Paul Kushner
The Honeycrisp Apple Sangria is a festive fall cocktail that highlights the crisp sweetness of one of the season’s favorite apples. This sangria blends the rich depth of red wine with the smooth warmth of brandy, creating a bold base that is balanced by fresh apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice. Cinnamon sticks add a touch of spice, making the drink feel cozy and seasonal, while the fruit keeps it refreshing and bright. For extra fizz, a splash of club soda can be added before serving. Finished with a cinnamon-sugar rim, it’s perfect for autumn gatherings and celebrations.
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Tasting Notes
The Honeycrisp Apple Sangria is crisp, fruity, and lightly spiced, offering a seasonal twist on the Spanish classic. Red wine forms the base, bringing depth and tannic balance, while apple cider contributes orchard sweetness. Brandy enhances the body with rich warmth, complemented by the brightness of orange and lemon juice. Honeycrisp apples and orange slices infuse freshness while cinnamon sticks lend subtle spice. A splash of club soda adds effervescence, giving each sip a lively finish. Optional honey or agave can round out sweetness. Garnished with cinnamon or served in sugar-rimmed glasses, this sangria is festive and refreshing.
Equipment and Glassware
Preparing this Honeycrisp Apple Sangria requires just a few essentials. A large pitcher or glass jug is necessary to hold the wine, cider, fruit, and spirits as they infuse together. A long-handled spoon helps stir and combine the ingredients evenly. A sharp knife and cutting board are needed to chop apples and slice oranges for garnish and flavor. For serving, wine glasses, stemless tumblers, or even mason jars make excellent choices, especially with a cinnamon-sugar rim for presentation. A small plate will be helpful for preparing the rim mixture. With these basics, you can serve a sangria that looks polished and seasonal.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 14 ounces apple cider
- 4 ounces brandy
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- Club soda to top
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 honeycrisp apples chopped
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture for rimming, optional
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, place the cinnamon sticks, chopped honeycrisp apples, and orange slices. Pour in the red wine, apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours to let the flavors meld together.
- Before serving, taste the sangria. If you prefer it sweeter, stir in 1 ounce honey, or agave, as desired.
- To create a festive cinnamon-sugar rim, moisten the rims of your glasses with water, then dip them into a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
- Pour the sangria into the prepared glasses, making sure to include some fruit in each serving. Add a splash of club soda to each glass for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick for extra flair, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy the refreshing, fruity, and spiced flavors of the Honeycrisp Apple Sangria!
Pro Tips
- Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Tempranillo or Merlot for balance.
- Use freshly pressed apple cider for richer flavor.
- Let the sangria chill overnight for the best infusion.
- Adjust sweetness by adding honey or agave just before serving.
- Freeze chopped fruit to double as ice cubes without diluting the sangria.
- Top each glass with club soda instead of adding it to the pitcher to preserve fizz.
- Prepare a cinnamon-sugar rim just before serving for freshness.
- Garnish with both cinnamon sticks and apple slices for extra presentation.
When to Serve
Honeycrisp Apple Sangria is an excellent choice for gatherings during fall and winter when apple and spice flavors shine. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any holiday celebration where a batch cocktail saves time and delights guests. Its balance of wine, cider, citrus, and spice makes it versatile, pairing well with hearty meals, appetizers, or desserts. With its festive garnishes and optional cinnamon-sugar rim, this sangria doubles as a showpiece for parties. Whether shared at a family dinner or poured at a casual get-together, it delivers refreshing fruit flavor and warming spice in one seasonal drink.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Red Wine: Rioja, Apothic Red, Menage à Trois
- Brandy: E&J, Korbel, Paul Masson
Similar Cocktails
- Pomegranate Vanilla Sangria
- Honeymoon Cocktail
- Caramel Apple Manhattan
- Brandy-Pecan Flip
- Harvest Moon Applejack Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 14 ounces apple cider
- 4 ounces brandy
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- Club soda to top
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 honeycrisp apples chopped
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture for rimming, optional
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, place the cinnamon sticks, chopped honeycrisp apples, and orange slices. Pour in the red wine, apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours to let the flavors meld together.
- Before serving, taste the sangria. If you prefer it sweeter, stir in 1 ounce honey, or agave, as desired.
- To create a festive cinnamon-sugar rim, moisten the rims of your glasses with water, then dip them into a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
- Pour the sangria into the prepared glasses, making sure to include some fruit in each serving. Add a splash of club soda to each glass for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick for extra flair, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy the refreshing, fruity, and spiced flavors of the Honeycrisp Apple Sangria!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For deeper flavor, let the sangria sit in the fridge overnight.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding sugar, honey, or agave.
- Use a dry red wine to balance the sweetness from the apple cider and fruits.
