1-Step 1: Gather and prep the fruit Start by washing the blackberries and raspberries well. Rinse the black grapes, then chop the apple after coring it. If you want a little more variety, this is also the moment to prep oranges, plums, pomegranates, or strawberries for mixing in later. The fruit should be fresh and firm so it holds up while chilling.

2-Step 2: Add everything to a large pitcher Place the blackberries, raspberries, black grapes, and chopped apple into a large pitcher. Then pour in the dry fruity red wine, vodka, raspberry liqueur, apple cider, and pomegranate juice. This is where the color starts to turn beautifully dark and the sangria begins to smell like fall.

3-Step 3: Mix until the flavors blend Stir the mixture gently but well so the fruit is coated with the wine and juices. You do not need to mash the fruit too hard. A little gentle stirring is enough to release some juice without turning the pitcher into a puree. If you want, you can lightly press a few berries with the back of a spoon to bring out even more color.

4-Step 4: Chill for the right amount of time Cover the pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, chill it for up to 4 hours. This gives the fruit time to soak up the wine and lets the flavors come together. Do not leave it overnight if you want the fruit to stay fresh and firm. The berries and apple can get mushy if they sit too long.

5-Step 5: Prepare the glasses Right before serving, fill each glass with ice. Pour the sangria halfway into each glass. Then top it with lemon-lime soda or cola, depending on the flavor you want. Lemon-lime soda keeps the drink lighter and fresher, while cola gives it a deeper, slightly richer taste.

6-Step 6: Serve and garnish Give each glass a quick stir and serve immediately. The fruit pieces floating in the drink make it look festive and fun, especially for a Halloween table. If you want a little extra flair, garnish with a few fresh berries or a slice of apple on the rim.