Name: Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 6 h
Cuisine: American
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, fruity, e.g., tempranillo or garnacha); 1 and 3/4 cups (420 ml) fresh apple cider (non-alcoholic, unfiltered preferred); 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy (apple-flavored or ginger-flavored recommended; triple sec as substitute); 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice (or juice from 2 medium oranges); 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice; Club soda, to taste; 3 tablespoons (37 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

If you’re looking for a delightful drink to wow your guests or just want to sip something refreshing on a cozy afternoon, then you’re going to love this Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria Recipe. It’s fruity, spicy, and has that perfect cozy vibe thanks to crisp apples and cinnamon—trust me, it’s one of those recipes you’ll reach for time and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seasonal Perfection: The combination of Honeycrisp apples and cinnamon makes this sangria feel like fall in a glass, but it’s equally refreshing year-round.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare it hours or even a day before your event, so the flavors get to mingle beautifully.
Flexible & Easy: You don’t need fancy wine or complicated ingredients—this recipe works well with affordable reds and easy-to-find cider.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too once you serve it up.

A clear glass pitcher filled with a deep red drink, with several thin slices of red apple floating on top, along with a whole cinnamon stick near the center. The pitcher has a wide, curved handle and visible swirl patterns along its top edge. The background shows a soft white marbled surface, and a few red apples with green leaves are seen blurred in the background. The lighting highlights the rich color and transparency of the liquid, emphasizing the fresh fruit and spice inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria, fruity fall sangria, easy sangria recipe, apple cinnamon sangria, make-ahead red sangria

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria Recipe is that it’s built off simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly. When you shop, aim to grab the juiciest Honeycrisp apples you can find—they’ll give you that signature crisp bite and sweetness.

Flat lay of bright red Honeycrisp apple slices, thinly sliced vibrant orange rounds, several warm brown cinnamon sticks scattered around, a small cluster of glossy dark red grapes, a clear glass bottle of deep red wine with a rich ruby hue, a small glass jug filled with golden amber brandy, and fresh lemon wedges arranged with fresh green mint leaves for a pop of color, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria, fruity fall sangria, easy sangria recipe, apple cinnamon sangria, make-ahead red sangria

Cinnamon sticks: They infuse the sangria with warm spice—don’t be shy about adding a few for garnish, too.
Honeycrisp apples: Sweet, crisp, and perfect for soaking up sangria flavors while keeping their texture.
Orange: Adds a bright citrus note and lovely color.
Red wine: Look for a light-bodied, dry, and fruity type—nothing too heavy or tannic.
Fresh apple cider: Use unfiltered apple cider for the best natural sweetness and depth; avoid hard cider or vinegar.
Brandy: Apple or ginger-flavored brandy adds a warming kick; triple sec can be a substitute if needed.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal for vibrant flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds a touch of brightness to balance sweetness.
Club soda: Gives the perfect refreshing fizz—add at the time of serving.
Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (for optional rim): This little detail elevates presentation and adds a sweet-spicy bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste or occasion. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by tweaking a few elements.

White Wine Version: I’ve swapped the red for a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which gives a brighter vibe—perfect if you want something lighter but still full of apple flavor.
Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add honey or agave instead of sugar and adjust to your liking—I’ve found a tablespoon or two works wonders without overpowering.
Alcohol-Free: Skip the brandy and wine altogether and use sparkling apple cider and extra citrus juice for a delicious mocktail alternative.
Spice It Up: Trying adding star anise or a small piece of fresh ginger if you like a bit of an extra kick—I love experimenting during the holidays.

How to Make Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria Recipe

Step 1: Assemble the Fruit and Spices

Start by slicing your Honeycrisp apples into thin 1/4-inch slices—this thickness is just right to soak up flavors but keeps the fruit lively and crisp. Add those slices to a large pitcher along with thinly sliced orange and your cinnamon sticks. This combo is like the foundation of flavor, blending fresh fruitiness with aromatic warmth.

Step 2: Pour the Liquids and Citrus

Next, add the bottle of red wine, fresh apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice right into the pitcher. Give it a gentle stir to start melding those flavors. Trust me, at this stage, it already smells incredible—one of my favorite kitchen moments!

Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Marry

Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 6 hours—overnight is even better if you can wait. This resting time is crucial because it lets all those beautiful flavors mingle and deepen. When I first tried this, I was tempted to serve it right away, but letting it sit really makes all the difference, especially with that cinnamon providing warmth.

Step 4: Sweeten and Serve with a Fizz

Before serving, taste your sangria. If it’s not quite sweet enough for you, stir in a bit of granulated sugar, honey, or agave—start small and adjust gradually. For serving, I love to rim the glasses with cinnamon-sugar for a fun touch, then pour in the sangria with plenty of fruit. Add a splash of club soda right before handing them out to guests for that perfect refreshing fizz. Remember not to add ice to the pitcher as it waters down the flavors—I learned that the hard way!

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Pro Tips for Making Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria Recipe

Choose Light, Fruity Wine: I’ve used everything from tempranillo to pinot noir with great results—just avoid heavy, tannic reds that overpower the other flavors.
Don’t Skip Refrigeration Time: This is a make-ahead must; throwing it in the fridge for 6-24 hours unlocks the magic of the sangria.
Add Club Soda Last: The bubbly fizz adds a lovely freshness—add just before serving to keep it crisp.
Avoid Ice in Pitcher: It dilutes your cocktail quickly, so instead, add ice directly into individual glasses for better control.

How to Serve Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria Recipe

Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always like to garnish my glasses with a cinnamon stick and a few slices of fresh Honeycrisp apple or orange—those little touches make the presentation pop and invite people to dig in visually before their first sip. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme can add an unexpected aroma twist that’s delightful.

Side Dishes

This sangria pairs beautifully with cozy, rustic dishes like a warm baked brie, spiced nuts, or a charcuterie board featuring sharp cheeses and dried fruits. I also love serving it alongside fall-inspired salads or simple roasted root veggies for an easy entertaining combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this sangria in a large glass dispenser with floating fruit and cinnamon sticks visible for that extra wow factor. Adding edible flowers to the mix is also a fun way to brighten things up for parties or brunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend keeping the sangria in a tightly sealed pitcher or container in the fridge. The fruit will continue to soak up flavors but can start to get mushy after a day or two, so try to enjoy within 48 hours for best taste and texture.

Freezing

Freezing this sangria isn’t something I’ve tried because the fruit and carbonation don’t freeze well, and the texture changes upon thawing. If you want to prep ahead, your best bet is to make it fully, then store chilled rather than frozen.

Reheating

Sangria is meant to be cool and refreshing, so reheating isn’t really recommended. If you want a warm fruit-spiced drink, I’d suggest trying mulled wine recipes instead—but for this apple sangria, it’s best served chilled and fresh.

FAQs

Can I make Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, in the fridge. This resting period lets all those delicious flavors blend together perfectly.
What type of red wine works best?

Look for a light-bodied, fairly dry, and fruity red wine. I’ve had great luck with tempranillo, garnacha, and even pinot noir. Avoid anything too heavy or tannic, which can overpower the fresh fruit and cinnamon.
Can I substitute the brandy?

Yes! If you don’t have brandy or prefer not to use it, triple sec is a great substitute. Or simply add a little extra apple cider to keep the drink juicy and flavorful.
Is it okay to add ice to the sangria pitcher?

I actually avoid adding ice directly to the sangria pitcher because it waters down the flavors as it melts. Instead, add ice to individual glasses to keep your sangria tasting fresh.
Can I make this with white wine instead of red?

Definitely! A light, dry, and fruity white wine makes a wonderful twist on this sangria. It brightens the flavors and is especially nice if you want something a little lighter or for warmer weather.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria Recipe brings a little sparkle and warmth to every gathering. Whether it’s an autumn party or a casual weekend hangout, it’s the kind of drink that gets folks talking and coming back for more. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s easier to make than it seems and tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. Plus, sharing this with friends feels a bit like handing over a cozy hug in a glass.