Last Updated on September 6, 2025 by recipeinspire
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Maple Pumpkin Red Sangria: 5 Reasons It’s Your New Autumn Obsession!
Are you craving a twist on traditional sangria? With the fall season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to embrace cozy and festive flavors. Enter the delightful Maple Pumpkin Red Sangria. This exquisite blend of rich spices and autumnal sweetness is sure to become your go-to beverage for gatherings and cozy nights in. In this post, we’ll uncover five compelling reasons to love this recipe and why it deserves a spot on your fall drink menu!
Ingredients List

For the perfect Maple Pumpkin Red Sangria, you will need:
- 1 bottle of dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works wonders)
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup (for that rich fall sweetness)
- 1/4 cup of brandy (or whiskey for an extra kick)
- 2 cups of apple cider (choose your favorite for a smooth finish)
- 1-2 sliced apples (any variety you enjoy, for that crunch)
- 1 cinnamon stick (for a lovely spice)
- Whole cloves (3-4 for aromatic depth)
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
Substitutions:
- You can swap the red wine for a non-alcoholic option like grape juice for a family-friendly version.
- Agave syrup can replace maple syrup for a lighter sweetness.
Timing
This delightful beverage takes less than 90 minutes to prepare and chill, which is about 20% less time than many traditional sangria recipes. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Begin by combining the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and brandy in a large pitcher. Stir until well mixed to create a rich base for your Maple Pumpkin Red Sangria.
Step 2: Add in the Wine
Slowly pour in the bottle of dry red wine, stirring gently to incorporate all ingredients. This step is crucial to ensure that the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cider
Add the apple cider into the mix, creating layers of flavor. The cider amplifies the fall essence and balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Step 4: Add the Spices and Fruit
Include sliced apples, a cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. These ingredients not only add a wonderful aroma but also elevate the sangria’s overall taste profile.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate your sangria for at least 60 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to develop and marry perfectly, making each sip a delightful experience.
Step 6: Serve
Before serving, stir the sangria and pour it into glasses filled with ice. For a garnish, sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top for a refreshing touch.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~200
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 0.5g
Please note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to lighten your Maple Pumpkin Red Sangria? Consider these modifications:
- Use a low-calorie sweetener instead of maple syrup or agave to reduce sugar content.
- Opt for sparkling water instead of brandy for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option that still provides some fizz.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Maple Pumpkin Red Sangria with the following delectable options:
- Cheese boards: Pair with sharp cheeses like cheddar or brie for a delicious contrast.
- Fall-themed desserts: Consider pumpkin spice cupcakes or cinnamon rolls to complement your drink.
- Comfort appetizers: Serve with warm, spiced nuts or roasted pumpkin seeds to enhance your autumnal gathering vibes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect Maple Pumpkin Red Sangria can be simple, but avoid these pitfalls:
- Over-diluting: Don’t add too much ice which can dilute the flavors. Serve with larger ice cubes instead.
- Skipping the chill: Allowing the sangria to chill is essential for flavor development, so don’t rush this step!
- Choosing the wrong wine: Avoid overly sweet wines; stick to dry varieties for the best contrast with the pumpkin and spices.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Leftover sangria? Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Avoid storing it with fresh fruit to prevent overly soggy results. Add fresh add-ins just before serving.

Maple Pumpkin Red Sangria
- Total Time: 15 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and festive red sangria infused with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and warm fall spices. Perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, or cozy evenings by the fire.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine (750 ml, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (optional)
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Sparkling water or ginger ale (optional, for topping)
- Ice cubes, as needed
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, whisk together red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, apple cider, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Add apple, pear, orange slices, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, add ice cubes and a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale for a fizzy touch.
- Serve chilled in glasses, garnished with fruit slices or a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Adjust sweetness with more maple syrup if desired. For a warmer version, gently heat before serving (do not boil to preserve wine flavor).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 12mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: maple pumpkin red sangria, fall sangria, autumn cocktails, Thanksgiving drinks
Conclusion
In summary, the Maple Pumpkin Red Sangria is not just a drink but an exploration of fall flavors that captivates the senses. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening on the couch, this unique cocktail will surely become your new autumn obsession!
Ready to give it a try? Embrace the season by experimenting with your own variations, and feel free to share your experiences or feedback!
FAQs
Can I make this sangria a day in advance?
Yes, for best flavor, make it a day ahead but add fresh fruit just before serving to maintain texture.
Is it possible to make this non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Replace wine and brandy with grape juice and sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
What type of glass should I use to serve?
A classic wine glass or a mason jar can enhance the rustic feel of your Maple Pumpkin Red Sangria presentation.
By exploring these insights and following this guide, you’ll create a sangria that embodies the cozy essence of autumn. So get mixing and enjoy the flavors of fall!