Apple Sangria
Apple Sangria is a crisp and refreshing beverage that combines juicy apples, bright citrus, a touch of sweetness, and dry white wine for a vibrant and joyful drink. Perfect for gatherings or a sunny afternoon, this easy recipe takes under 10 minutes to prepare and can be customized with different fruits, spices, or even made alcohol-free.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio recommended)
- 2 firm, juicy apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2–3 tablespoons sweetener (simple syrup, honey, or agave nectar), to taste
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
Optional Add-ins
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise pod
- Fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or basil leaves
- Splash of apple cider (for spiced version)
- Pineapple chunks and lime wedges (for tropical twist)
- Alternative wine options: rosé or light red wine such as Pinot Noir
- Non-alcoholic substitute: white grape juice in place of wine
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash and thinly slice the apples, lemon, and orange. Remove any seeds to ensure a smooth sangria. Slice apples just before adding to maintain crispness.
- Mix the Liquid Ingredients: In a large pitcher, pour the white wine and add sweetener. Stir well until the sweetener is fully dissolved. If making the spiced version, add apple cider at this stage.
- Combine Fruit and Liquid: Add the sliced apples, lemon, and orange to the pitcher. Gently stir to evenly distribute the fruit and start infusing the wine.
- Chill and Infuse: Refrigerate the sangria for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop a vibrant, smooth taste.
- Add Sparkling Water Before Serving: Just before serving, gently stir in chilled sparkling water or club soda to add a lively fizz without losing bubbles.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Chilling the sangria allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Add sweetener gradually to avoid overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
- Serve the sangria over ice for maximum refreshment.
- Choose a wine you enjoy, as it sets the tone of the drink.
- Store leftover sangria refrigerated in a sealed container for up to two days; keep sparkling water separate and add before serving again.
- Freezing is not recommended due to carbonation and fresh fruit texture changes.
- Reheating is unnecessary; simply stir and add ice or sparkling water to refresh.
- Garnish glasses with thin apple slices or citrus twists for added aroma and visual appeal.
- Pair with light appetizers such as goat cheese crostinis, spiced nuts, or a fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 180 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Apple Sangria, White Wine Sangria, Refreshing Beverage, Fall Drink, Party Drink, Mocktail Option, Fruit Punch