Description
This Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria is a refreshing, fruity cocktail featuring crisp Honeycrisp apples, cinnamon, and a blend of red wine, apple cider, brandy, and citrus juices. Ideal for entertaining or a relaxing evening, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for making ahead of time to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit & Spices
- 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
Liquids
- 1 (750 ml) bottle red wine (light-bodied, dry, fruity)
- 1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) fresh apple cider
- 1/2 cup (120ml) brandy (apple- or ginger-flavored preferred)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice (or juice from 2 medium oranges)
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
- Club soda, to taste
Optional Cinnamon-Sugar Rim
- 3 Tablespoons (37g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large 2-quart pitcher, place the cinnamon sticks, sliced Honeycrisp apples, and orange slices. Pour in the bottle of red wine, fresh apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the sangria mixture for 6 to 24 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to infuse and develop fully.
- Sweeten to Taste: After chilling, taste the sangria. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, honey, or agave syrup and stir until dissolved.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Rim (Optional): Mix sugar and ground cinnamon on a plate. Moisten the rims of wine glasses with water and dip them upside down into the cinnamon-sugar mix to coat evenly.
- Serve: Pour or ladle the sangria with the fruit into the prepared glasses. Add a splash of club soda for a refreshing fizz and garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: Sangria tastes best after sitting at least 6 hours; can be prepared a day ahead.
- Special Tools: Large Pitcher, Wooden Spoon for stirring.
- Red Wine: Use an affordable, light-bodied, dry, and fruity red wine such as tempranillo, garnacha, pinot noir, malbec, or a red blend.
- White Wine Variation: Swap red wine for a dry, light, fruity white wine if preferred.
- Apple Cider: Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider from the refrigerated section. Do not use hard cider or vinegar.
- Brandy: Apple- or ginger-flavored brandy enhances the taste. Alternatively, use triple sec or increase apple cider if skipping brandy.
- Ice: Add ice directly to glasses when serving, but avoid adding ice to the pitcher to prevent dilution.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
