How does Carolyn Scott's Fall Cider Sangria recipe outperform traditional sangrias?

Carolyn’s Fall Cider Sangria (my recipe!) outperforms a traditional sangria in a few fun ways:

• Seasonal flavor punch: Using a full gallon of apple cider plus ginger beer and sliced apples makes it deeply autumnal, cozy, and aromatic in a way citrus-based sangrias are not.
• Effortless batching: Everything goes straight into a punch bowl with ice—no syrups, no soaking fruit overnight—perfect for last‑minute holiday entertaining.
• Crowd‑pleasing profile: Champagne or prosecco, vodka, and ginger beer create a bubbly, gently spiced drink that feels festive yet familiar for guests who might not usually love wine-heavy sangria.

Want ideas to make it lower-sugar or non-alcoholic for mixed crowds?