DIY COUTURE // APPLE CIDER SANGRIA

It is finally that time of year where celebrating on the regular is not only accepted, but encouraged. Because of this, I feel like the general rule of thumb is to go full out on cheer. To me this not only means beautiful décor, but fun cocktails!

Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a fun and easy cocktail for Thanksgiving??

If not, fret no more.

Here is an easy and delicious recipe for one of the most fun fall cocktails I’ve had recently. It not only looks the Thanksgiving part, but acts it too.

Introducing…

Apple Cider Sangria

You will find several of these types of drinks via Pinterest, but I am here to tell you, that this particular recipe is the perfect mix of sweetness and delicious red wine.

What’s great about this version is that you can mix it up by just switching the types of wine you choose, so really you could have a couple versions! It works with White wine too, but my suggestion for that gorgeous Fall/ Thanksgiving feel is to use a red of your choice. I chose Pinot Noir, and loved it.

Ingredients:

3 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnish)
1 1/2 large honeycrisp apples, chopped
1 orange, thinly sliced into coins, cut in half)
1 (750 ml) bottle red wine (something that’s not too bold, I chose Pinot Noir)
4-5 packages of instant Apple Cider mix (start with 4, add a 5th to sweeten more)
24 oz. water
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange juice (or juice from 2 medium oranges)
juice from 1 lemon
club soda, to taste

Directions:

Add the cinnamon sticks, apples, and orange coins (slices) in a large carafe or pitcher . Add wine, apple cider mix, water, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice. Allow to sit in the refrigerator for 4 - 24 hours. Taste; if you'd like it to be sweeter, add the extra package of apple cider mix or 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, honey, or agave.
If you'd like to jazz it up with a cinnamon-sugar rim (recommended for those fancier celebrations), moisten the rim of your glasses with water, turn the glass upside down and dip it into a pre-mixed heap of cinnamon and sugar. Pour in the sangria, scoop in the fruit, and add a splash of club soda to give it just a touch of fizz. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, for that special fall touch.
Enjoy!

Tips:

Make ahead in advance: Sangria is great for making ahead of time because it gets tastier the longer it soaks together. No need to rush around Thanksgiving morning.
Use REAL lemon juice (it makes all the difference).

Go easy on the cinnamon if you’re not one that loves lots of spice. Try the drink before adding the extra cinnamon stick for garnish.
Mix the water and apple cider mix BEFORE you add it to the sangria for less stirring and easier blending.