Are you craving that delicious, fruity sangria you enjoyed at Olive Garden? Well, look no further! This homemade Olive Garden-inspired apple sangria recipe is incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a relaxing evening at home, or simply need a quick and refreshing drink, this recipe is your answer. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful, easy-to-make sangria that tastes just like the restaurant's version – maybe even better! This is the ultimate recipe for those seeking quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (like a Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon) – Choose a wine you enjoy drinking.
- 1 (750ml) bottle sparkling cider or club soda
- 1 large apple (like Gala or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- ½ cup brandy (optional, for an extra kick)
- ¼ cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec) - optional, adds a lovely sweetness and citrus note.
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste, adjust based on your wine and fruit sweetness)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the fruit: Carefully wash and thinly slice the apple and orange. The thinner the slices, the better they'll infuse the sangria with flavor.
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Combine the ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy (if using), orange liqueur (if using), and sugar. Gently stir until the sugar is dissolved.
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Add the fruit: Add the sliced apples and oranges to the pitcher. Gently stir again to distribute the fruit evenly.
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Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more complex and delicious sangria.
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Serve: Just before serving, add the sparkling cider or club soda. Gently stir. Pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint.
Tips for the Best Sangria:
- Use good quality ingredients: The better the wine and ingredients, the better your sangria will taste.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add more sugar. If you prefer it less sweet, use less, or even omit it entirely. You can always add a touch of simple syrup later if needed.
- Don't over-muddle the fruit: Gently stir to avoid crushing the fruit and making the sangria bitter.
- Get creative with fruit: Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or peaches.
Variations:
- White Sangria: Substitute a dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) for the red wine. Use white grapes or pears in addition to, or instead of, apples and oranges.
- Spicy Sangria: Add a cinnamon stick or a few slices of jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Non-alcoholic Sangria: Omit the wine and brandy. Use sparkling grape juice instead of sparkling cider.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, without alcohol):
This information will vary greatly depending on the specific ingredients used. It’s best to use a nutrition calculator for a precise measurement based on your chosen brands and quantities. As this recipe contains alcohol, the nutrition facts will be greatly altered. Always consume alcohol responsibly.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-25g
This Olive Garden-inspired apple sangria recipe is a simple yet elegant drink that's perfect for any occasion. It's a delicious and refreshing way to impress your guests with minimal effort. It's an excellent choice for those seeking healthy meals and easy recipes to prepare. Enjoy this amazing homemade cooking experience!