Applebee’s Red Apple Sangria Recipe

It’s hard to beat the refreshing taste of Applebee’s Red Apple Sangria!

This drink combines rich cabernet with sweet Red Apple Schnapps, cranberry, and pineapple juices.

You can give your sangria an extra lift by adding a splash of lemon-lime soda right before serving.

Always remember to chill the drink well before serving to let the flavors blend beautifully and enhance your enjoyment.

Pair it with a garnish of apples, oranges, and cherries for both a pop of color and a burst of flavor.

How to Make Applebee’s Red Apple Sangria Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 oz Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1 oz Red Apple Schnapps
• 1 oz Cranberry Juice
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• 0.5 oz Grenadine
• 2 oz Lemon-Lime Soda
• Apple Balls (2 pieces)
• 1 Lime Wedge
• 1 Orange Wedge

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Fill a large wine glass or pitcher with ice cubes.

This keeps your sangria refreshingly cold.

Step 2:

Pour the cabernet sauvignon into the glass until it covers the ice.

This wine forms the base of your sangria.

Step 3:

Add the red apple schnapps, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.

Give it a good stir to combine the flavors.

Step 4:

Top your mixture with lemon-lime soda to add a fizzy twist.

This provides a sparkling finish to your sangria.

Step 5:

Garnish with two apple balls skewered onto a toothpick, lime wedge, and orange wedge.

These not only add appeal but will enhance the fruity flavors.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choosing the Right Wine

Selecting a cabernet with rich flavors will contribute greatly to the overall taste of your sangria.

Try a medium-bodied option for best results.

Enhancing Fruit Flavors

Experiment with freshly squeezed fruit juices if you have time.

They really boost the natural taste of the drink.

Garnishing with Style

Use a melon baller for the apple balls to add an appealing touch to your sangria.

Try to make them as round as possible for consistency.

Keeping It Cold

For an extra refreshing experience, chill your mixing glass and ingredients before assembling.

This ensures every sip stays cold as you savor your creation.

Adjusting Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter sangria, feel free to add extra grenadine or a touch of simple syrup.

Customize the sweetness to match your liking.

What to Serve with Applebee’s Red Apple Sangria

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

A well-curated cheese and charcuterie board is a reliable companion for any sangria.

Pairing creamy brie or sharp cheddar with a selection of cured meats like prosciutto or salami offers a savory balance to the sweetness of the Red Apple Sangria.

You can also add some nuts and dried fruits for an extra layer of flavor.

Pretzel Bites with Mustard

Pretzel bites served with a tangy mustard sauce can be an unexpected yet pleasant match for your fruity beverage.

The salty pretzel and the tang of the mustard create a delightful contrast with the sweet and tart sangria flavors.

This combination is perfect for a casual get-together.

Grilled Peaches with Honey

For something a little different, grilled peaches drizzled with honey make an appealing pairing.

The juicy, caramelized fruit harmonizes seamlessly with the apple notes of the sangria.

Serve it as an appetizer or a light dessert for a refreshing experience.

Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos are an exciting choice to complement your sangria.

The citrusy shrimp flavors go hand in hand with the fresh fruit notes in the drink.

Consider adding avocado and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness in every bite.

Spiced Almonds

If you want to try a different nibble, spiced almonds could be just the thing.

Their crunchy texture and spicy kick offer a tasty contrast to the smooth and refreshing sangria.

They are simple to prepare and ideal for snacking as you sip.

Variations and Substitutions

Change Up the Wine

You can swap the cabernet for a sweet red if you want a softer flavor.

A fruity merlot lends a different profile perfect for variety in your sangria.

Mix with Different Juices

If cranberry juice isn’t your thing, you can use apple juice for added fruitiness.

Adding a splash of grapefruit juice creates a pleasant tanginess you’ll enjoy.

Play with Garnishes

Red apple balls add a lovely touch, but why not try green apple slices for tartness?

If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some grapes or berries for a fresh spin!

Alcohol-Free Option

Skip the wine and schnapps and use non-alcoholic red wine and apple juice.

This way, you get to relish the rich taste without the alcohol content.

Add in Some Spice

For a wintery twist, consider adding a stick of cinnamon to your sangria.

You can also scatter a few cloves in the mix to infuse a warm, spicy aroma.

How to Store Leftover Applebee’s Red Apple Sangria

Use the Fridge

After you’ve enjoyed some of that delicious Applebee’s Red Apple Sangria, make sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Always put the sangria in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavor.

If you leave the fruit in, aim to consume it within 2 to 3 days to avoid mushy fruits.

Remove the Fruit

For longer storage, consider taking out the fruit pieces from the sangria.

Once the fruit is removed, the sangria can typically last in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days, keeping its taste intact.

This way, you can savor it over several days without losing its essence.

Prevent Oxidation

To maintain the quality of the wine, avoid leaving the sangria at room temperature, as it can oxidize rapidly.

Using a container that limits exposure to air really helps in slowing down this process.

These steps will help ensure your sangria stays refreshing and flavorful for as long as possible!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading with Ice

When making Applebee’s Red Apple Sangria at home, you might be tempted to add a lot of ice to keep it cold.

Too much ice can dilute the flavors and spoil the experience.

Use just enough ice for a chilled glass without watering down your drink too much.

Skipping Citrus Garnish

It can be easy to forget the lime and orange garnishes, but they add more than just color!

These citrus elements bring a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the sangria.

Adding the garnishes gives a perfect balance of flavors, enhancing the overall taste.

Ignoring Chill Time

Rushing to serve without proper chill time is a common error and can lessen the drink’s appeal.

Chilling allows the flavors to blend fully, providing that delightful harmony you’re aiming for.

Be patient and allow adequate chill time for the best taste results!