The best Fall flavors come together in this crowd-pleasing festive Cranberry Apple Sangria!
I’m not a drinker.
And yet, Paul married me anyway. HA.
But seriously. I just find all alcohol to taste so bitter. And not in a good spinach or brussels sprouts way. Just, you know, scrunch-up-my-nose-and-immediately-look-for-crackers kind of way.
However, there are some rare occasions when I surprise myself.
Several years ago while out to dinner with some friends in San Francisco, we ordered a flight of rieslings. Those were wonderful! And a few years ago, my friend Lisa made up a batch of Cherry Sangria that I enjoyed. Really enjoyed. I think I drank three glasses!
This Cranberry Apple Sangria is another winner.
Simmering the tea mixture really makes the house smell lovely. And aren’t the colors awesome!? This is the perfect drink to serve at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a holiday party. So pretty and festive!
Cranberry Apple Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 slices lemon
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 4 cranberry-flavored tea bags
- 2 bottles (750ml each) white wine
- 1/3 cup apple brandy
- 2 small apples , cored, cut into thin wedges
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, stir together the water, sugar, lemon, cloves, spices, and tea bags. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for one hour.
- Strain the liquid into a bowl, pressing lightly on the tea bags and lemon slices; discard tea bags, lemon, and cloves.
- Pour wine into a large glass pitcher. Add the tea mixture, apple brandy, apples, and cranberries. Cover and chill for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.
- Serve cold in tumbler glasses with a cinnamon stick and lemon slices for garnish, if desired.
Notes
• For the wine, any Pinot, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc will work here.
• Apple brandy should be available at any liquor store or market with a liquor section, but if you can’t find it, an apple liqueur would be ok, but I would recommend using 1/4 cup instead of a 1/3.
• Kid friendly version - replace the wine with white grape juice, apple juice instead of the brandy, and try dried cranberries instead of fresh ones.
Nutrition
Other Notes
slightly adapted from allrecipes
This recipe is absolutely stunning! Love your decoration!
It really is so pretty Amy! I don’t like alcohol either…I think ;)