This Apple-Cinnamon Rum Sangria Is Sure To Get You Into The Fall Spirit

Forget pumpkin spice. Our favorite flavor of the season is most definitely apple-cinnamon and our cravings for it are sure to last until well after Thanksgiving. But if you're over plain ol' cider, or want to add an extra kick to your apple-picking thermos, this boozy twist is a must.

Behold, apple-cinnamon rum sangria, a beverage that's sure to warm you up in all the right ways and have you feeling like it's actually fall (despite the global warming weather).

Scroll down for the recipe via Food52:

Serves 6-8

Cinnamon Rum:
2 cups gold rum (Bacardi)
3 whole cinnamon sticks

Drop your cinnamon sticks into a glass jar (one big enough to hold at least 16-oz.)
Pour in the rum on top of the sticks, and close & tighten the lid on top of the jar. Give the jar a few shakes (about three times should do it), and then store in a dark, cool place for up to a week. During the week following, check on the rum once a day, shake three-times, and then put it back in its storage spot.

Once the week is up, the rum is ready. Strain and reserve (or serve).

Apple-Cinnamon Sangria:
750 milliliters sparkling apple cider, chilled
1.5 liters Chardonnay, or a good white wine, chilled
3/4 cups cinnamon rum
2 shots Calvados or a good apple brandy
1 lemon, juiced
1 orange, sliced
2 Granny Smith apple, chopped
1 shot plum wine (optional)

In a punch bowl or pitcher (how ever you plan to serve it), drop in the sliced fruit and pour the lemon juice on top. Stir to combine.

On top of the fruit, pour in the Chardonnay, cinnamon rum, Calvados, sparkling cider and plum wine (if you'd like it).

Stir ingredients and serve!

[Photo by Mark Weinberg/Food52]