Description
A refreshing Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria that combines the crisp sweetness of apples with bright citrus and warm cinnamon flavors. This make-ahead cocktail blends red wine, fresh apple cider, brandy, and fruit to create a perfectly balanced drink ideal for gatherings or relaxing evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, sliced in 1/4-inch slices (about 2.5 cups slices)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine (light-bodied, dry, and fruity)
- 1 and 3/4 cups (420 ml) fresh apple cider
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy (apple-flavored or ginger-flavored preferred)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice (or juice from 2 medium oranges)
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
- Club soda, to taste
Optional Cinnamon-Sugar Rim
- 3 Tablespoons (37 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cinnamon sticks, sliced Honeycrisp apples, and orange slices into a large 2-quart pitcher. Pour in the red wine, fresh apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice carefully.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the sangria for 6 to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the fruit to infuse the liquid with their aroma and sweetness.
- Sweeter Option: After chilling, taste the sangria and if desired, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, honey, or agave for additional sweetness. Stir gently to combine.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Rim (Optional): Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a plate. Moisten the rim of each wine glass with water, invert and dip it onto the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an aromatic and flavorful rim.
- Serve: Pour or ladle the sangria into the prepared glasses, including some of the fruit slices. Add a splash of club soda for a refreshing fizz. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired. Add ice to glasses individually if preferred, but not in the pitcher.
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: Sangria is ideally made ahead and refrigerated for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours, making it perfect for planned gatherings or relaxing in advance.
- Special Tools: Large pitcher and wooden spoon recommended for mixing and serving.
- Red Wine Recommendations: Use an affordable, light-bodied red wine that is dry and fruity, such as tempranillo, garnacha, pinot noir, or malbec.
- Alternative Wines: You can substitute red wine with a dry, light, and fruity white wine if preferred. There is also a separate recipe for apple cider white sangria.
- Apple Cider: Use fresh or unfiltered apple cider found in the refrigerated section. Avoid hard cider or apple cider vinegar.
- Brandy Substitute: If skipping brandy, use triple sec or increase apple cider quantity for balance.
- Ice Usage: Add ice only to individual glasses to avoid diluting the whole sangria.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
