What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
Fruits & Juices:
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 1 pear, cored and diced
- 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
Liquors & Spices:
- 1 cup Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional, for extra kick)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or to taste)
Garnish (Optional):
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
- Orange slices
- Apple slices
Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
- Wash and slice your orange, apple, and pear. Core the apple and pear and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
- If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them. Fresh cranberries can be used as is.
Step 2: Mix the Sangria Base
- In a large pitcher, combine the sliced orange, diced apple, diced pear, and cranberries.
- Pour in the white wine, apple cider, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, and brandy (if using).
Step 3: Pumpkin Spice It Up!
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup until smooth. This ensures the pumpkin puree doesn’t clump in the sangria.
- Pour the pumpkin spice mixture into the pitcher with the other ingredients. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
Step 4: Chill Out (Literally!)
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Before serving, give the sangria a good stir.
- Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick, star anise, orange slice, and/or apple slice for that extra festive touch.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Sangria
Choosing Your Wine:
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry Riesling works best. Avoid wines that are too sweet, as the other ingredients will add plenty of sweetness already. You want the wine to provide a crisp, refreshing base.
Pumpkin Puree Power:
Make sure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the flavor balance of the sangria. Also, whisking the puree separately with the spices and maple syrup ensures it incorporates smoothly and doesn’t leave any clumps.
Adjusting Sweetness:
Taste the sangria after it has chilled and adjust the sweetness as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add more maple syrup, a simple syrup, or even a touch of agave nectar. Remember, you can always add more sweetness, but it’s harder to take it away!
Spice It Up (or Down):
If you’re not a huge fan of cinnamon, you can reduce the amount of pumpkin pie spice. Alternatively, if you want to amp up the spice, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg. A dash of ginger can also add a lovely warmth.
Make It Ahead:
Sangria is the perfect make-ahead cocktail! In fact, it tastes even better when it has had time to sit and let the flavors meld. You can make this sangria up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the ice until you’re ready to serve it.
Variations and Substitutions:
- For a non-alcoholic version: Substitute the white wine with sparkling white grape juice or non-alcoholic apple cider. Replace the Fireball with cinnamon syrup or spiced apple cider.
- Add some fizz: Top each glass with a splash of club soda or ginger ale for a bubbly twist.
- Use different fruits: Pomegranate seeds, figs, or even persimmon would be delicious additions to this sangria.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Pumpkin Spice Fireball Sangria is the perfect addition to any fall gathering. Serve it at your Thanksgiving celebration, Halloween party, or even just a cozy night in with friends. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including:
- Appetizers: Cheese and charcuterie boards, Pumpkin Gouda Stuffed Shells, spiced nuts, and baked brie.
- Main Courses: Roasted turkey or chicken, butternut squash risotto, and pork tenderloin with apple chutney.
- Desserts: Pumpkin Cheesecake, apple pie, and gingerbread cookies. Or even a quick and easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake.
More Fall-Inspired Goodness!
If you’re loving the pumpkin spice and Fireball combination, you might also enjoy a Pumpkin White Russian for a creamy, dreamy treat. For something to serve at breakfast or brunch, consider Apple Cinnamon Rolls, the warm spices in this are amazing! And don’t forget to try some Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars. There are so many amazing options out there for fall flavor combinations!
Wrapping it Up: Enjoy Your Autumnal Elixir!
There you have it! Your very own batch of Pumpkin Spice Fireball Sangria, ready to impress your friends and family (and yourself!). It’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall and add a little spice to your life. Cheers to a cozy and delicious autumn season!
Can I make this sangria ahead of time?
Yes! Sangria is the perfect make-ahead cocktail. In fact, it tastes even better when it has had time to sit and let the flavors meld. You can make this sangria up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the ice until you’re ready to serve it.
What kind of wine is best to use for this sangria?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry Riesling works best. Avoid wines that are too sweet, as the other ingredients will add plenty of sweetness already. You want the wine to provide a crisp, refreshing base.
What can I substitute for the alcohol to make a non-alcoholic version?
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine with sparkling white grape juice or non-alcoholic apple cider. Replace the Fireball with cinnamon syrup or spiced apple cider.
What is the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling, and why does it matter?
Make sure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the flavor balance of the sangria.
Pumpkin Spice Fireball Sangria
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and slice the orange, apple, and pear. Core the apple and pear, then dice them into bite-sized pieces.
- If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them. Fresh cranberries can be used as is.
- In a large pitcher, combine the sliced orange, diced apple, diced pear, and cranberries.
- Pour in the white wine, apple cider, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, and brandy (if using).
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin spice mixture into the pitcher with the other ingredients. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the sangria a good stir.
- Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick, star anise, orange slice, and/or apple slice.
