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    Home » Hunger » Fall

    Sparkling Fall Sangria

    By Lauren on October 30, 2020, Updated April 27, 2021 Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    pumpkin tapped for pour cocktails
    pouring sangria out of a tapped pumpkin
    pouring sangria out of a tapped pumpkin
    glasses on fall sangria with apple slices and cranberries

    Flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg swirled with apple cider, warming bourbon, and crisp prosecco make for fall cocktail perfection!  Sparkling fall sangria is simple to prepare and easy to drink.  Take your autumn cocktail to the next level by serving it out of a pumpkin!

    fall sangria in different sized glasses

    (To the tune of 'Do You Want to Build a Snowman') Do you want to tap a pumpkin???  And fill it with sparkling sangriaaaaaaa.

    Now that's the version of Frozen I'd like to watch for 5,872nd time.  How about you?

    sangria over ice in a coup glass

    Seriously, this fall sangria is both super delish and easy to make.  And if you really want to make it festive, you can carve a pumpkin and stick a tap on it for a fun and cheeky way to pour those cocktails.

    Here's why this sangria is a crowd-pleaser:

    • fun bubbles
    • not too sweet
    • fall spices
    • sneakily boozy
    • crisp, dry prosecco
    • juicy apple cider

    All those flavors together really knock it out of the park.  Plus, a little caramel and cinnamon sugar around the rim gives this cocktail a caramel apple/cider doughnut vibe that is just epically enjoyable.

    pouring beverages out of a tapped pumpkin

    How to Make Sparkling Fall Sangria

    This fall sangria is very similar to our spiced winter sangria but we're bringing in the dry white bubbles instead of cabernet and it'll be just a smidge less sweet.  Making this sangria is going to be just as simple.  Hooray!

    All you need to do is make the spiced simple syrup and then combine all the ingredients.  Honestly, that's it.

    The simple syrup should be brought to just a simmer while stirring, then shut the heat off.  You want all the sugar to be melted, but it doesn't have to cook for a long time since the spices are going into the batch of the cocktail.

    prosecco pouring into a pumpkin

    overhead of glasses filled with fall sangria

    If you're here for just the recipe, go ahead and scroll on down.  But if you're here for a little beverage serving flair, let's discuss this whole 'tap a pumpkin' thing, shall we?

    How to tap a pumpkin

    If only pumpkins really were filled with delectable, bubbly sangria.  I mean the seeds are tasty when roasted and spiced, but the work of scraping out all the guts...well, wouldn't sangria just be so much better?

    The mechanics of how to install this tap on a pumpkin is very simple.  Just mark off on the pumpkin where you want your tap to be placed, then carving the pumpkin like you normally would.  Cut the hole in the top and scoop out the 'guts.'  Here are a few tips to make it successful.

    side angle of pumpkin with a drink dispenser tapped on it

    tips for tapping a pumpkin

    • scrape the inside of the pumpkin really well
    • wash out the inside of the pumpkin to get rid of any bits that might clog the tap
    • make the hole for the tap slightly smaller so you won't get leaks
    • place the tap low enough so you won't have to tip the pumpkin to get a good dispense of liquid
    • use some elbow grease to get the tap through
    • place a washer on the inside side of the tap to secure it
    • serve it on an inverted bowl, cake stand, or something so the pumpkin is a little elevated for easy dispensing

    That's pretty much it!  Are we ready to bring on all the tasty fall vibes?  I think so.

    large carving pumpkin on a stand with a beverage dispenser tapped into it

    what to serve with sparkling fall sangria

    We've got the cocktail, now let's grab some snacks!  Here are some ideas for sweet and savory treats to nibble on while you sip.

    • Pumpkin Spice Pita Chips
    • Whipped Ricotta Toasts
    • Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Wrapped Figs
    • Pumpkin Beef Chili

    What are your go to fall snacks?  Tell me below!  If you made this recipe, please leave a rating and comment below!  Don't forget to tag @hungerthirstplay on your tapped pumpkin pics!

    close up of sangria in a glass

    Sparkling Fall Sangria

    Bubbly, fall-inspired, and fun!  Sparkling fall sangria is the perfect combination of fall flavors, sparkling wine, and sweet cider best served out of a pumpkin for the most amount of enjoyment.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Course: Cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: fall sangria, how to tap a pumpkin, pumpkin beverage dispenser, sparkling fall sangria, sparkling sangria
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 2 mins
    Total Time: 12 mins
    Servings: 8 to 10 servings
    Calories: 308kcal
    Author: Lauren
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    Ingredients

    Sparkling Fall Sangria

    • 1 bottle sparkling wine or prosecco (750ml bottle)
    • 1 cup bourbon
    • 4 cups apple cider
    • 3 ½ cup soda water
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ cup lemon juice

    Optional:

    • caramel and cinnamon sugar for garnish
    • 1 large carving pumpkin
    • 1 beverage tap

    Instructions

    Sparkling Fall Sangria

    • Make the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and spices. Bring to just a simmer, stirring to melt the sugar, remove from heat.
    • Make the sangria. In a large pitcher or beverage dispenser, slowly pour in the sparkling wine, fall spiced simple syrup, soda water, apple cider, apple cider, and lemon juice.
    • Optional garnish: rim the glass with caramel then dip into cinnamon sugar.

    How to Tap a Pumpkin

    • Measure the tap. Trace where you'll put the tap on the pumpkin and cut the top off the pumpkin.
    • Remove the seeds. Remove the seeds and 'guts' of the pumpkin. Scrape the inside of the pumpkin well and wash it out so the tap won't get clogged with pumpkin.
    • Cut the hole for the tap. Using a small knife, cut the hole for the tap slightly smaller than the actual tap. It will be more work to push the tap through but you want it to be a tight fit so it doesn't leak.
    • Screw the tap in. Push the tap through the hole, tightly screwing the washer on the inside of the pumpkin.
    • Serve. Fill with sparkling fall sangria and serve!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 271mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

     

     

     

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    Hi, I'm Lauren! This is my slice of the internet to share seasonally-inspired recipes. I live in the heart of New England with my husband, two kiddos, English bulldog and our two local restaurants. Life is busy AND delicious!

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