Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe: Perfect Fall Sangria (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to make sangria the night before? ›

Don't skimp on the chilling time.

By chilling the sangria, you give the fresh fruits a chance to infuse the wine with sweet, fresh flavor. If you cut this time short, your sangria won't taste as fruity or as balanced. I let mine chill for at least 8 hours before serving, or overnight for the best flavor.

Some people consider it to be unacceptable to eat the fruit in Sangria. In contrast, others view it as an essential part of the drink. Whether you are one of those who choose to nibble on some fruit or not, there is no doubt that the sliced fruit served with the Sangria soaks up the flavors and is delicious to eat!

The best wine for sangria is Garnacha (also called Grenache) or Pinot Noir. Garnacha comes from Spain, so it's my top pick for authentic Spanish sangria! Choose an inexpensive wine (under $20) that you would enjoy on its own.

This lets the fruit infuse the wine, getting its juices in the mix and sweetening the drink. The sweetness in sangria should come from the fruit itself, and perhaps the wine, not from a soda like 7-Up. You won't get this lovely, fruity sweetness unless the sangria has a period to rest in the refrigerator.

The rule of thumb for sangria preparation is to let the fruit pieces marinate in the alcoholic base while in the refrigerator for about 12 to 24 hours. This allows the fruits enough time to soak up and infuse their flavor into the wine.

How far in advance can I make the sangria? You can make this sangria recipe up to 48 hours before serving it. Once again, the longer the fruit sits in the booze, the more it enhances the flavor of the sangria! This is one drink that you can make ahead of time and it will only keep getting better and better!

Here is a rough guideline: EU law says bottles from Spain are limited by law to less than 12% alcohol by volume (ABV). Bottles produced in the U.S. usually have between 5% and 15%. Sangria made with red wine is usually stronger than white wine punches.

Wash and then cut your apples into thick slices. To prevent apples from going brown squeeze lemon juice onto the apple slices and toss well to coat. Pour bottle of wine and one cup of vodka into pitcher. Add fruit and allow fruit to soak for one hour.

Any juicy fruits (such as citrus, berries, grapes, pineapple, mango, kiwi, etc.) would be delicious. Add fresh ginger: If you would like to give your sangria a bit of a kick, muddle in a few slices of fresh ginger.

Any dry red wine will work, but we like to use fruity Spanish wine, such as Garnacha for the best flavor results. It doesn't have to be the most expensive bottle either. You'll be adding so many sweet ingredients to the wine that will dress it up.

Can you use cheap wine for sangria? ›

As long as the wine is inexpensive, fruity and tastes good on its own, it'll work well in sangria.

It is recommended to add citrus, stone or tropical fruits for the perfect Sangria. If you prefer softer fruits such as berries, watermelon or melon, then add them just before serving so they don't get too soft and mushy. Don't forget to add a splash of sparkling water or soda for a little bit of extra fizz.

"When choosing a brandy, it is best to go toward a Spanish one made with Spanish grapes," said Trujillo. "I find Carlos I Solera Gran Reserva Brandy to be perfect for sangria." This brandy was aged in American oak casks and has notes of vanilla and caramel.

The fruit should "steep" in the wine and liquor so the flavors meld (kind of like a good salsa), but don't let it all hang out for too long. "The fruit will get mealy and limp, and the sangria will taste bitter," says Martinez.

Generally, an unopened bottle of Sangria can be stored for 2 years. While an opened bottle of Sangria lasts 3-4 days. The shelf life of Sangria varies depending on its ingredients, and whether it's commercially produced or homemade.

Ideally, refrigerate sangria for at least two hours or overnight. And, by the way, sangria can last in the refrigerator for several days. Add a half-liter of soda water just before serving over ice.

Serve as is, or with a bit more ice. Garnish with orange segments (optional). Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, though best when fresh.

Traditionally, you serve red sangria at room temperature, just like you serve red wine.

Sangria is best served chilled, so store it in the refrigerator in the serving container while the ingredients are soaking. Alternatively, you can serve it on the rocks by filling glasses with ice before pouring in the sangria.