Spiced Apple Sangria
We are nearing Thanksgiving season! Of course in our house, just like every year, we are planning on celebrating both Canadian and American Thanksgiving. Whether you are celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving this October or American Thanksgiving in November, here is a great cocktail for autumn.
This cocktail showcases one of the oldest beverage in North America — apple cider! According to historians, before the 17th century cider used to be the national beverage.
Introduced to North America from Europe, apple trees grew well in the temperate climate, with many New England families pressing cider from their own orchards. Production was so successful that in 1767, Massachusetts colonists drank an estimated average of 35 gallons of cider per person. There was even a time, many believed it was more healthy and safer to drink than water.
Recipe | Serving Size: 4-6
Dry White Wine - 1 bottle, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Apple Cider - 1 cup
Honey Brandy - ½ cup
Maple Syrup - 2 tbsp
Honeycrisp Apples - 2, sliced
Pomegranate Arils - 1 cup
Cinnamon Sticks - 3-4
In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients except the ginger beer. Stir and then place in the fridge until chilled.
Ginger Beer 1.5 cups , about 1-2 bottles
Before serving, add the ginger beer. Fill each glass with ice and pour the sangria over the ice. If desired, top with more ginger beer.
Non-Alcoholic Substitutes
White Wine
There is such a thing as non-alcoholic wines. How cool is that?! It truly makes me happy because once in awhile, I, too, would like to sip on the occasional cocktail sans the alcohol.
After doing my little research, here are the best non-alcoholic (halal/kosher) white wines as per the internet’s recommendation.
Honey Brandy
The purpose of spirits like honey flavored brandy is to add another layer of flavor in the sangria. It’s not mandatory, you can just omit this altogether or add some sparkling juice instead.
That being said, I have also discovered non-alcoholic spirits that would totally do the trick. Here are some good substitutes for Honey Brandy
Ginger Beer
There is ZERO alcohol in ginger beer.
It’s the robust and spicy cousin of ginger ale. Ok real talk, it’s less sweet than ginger ale, and has more flavor in it, which is why so many people (including myself) love using it for cocktails. If you can’t find ginger beer, then use club soda.
