More Fabulous Recipe Ideas in Wine Institute’s Free California Wine Cocktails for the Holidays eBook
SAN FRANCISCO — It’s ironic that National Sangria Day is celebrated in the dead of winter, when it’s traditionally considered a summer sipper. But Wine Institute’s California Red Apple Sangria—spiced up with cozy cinnamon sticks—reinvents the drink so that celebrating it on Dec. 20 suddenly makes sense. While mulled or sparkling wines often come to mind for the holidays, the California Red Apple Sangria makes for a surprising and festive alternative for gatherings by the fire.
California Red Apple Sangria: California red wine and apple cider get a spicy twist with cinnamon and fresh fruit slices
INGREDIENTS
- 1 750-ml bottle medium-bodied California
red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Grenache - 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- Maple syrup to sweeten, optionalFOR SERVING
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Orange wedge
- Apple slices, orange slices and cinnamon
sticks for serving.
DIRECTIONS
Add the wine, cider, juice, apple slices, orange slices and cinnamon sticks to a large pitcher and stir to combine. Taste and add 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup to sweeten if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 5 hours. When ready to serve, add the brown sugar to a small plate. Rim each glass with the orange wedge and dip it in the brown sugar to coat. Fill glasses with ice and fill with sangria. Top with fresh apple and orange slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish.
This drink is best with these California red wines:
- PINOT NOIR – Pinot Noir’s juicy cherry flavors and floral notes complement hints of earth and leather for a wine that is at turns delicate, rich, silky, subtle – and always intriguing. A cool-climate grape, it does exceptionally well in California’s breezy coastal regions.
- GRENACHE – Versatile and medium-bodied, Grenache is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world. Its great range of flavors—from red raspberry, cherry and blackberry to hints of earth—makes it perfect as a stand-alone varietal or as part of classic Rhône style blends.
Other great entertaining recipes in the free California Wine Cocktails for the Holidays eBook include:
- California Gold Rush: An herbaceous blend of California Chardonnay, lemon juice and lemon-thyme honey
- West Coast Warm Winter Wine: A fruit-forward spin on mulled wine, accented with pomegranate and fresh citrus
- Cranberry Rosé: Dry California pink wine meets cranberry juice and orange bitters
- Vineyard Mule: A refreshing take on the Moscow Mule, featuring California white wine
- Raspberry Port Sparkler: California port-style wine and bubbles mingle with muddled raspberries
- Red Wine Hot Chocolate: Luscious chocolate and full-bodied California red wine chase away winter chills
To download a free copy of “California Wine Cocktails for the Holidays,” visit http://
