Description
This Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria is a refreshing and fruity cocktail perfect for gatherings. Featuring crisp Honeycrisp apples, zesty citrus, cinnamon, and a blend of red wine, apple cider, and brandy, this sangria offers a deliciously spiced and sweet flavor. It’s a make-ahead beverage that deepens in flavor after resting in the refrigerator for several hours, making it ideal for parties or cozy fall evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Sangria 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
Optional Cinnamon-Sugar Rim
- 3 tablespoons (37 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large 2-quart pitcher, place the cinnamon sticks, sliced Honeycrisp apples, and thin orange slices. Pour in the red wine, fresh apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice, mixing gently to combine all flavors.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours to let the flavors meld and intensify. After chilling, taste the sangria, and if you’d prefer it sweeter, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, honey, or agave syrup until dissolved.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Rim (Optional): Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together on a plate. Moisten the rims of your wine glasses with water, then dip them upside down into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat the edges evenly.
- Serve: Pour or ladle the sangria into the prepared glasses, making sure to include some of the soaked fruit slices. Add a splash of club soda for a light fizz if desired.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick for an aromatic touch. Optionally, add ice directly into the glasses if you want your sangria chilled without diluting the pitcher. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria!
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: Sangria must sit for at least 6 hours but can be made up to one day in advance, allowing flavors to deepen.
- Red Wine to Use: Choose an affordable, light-bodied, dry, and fruity red wine; classic options include tempranillo or garnacha. Pinot noir, malbec, and red blends also work well.
- White Wine Variation: Substitute the red wine with a fairly dry, light, and fruity white wine for a different twist. A separate recipe exists for apple cider white sangria.
- Apple Cider Tip: Use fresh, unfiltered, non-alcoholic apple cider found typically in the refrigerated section; do not use hard cider or apple cider vinegar.
- Brandy Alternatives: Apple or ginger-flavored brandy complements the sangria perfectly; triple sec can be used as a substitute or add more apple cider if skipping brandy.
- Ice Usage: Add ice only to glasses, not the pitcher, to avoid watering down the sangria.
- Special Tools Recommended: Large 2-quart pitcher and wooden spoon for mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12 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
