I’ve tried to create a recipe for apple cider sangria three times now. Thankfully, third time was the charm. The first time I was trying to be fancy with hot apple cider tea. The second time I was trying to be fancy with ginger beer. Oof, as the kids say.

Are you like that, too? Do you try to overcomplicate and fancy up something, when you should have just stuck to the basics?

So I used what I knew would work: prosecco, maybe a little apple cider and ginger ale. And then I threw in some fruit, put in a cute mug and called it a day.

These handcrafted copper mule mugs are for Moscow mules, but I think they also work for apple cider sangria. Next time I might try a cinnamon-sugared rim. Maybe fourth time is the charm? Good thing I have more apple cider.

Pomegranate arils are a bit expensive, so while you have these on hand, give my Fall Salad Recipe: Colorful Baby Greens, Pomegranate + Goat Cheese with Champagne Vinaigrette a try. It’s light and delicious with healthy flavors of fall.

I think next year I’ll overcomplicate things by picking my own apples– wouldn’t that be fun?! I found these apple-picking tips and am marking my calendar for apple season next year.