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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 a really long time since I’ve had sangria. Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a glass since I enjoyed one at a family vacation on the beach in 2015. I used to be a really big fan of peach sangria specifically, so I was intrigued by a fall version. I have to be honest, I didn’t really love the way red wine and apple cider tasted together but did think the apple brandy made it better. The wine comes through, but it was almost as if the apple watered everything down until that was added. If maybe a sweeter red wine was used, this Fall Sangria would be better to me, but ultimately, I don’t think I’d go through the hassle of making it again unless it was for a party. I honestly liked the Black Magic Sangria a lot more.”
Recipe
Fall Sangria
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.

Ingredients
Method
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Thinly slice apple, pear, and orange and add slices to a pitcher.
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Add cranberries to pitcher, muddle gently for 3-5 seconds, and mix with other fruit.
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Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and red wine to pitcher.
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Stir for 20-30 seconds, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
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Add cubed ice to a stemless wine glass.
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Add 1 ¼ oz apple cider and 1 oz apple brandy to wine glass.
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Pour sangria over top, then stir for 5-7 seconds.
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Garnish with cinnamon stick and rosemary sprig.