Apple Pumpkin Shandy Sangria combines apple cider, pumpkin shandy beer, and apple brandy for a deliciously fall flavored pumpkin sangria cocktail.
The sun is setting earlier and earlier and I don’t even know how I’m going to deal with the time change that’s coming in a few weeks. It’s been the most heavenly thing in the world to cook and bake on weekends until 7:00 p.m. or so and still be able to take photos. Soon, I’ll have to put down my spatula at about 3:30 p.m. and call it a day. Ugh. On a positive note, I guess that means more time on the couch with a cocktail for me.
And the really good news? I have found my drink of fall. And it’s a sangria. A pumpkin sangria. Well, kind of. I guess it really depends on your definition of sangria. My definition of sangria is simply “delicious,” so I’m thinking Apple Pumpkin Shandy Sangria is a perfectly acceptable label for this drink. Luckily, it’s easy to make a ridiculously large batch of it, so I can basically keep a pitcher of it in my fridge all fall long.
APPLE PUMPKIN SHANDY SANGRIA COCKTAIL RECIPE
So far this fall, my apple kick has been a bit stronger than my pumpkin kick, but for this cocktail, I’m combining the two. And it won’t be the last time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m just as crazy about pumpkin beer as the next “basic” girl, but sometimes I like to mix it up. This cocktail mixes it way up.
I really have no photos of the drink making process here, because there’s not too much to discuss. Besides… fill a pitcher up! Really though, pour the chilled cider, bottles of chilled pumpkin shandy, and apple brandy into a large pitcher. You can taste it and make sure the ratios are to your liking. I started with two pumpkin shandies and decided to add another after tasting. Stir the cinnamon in. Then slice the apples and put them in the pitcher, too. Let the pumpkin sangria chill in the fridge for a few hours… overnight is really best.
Fill a glass with ice and pour pumpkin sangria into glass. Garnish with a pretty apple slice and a little more cinnamon sprinkled over the top.
Sip away! Wherever the weather will let you. Since it’s only October, we’re not quite in need of warm drinks just yet. But it may be too chilly to drink this sangria outside. Maybe only if the sun is shining… And it’s been pretty rainy over the last week in Boston. Definitely not fun outside fall weather.
This is the kind of drink that can be dangerous if you’re not careful. After all, pumpkin shandy is already a lighter kind of beer. And then the apple cider adds the juice that makes you feel like a kid again. Until you add in the apple brandy, which kinda takes things to another level. In any event, it’s easy to drink a large glass of this pretty quickly.
The bottle of apple brandy I got (Laird’s) was a little pricey, but I figured it would be a good investment. First of all, I knew this drink would really need a touch of something a little bit stronger. Second of all, I am going to be drinking apple brandy all fall long.
But this pumpkin sangria will definitely be showing up in my kitchen again. I forgot how much I loved apple cider, but now I know I love it even more when there’s pumpkin involved. At first I was a little bit nervous about how everything in the drink would go together, but the flavors all complemented each other perfectly and felt like they were meant to be together.
I know, I know, it’s probably sacrilegious or something that I’m calling this drink a sangria. But I’m sticking to it.
Really though, all I could hear in my head while I was writing this post is the song from Blake Shelton’s new album that goes, “Your lips taste like sangria…” It’s actually a kind of creepy song, but I love me some Blake and I love me some sangria. Even when it’s pumpkin sangria. And even when it's made with beer.
What’s your favorite fall drink?
If you're looking for more delicious fall cocktails, check out my Pumpkin Pie Martini or my Holiday Spiced Honeycrisp Apple Cocktail.
📖 Recipe
Apple Pumpkin Shandy Sangria
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 3 bottles pumpkin shandy (I like Traveler brand)
- ½ cup apple brandy
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish
- 2 apples, sliced, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Pour apple cider, pumpkin shandy, and apple brandy in a large pitcher. Stir in cinnamon and add in sliced apples. Place in fridge to chill.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour sangria into each glass. Garnish with an apple slice and a little more cinnamon sprinkled over the top.
Joanne says
The time change and I are definitely fighting. NOT INTO IT.
But if it means more sangria for me....at least there's a silver lining.
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
Hey you gave you definition of Sangria in the beginning of your post. So I accepted it all the way to the end. Stick your your guns as they say---whoever 'they' are or were---Annie Oakley? Doc Holiday? I agree, it delicious and definitely a fall festive drink.
Velva says
I would enjoy this sangria on my couch listening to music in the background in the evening enjoying this festive autumn drink. Thanks for sharing.
Velva
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Ooooh THIS. Gaah Sues what a perfect fall drink. I've been all about hard cider with a splash of cinnamon whiskey for fall. But I'm loving this pumpkin shandy/apple brandy combination so much!
Barbara says
Such a cute photo of your drink, Sues! Perfect for fall imbibing!
ATasteOfMadness says
Yum! Is this wrong that I want this right now at 8 AM?
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
Sangria, apple cider, Blake Shelton - you have a lot of wonderful things going on here!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Love the idea of fall sangria! I'll take a glass, please!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
What a creative drink for the fall! I'm so loving the apple and pumpkin flavors in here. Sounds incredible!
Asmita says
Loving the flavors. Would love to sip away!!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
This is my kind of drink! Sangria is my all time fave, so this unique take is calling my name!
Pam says
Refreshing, delicious, and pretty. My kind of drink!
Mary Frances says
I've never heard of a SHANDY sangria before! Very creative and perfect for fall.
Odetta says
I think it's cocktail time! This sounds so interesting and delicious!
Meghan says
This looks like the perfect fireplace drink!
Caroline says
Excited to catch up with your blog. This looks RIGHT up my alley!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
What a great version of sangria! I think I could drink this no matter the season 🙂 We are still have winter weather here even though it should be spring.
Monica says
Totally forgot about the time change! And this is a great Fall sangria that I never thought of! My sister is the drinks expert and I know she would approve.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
This is one dangerous drink! I wouldn't know how to stop.