It’s time to make a great fall cocktail! You know I love a signature cocktail for every event and this week it’s going to be Homemade Apple Sangria. With fall in full effect around here there is no better time to make a drink that includes fresh cider, fresh apples, and some flavored liquor to round it out. In the summer I make sangrias that are very light and fruity, but this season calls for a little more flavor with inspiration fresh from the orchard.
The basis of sangria is wine. For this recipe I’m using a dry white wine because it has a light, acidic flavor. This is a little different than the red wine sangria you might be used to, but I promise it is delicious. Then I add fresh cider from the orchard, a chopped apple from our ginormous apple-picking haul, and some more flavors. The caramel vodka you see me use in this episode can be found at most liquor stores in the fall. If you can’t find it you can easily use regular vodka. I like the caramel flavor because it makes the cocktail taste like a caramel-dipped apple.
Then I add some apple spiced whisky to round out the beverage and really emphasize the fruit flavor. It isn’t too much liquor, but it really punches up the apple flavor, which is the whole point of apple sangria.
Here you see me make one cocktail, but you can easily multiply the measurements so you make this into a whole pitcher. Since it is fairly strong, I always serve a bowl of ice on the side. This way people can add ice to their cup first, then pour in their drink. This helps keep the sangria cold and waters it done a little bit.
Cheers to a happy fall for everyone near and far! I hope you enjoy this fun beverage and have a great season with your family.
Apple Sangria
This is such a great festive drink for fall. You’ll absolutely love making it for a fall party. I suggest making it ahead of time because it gives the flavors time to meld, and it tastes amazing.
Makes 1 pitcher, about 6-8 servings
1 apple, cubed
1 pear, cubed
1 standard bottle dry white wine (sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio suggested)
½ cup caramel vodka
¼ cup of the apple whisky
2 ½ cups apple cider
Add the cubed apple and pear to a large pitcher.
Add the wine to the pitcher.
Then add the vodka and apple whiskey.
Lastly, add the apple cider.
Let the sangria sit in the refrigerator for a few hours so the flavor can meld.
Serve with a bowl of ice on the side. Add the ice to the glasses and serve.
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT. She is currently operating with COVID-safe procedures and is happy to discuss your event and catering needs with you. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekasevents.com or call 203.658.8659.
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