Fall Sangria

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Cocktail History

The Fall Sangria is a Novel Nightcaps original cocktail that was created in 2023 as an autumn-inspired version of the popular wine and fruit-based batch drink. Most variations call for either fruits, citrus, or baking spices, but this one blends them all together to create an autumnal, fruity wine concoction that’s a delicious, tart, and a perfect fit for fall gatherings.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Red Wine: This is a type of wine made with red grapes. I used Melipal Ikella Malbec Mendoza.

Apple Cider: This is a beverage made with freshly pressed apple juice and baking spices. I used The Glass Orchard Apple Cider.

Apple Brandy: This is a type of brandy made with apples, pears, spices, sugar, and alcohol. I used Calvados.

Apple: This is a red fruit with a mealy texture. I used a Honeycrisp apple.

Bartlett Pear: This is a type of bell-shaped fruit that has a green-ish yellow skin and juicy, smooth flesh with a sweet flavor.

Orange: This is a citrus with orange skin and juicy, sweet flesh.

Cranberries: This is a small red fruit. I used fresh cranberries.

Sugar: This is a sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrate. I used C&H Pure Cane Granulated Sugar.

Ground Cinnamon: This is a spice. I used Simply Organic Ground Cinnamon.

Whole Cloves: This is the flower bud from the clove tree. I used Simply Organic Whole Cloves.

Cinnamon Stick: This is a dried spice that has been rolled into a stick. I used Simply Organic Cinnamon Sticks.

Rosemary: This is an herb. I used fresh rosemary.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Apple Corer: This is used to core and slice apples. I used the OXO Good Grips Apple Corer, Slicer, & Divider.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Chef’s Knife: This is used to cut larger fruits and vegetables into slices. I used the OXO Good Grips 8-Inch Chef’s Knife.

Muddler: This is used to muddle ingredients. I used the HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler.

Pitcher: This is used to hold ingredients. I used the Libbey 60 oz Glass Pitcher.

Spoon: This is used to stir the ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips Silicone Spoon.

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.

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Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Deep red and purple color

• Aroma: Fruit and baking spices

• Taste: Harmonious blend of red wine’s deep berry flavors, the sweetness of apple cider, and the warmth of fall spices complemented by the brightness of fresh pears and oranges

• Finish: More tangy red wine with lingering spices

Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kendall’s Take: “It’s been ages since I’ve had sangria—probably not since a beach vacation with my family back in 2015—so trying a fall version felt nostalgic and fun. I’ve always loved peach sangria, so when I came across the idea of blending red wine and apple cider, I was curious how that combination would play out. While the pairing wasn’t my personal favorite, the apple brandy does add a nice depth that really helps bring the flavors together. I also think using a sweeter red wine could make this Fall Sangria even more enjoyable. And although, I probably wouldn’t make it again just for myself, it would be a great option for a party, especially for guests who enjoy lighter, fruit-forward cocktails.”

Recipe