Apple Sangria
Enjoy a crisp and refreshing Apple Sangria that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. This easy-to-make beverage combines bright apples, warm spices, a splash of citrus, and a customizable wine base for a balanced sweetness and tang. Ideal for cozy fall gatherings or relaxing chilly evenings, it offers a vibrant and inviting drink full of seasonal flavors.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup brandy or apple brandy
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (added before serving)
Fruit
- 2 sweet apples (e.g., Fuji), thinly sliced
- 2 tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced (seeds removed)
Spices & Flavorings
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
- Optional: thin slices of fresh ginger or a pinch of ground nutmeg
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash and thinly slice the apples and orange, making sure to remove any seeds for a smooth drinking experience. Place all the sliced fruit into a large pitcher or punch bowl for easy mixing.
- Combine Liquids and Flavorings: Pour the white wine, apple cider, and brandy into the pitcher. If you want a sweeter sangria, stir in honey or maple syrup now to dissolve evenly. Add the cinnamon sticks and any optional herbs or spices.
- Chill and Infuse: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the fruit to soak up the liquids for deeper taste.
- Add Sparkling Finish: Just before serving, add sparkling water or club soda for a light fizz. Stir gently to combine without losing the bubbles and add ice cubes to keep it chilled.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the sangria into glasses, ensuring each serving includes fresh fruit slices. Garnish with additional apple slices, orange wheels, cinnamon sticks, or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor and texture.
- Always chill the sangria well to enhance flavor depth and freshness.
- Adjust sweetness carefully; you can add more honey or syrup, but cannot remove it once added.
- Serve Apple Sangria over ice, especially when adding sparkling water, to maintain the refreshing taste.
- Leftover sangria should be stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days.
- Freezing sangria is not recommended; freeze apple slices separately if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 8 oz)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Apple Sangria, Fall Drinks, Autumn Beverage, White Wine Sangria, Festive Cocktail, Seasonal Drink, Citrus Sangria, Spiced Sangria