Description
This vibrant Green Apple Sangria is a refreshing twist on the classic sangria recipe, featuring crisp green apples, juicy grapes, and a blend of apple brandy and orange liqueur, all combined with a dry white wine base. Perfectly chilled and lightly sweetened, it’s an elegant and fruity cocktail ideal for warm days and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2 green apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup green grapes, halved (quartered if large)
Liquids & Alcohol
- 750 ml bottle of dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/4 cup apple brandy (or Calvados)
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
Other
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnishes: apple slices, lime wedges, mint sprigs
Instructions
- Chop the Apples: Wash, core, and chop the green apples into 1/2-inch cubes to prepare the fresh fruit base for the sangria.
- Halve the Grapes: Wash the green grapes and cut them in half; quarter if the grapes are particularly large to ensure consistent bite-sized pieces.
- Combine in a Pitcher: Transfer the chopped apples and halved grapes into a large pitcher where all the sangria ingredients will meld together.
- Pour in the Apple Brandy: Add the apple brandy (or Calvados) to infuse the sangria with warm apple flavors and a slight kick of alcohol.
- Add the Orange Liqueur: Pour in the orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Triple Sec, adding citrus notes that complement the fruitiness.
- Sweeten with Simple Syrup: Add 1/4 cup simple syrup to sweeten the mixture; this can be adjusted later depending on your taste preference after infusion.
- Pour in the White Wine: Carefully pour the entire 750 ml bottle of dry white wine into the pitcher, which forms the sangria’s crisp and refreshing base.
- Stir Gently: Gently stir the mixture to combine all ingredients thoroughly without breaking down the fruit.
- Refrigerate and Infuse: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to infuse fully; for best results, refrigerate 4 or more hours or overnight.
- Add Sparkling Water: Just before serving, add 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda to give the sangria a pleasant fizz.
- Add Ice: Fill serving glasses with ice cubes to keep the sangria chilled and refreshing.
- Pour and Garnish: Pour the sangria into the ice-filled glasses, including some pieces of fruit, and garnish with optional apple slices, lime wedges, and mint sprigs for presentation and extra aroma.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this cool, fruity cocktail perfect for social occasions or relaxing at home.
Notes
- For a less alcoholic version, reduce the apple brandy and orange liqueur amounts, or increase the sparkling water.
- Simple syrup sweetness can be adjusted to taste; start with less and add more if needed after chilling.
- This sangria is best served chilled and can be made a day ahead to deepen flavors.
- Use crisp, tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a refreshing bite and bright flavor.
- Substitute sparkling water with lemon-lime soda for a sweeter, more vibrant fizz.
- If you prefer, omit the alcohol for a non-alcoholic version by replacing wine and liqueurs with apple juice and sparkling water.
