon.” Traditionally, folks whip it up in small batches at home using homemade distillation gear. 

Lately, some distilleries have jumped on the trend, creating moonshine-inspired spirits that stick to traditional recipes and methods. Whether it’s made at home or in a distillery, moonshine has a cool cultural vibe linked to American history and the art of distillation, making it a favorite for cocktails like apple cider sangria.

What’s in This Apple Cider Sangria Recipe?

• Apples: Fresh apples add a crisp, juicy sweetness to the sangria. For the best flavor, opt for a variety like Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness.
• Lemon: Lemon juice brightens the overall flavor profile of the cocktail, adding a zesty tang that complements the sweetness of the apples and cider. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best taste.
• Cinnamon Sticks: Cinnamon sticks provide a warm spice that enhances the autumnal feel of the sangria. They can also act as a beautiful garnish, infusing the drink with subtle spice as they steep.
• Apple Cider: A key ingredient in this recipe, fresh apple cider brings a rich, apple-forward flavor that sets the stage for the drink. Choosing a high-quality, unfiltered apple cider can greatly enhance the depth of taste.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of rich sweetness and a hint of molasses, which harmonizes beautifully with the other delicious flavors. It can be adjusted to taste, allowing for a sweeter or more balanced sangria.
• Pinot Noir: This red wine contributes a fruity and slightly earthy profile to the sangria. Its light to medium body makes it versatile enough to blend well without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Apple Pie Moonshine: This spirited ingredient is infused with apple and spice flavors, replicating the rich taste of homemade apple pie. It gives the sangria its unique kick, making it a fun and festive choice for gatherings.
• Ginger Ale: Ginger ale adds a refreshing fizz and a hint of spiciness, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients. Using a quality ginger ale can elevate the drink, providing an effervescent finish.

Substitutions and Additions

• Wine: Instead of Pinot Noir, you can use other red wines such as Merlot or Zinfandel, or even a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a lighter option.
• Moonshine: If you can’t find apple pie moonshine, try using regular moonshine or even a spiced rum for a different flavour profile.
• Cider: Feel free to swap out apple cider for a spiced or pear cider to introduce a new twist on the classic recipe.
• Sweetener: In place of brown sugar, you can use honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener, adjusting to taste.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint or thyme can be added for an aromatic touch, enhancing the drink’s complexity.
• Fruit: Beyond apples and lemons, consider adding additional fruits such as pears, oranges, or cranberries for added flavour and colour.
• Club Soda: For a lighter drink, replace ginger ale with club soda, adding it just before serving to maintain the fizz.

How to Prepare Apple Pie Moonshine Sangria (step-by-step directions)

1. Place the apples, lemon, and cinnamon sticks into a large pitcher. Next, add the apple cider, brown sugar, apple pie moonshine, Pinot Noir, and ginger ale to the mixture. (Photos 1 & 2)

1. Using a wooden spoon, give it a good stir, then cover and refrigerate for couple of hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. (Photo 3)
2. When ready to serve, pour the apple sangria over ice in individual glasses, garnishing each with a sprinkle of cinnamon and additional slices of apples. (Photo 4)

Recipe Tips

• If you want a bubbly apple pie sangria, leave the ginger ale out until right before serving.
• Make sure to stir well before serving to mix the drink up well.
• Ensure you allow the moonshine cocktail to sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Otherwise, it won’t allow time for the flavors to blend together.
• Use a mix of Green apples, Honey crisps, etc. This will add dimension to your drink.
• Reach for your favorite red dry wine to replace the Pinot if you would like.

Storing Tips 

To store any leftover sangria, pour the remaining mixture into an airtight container or pitcher and seal it tightly. Keep the sangria refrigerated to maintain its freshness, and aim to consume it within 3 to 5 days for the best taste. 

If you’ve added ginger ale, it’s best to store that separately, as the carbonation will diminish over time. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply pour the sangria over ice and, if desired, add a splash of fresh ginger ale for a refreshing fizz.

Serving Suggestions 

When it comes to pairing dishes with your apple pie moonshine sangria, consider options that complement the seasonal flavors of the drink. Here are some ideal pairings:

• Cheese Board: A selection of aged cheddar, brie, and tangy goat cheese will harmonize beautifully with the sangria’s fruity notes. Add nuts and dried fruits for added texture and taste.
• Charcuterie: Salty-cured meats like prosciutto or salami balance the sweetness of the sangria, making for a delightful contrast to a charcuterie board.
• Autumn Salads: Fresh salads featuring apple pomegranate, candied pecans, and crumbled feta bring out the autumnal aspects of the drink, creating a refreshing complement.
• Savory Pastries: Serve alongside warm apple turnovers or mini quiches for hearty bites that pair well with the cocktail’s spiced notes.
• Desserts: For a sweeter option, consider serving apple pie, cinnamon rolls, or spiced cookies that echo the apple and cinnamon undertones in the sangria. 

Recipe FAQs

More Great Drink Recipes

• Mulled apple cider is going to win you over after one sip. A refreshing and delicious apple cider that is bursting with warm spices.
• For a cold and summer inspired cocktail, try this frozen pina colada. Pineapple and coconut collide in a refreshing way.
• See all our cocktails!