Description

This Honeycrisp Apple Red Sangria is a refreshing and fruity twist on the traditional sangria, combining the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with warm cinnamon, fresh citrus, and robust red wine. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a relaxing afternoon, this sangria melds flavors beautifully over several hours of chilling, resulting in a balanced, spiced beverage with a fizzy finish from club soda.

Ingredients

Fruit and Spices

3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
2 Honeycrisp apples, sliced into 1/4-inch slices (about 2.5 cups)
1 orange, thinly sliced

Liquids

1 (750 ml) bottle red wine
1 and 3/4 cups (420 ml) fresh apple cider
1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy
1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice (or juice from 2 medium oranges)
2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
Club soda, to taste

Sweeteners and Seasonings

3 tablespoons (37 g) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Place the cinnamon sticks, Honeycrisp apple slices, and orange slices into a large 2-quart pitcher. Pour in the red wine, fresh apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
Chill and Infuse: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the mixture for 6 to 24 hours, allowing the fruit and spices to infuse the sangria with their flavors. This resting time is essential for a well-balanced taste.
Adjust Sweetness: After chilling, taste the sangria. If you prefer it sweeter, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, honey, or agave syrup, stirring gently until dissolved.
Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Rim (Optional): Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a plate. Moisten the rim of wine glasses with water, then dip them upside down into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat the rims evenly.
Serve: Pour or ladle the sangria into the prepared glasses, ensuring some fruit slices are included in each serving. Add a splash of club soda to each glass for a refreshing fizz. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired. Cheers!

Notes

For best flavor, allow the sangria to sit in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours; overnight is ideal.
Use a dry or semi-dry red wine such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Zinfandel for a balanced flavor.
If you want a non-alcoholic version, substitute the red wine and brandy with grape juice and extra apple cider.
The cinnamon-sugar rim adds a lovely spiced sweetness and visual appeal but is optional.
Feel free to adjust the amount of club soda based on your preference for fizz.