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Cozy Friendsgiving Sangria with Apples and Cinnamon

Cozy Friendsgiving Sangria - featured image
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A simple, seasonal red wine sangria infused with tart apples, warm cinnamon, and aromatic spices. This crowd-pleasing drink is perfect for Friendsgiving or any autumn gathering, requiring minimal prep time and offering a comforting, spiced flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1 cup fresh-pressed apple cider (100% pure juice)
  • 2–3 tbsp brandy or orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier)
  • 2 Honeycrisp or Gala apples, cored and sliced into thin wedges
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 star anise pod
  • 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 navel orange, thinly sliced into rounds
  • 1–2 tbsp sugar or honey (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples and oranges thoroughly. Core the apples and slice them into thin wedges. Slice the oranges into rounds, removing any seeds.
  2. Place all the sliced fruit into a large glass pitcher or bowl.
  3. Toss the cinnamon sticks and star anise into the bowl with the fruit. Grate the fresh nutmeg over the top.
  4. Pour the red wine over the fruit and spices. Add the apple cider and brandy/orange liqueur. Ensure the liquid covers the fruit almost completely.
  5. Gently stir everything together with a wooden spoon. Taste the liquid; if it is too tart, add sugar or honey and stir until dissolved. If too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice.
  6. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to infuse.
  7. Remove from the fridge and give a gentle stir. Ladle the sangria into glasses, ensuring each serving includes fruit and spices. Garnish with a fresh apple slice or rosemary sprig.

Notes

[‘Use fresh fruit only; frozen fruit will dilute the drink.’, ‘Toast cinnamon sticks over a low flame before adding to enhance aroma.’, ‘Do not boil when reheating, as it will evaporate alcohol and mush the fruit.’, ‘Remove fruit after 24 hours if storing longer to prevent it from becoming too soft.’, ‘For a non-alcoholic version, substitute wine with grape juice blend and brandy with black tea.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Friendsgiving, sangria, apple cider, red wine, autumn drinks, holiday cocktail, easy party drink, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/cozy-friendsgiving-sangria-with-apples-10-min-easy-apple-cinnamon-drink/