When the leaves start to turn and pumpkin spice season begins, it’s time to bring those cozy flavors into your cocktails. This Pumpkin Spice Fireball Sangria is the ultimate fall party drink, combining crisp white wine, apple cider, Fireball whiskey, and a touch of pumpkin spice. Fruity, spiced, and perfectly boozy, it’s a crowd-pleasing pitcher cocktail for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy fall nights.
What is Pumpkin Spice Fireball Sangria?
Pumpkin Spice Fireball Sangria is a fall-inspired sangria made with white wine, apple cider, Fireball whiskey, pumpkin spice, and sliced seasonal fruits like apples and oranges. Unlike traditional sangria, which leans on citrus and brandy, this version uses cinnamon whiskey and pumpkin spice to infuse the drink with warm, autumn flavors. The result? A festive sangria that tastes like fall in a glass.
Pumpkin Spice Fireball Sangria
Equipment
- large pitcher
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- serving glasses
Ingredients
- 1 bottle white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay)
- 2 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
- 0.5 cup Fireball cinnamon whiskey
- 0.5 cup pumpkin purée (optional)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Club soda or ginger beer (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine wine, apple cider, Fireball whiskey, pumpkin purée (if using), maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk well until blended.
- Stir in sliced apples, orange slices, and cinnamon stick.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours (up to overnight) to let flavors meld.
- Pour into glasses over ice. Top with splash of club soda or ginger beer if desired. Garnish with apple slices or a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 1 pitcher (6–8 servings).
- 1 bottle white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay)
- 2 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
- ½ cup Fireball cinnamon whiskey
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (optional, for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Club soda or ginger beer (optional, for topping)
Substitutions
- Wine: use sparkling wine for bubbly sangria.
- Whiskey: swap Fireball for spiced rum.
- Sweetener: replace maple syrup with brown sugar simple syrup.
- Pumpkin purée: skip if you prefer a lighter, clearer sangria.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix base
In a large pitcher, combine wine, apple cider, Fireball whiskey, pumpkin purée (if using), maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk well until blended.
Step 2: Add fruit
Stir in sliced apples, orange slices, and cinnamon stick.
Step 3: Chill
Refrigerate at least 2 hours (up to overnight) to let flavors meld.
Step 4: Serve
Pour into glasses over ice. Top with splash of club soda or ginger beer if desired. Garnish with apple slices or a cinnamon stick.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Sangria
- Chill at least 2 hours before serving—the longer it sits, the better the flavor.
- Use fresh apple cider for the richest taste.
- Adjust sweetness to preference—taste before chilling.
- Serve with cinnamon-sugar rims for extra festive flair.
Variations
- Pumpkin apple sangria: Add pear slices and skip pumpkin purée.
- Pumpkin spice rosé sangria: Swap white wine for rosé.
- Bubbly version: Use sparkling wine or prosecco.
- Thanksgiving sangria: Add cranberries for color and tartness.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store in pitcher up to 24 hours (best flavor within 12 hours).
- Make-ahead: Mix sangria in morning for an evening party.
- Leftovers: Strain fruit and store liquid up to 2 days.
Serving Ideas
Pumpkin Spice Fireball Sangria is perfect for:
- Halloween parties
- Friendsgiving gatherings
- Thanksgiving dinners
- Cozy fall evenings by the fire
- Football tailgates or fall potlucks
Serve in mason jars, wine glasses, or even cauldron-style punch bowls for Halloween flair.
Nutrition Breakdown
One serving (about 1 cup) has approximately 190–220 calories, mostly from wine and whiskey. Pumpkin purée adds nutrients like vitamin A, while apple cider contributes natural sweetness.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Spice Fireball Sangria is a festive, fall-ready cocktail that combines crisp wine, spiced whiskey, apple cider, and pumpkin spice into one irresistible drink. Easy to make in a pitcher, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family during seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re hosting Halloween, Friendsgiving, or Thanksgiving, this sangria will be the star of the table.
FAQs
Do I have to use Fireball whiskey?
No, spiced rum or bourbon works well too.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes, use sparkling apple cider instead of wine and skip the whiskey.
Will pumpkin purée make it thick?
It adds body but dissolves into the drink—strain before serving if you want it clearer.
Can I use red wine?
Yes, but white wine keeps flavors lighter and pairs better with apple cider.
How far ahead can I make it?
Prepare 12–24 hours in advance for the best flavor.