Delicious Cranberry-Apple Sangria Recipe for Your Next Party
It’s time to spice up your next gathering with a drink that will leave your guests in awe. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just having some friends over for a game night, I have the perfect recipe to impress them all. When it comes to easy-to-make drinks that pack a punch, there’s nothing quite like my Red Lobster Cranberry-Apple Sangria Recipe.
As you know, Red Lobster is known for their seafood dishes, but their drinks are just as impressive. This sangria recipe blends the tart sweetness of cranberry juice with the crisp tang of apples, making it a festive drink for any occasion. The combination of wine and triple sec creates a delightful burst of flavor that you’ll want to savor with every sip.
Trust me one drink and everyone will be asking you for the recipe! So gather around, get cozy by the fireplace or enjoy those summer parties and let me show you how to make this delicious lobster cranberry apple sangria that is packed with just the right amount of flavor and warmth to keep your guests chatting until dawn.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks. I am here to talk to you about the Cranberry-Apple Sangria recipe from none other than Red Lobster. Believe me when I say, you are going to love this sangria recipe!
What’s not to love about this robust and fruity cocktail? The combination of cranberry juice, white zinfandel wine, canned cranberries, and green apples creates a sweet-tart symphony. The addition of triple sec and St Germain Elderflower Liqueur gives it a boozy punch that will leave you feeling happy and relaxed.
The best part? This cranberry apple sangria is so easy to make! It requires only a few simple ingredients, most of which can be found in your kitchen pantry. You’ll be shocked at how quick it comes together. Within minutes, you’ll have a pitcher full of red lobster’s cranberry apple sangria ready to wow your guests.
Couldn’t be serving alcohol at your party? No problem! This recipe can easily be adapted to become an alcohol-free mocktail by using white cranberry juice instead of wine, replacing the triple sec with sparkling water or soda and adding edible shimmer for a festive touch.
Give your friends and family the greatest gift this season: serve up this refreshing Cranberry-Apple Sangria Recipe from Red Lobster at your next event, and show them how much you care about their happiness. Trust me; they are going to love it!
Ingredient List
- 1 Bottle of White Zinfandel Wine
- ¾ Cup of Cranberry Juice
- ½ Cup of Triple Sec
- ½ Cup of Apple Cider
- ¼ Cup of Canned Cranberries
- ¼ Cup of Simple Syrup
- ½ Green Apple, cut into small pieces
- Optional: Orange wedges and edible shimmer dust for garnish
Note: For a non-alcoholic substitute, use one bottle of sparkling white grape juice and one bottle of non-alcoholic apple cider.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get into the good stuff- how to make this delicious cranberry apple sangria recipe. First things first, gather all your ingredients and supplies.
Ingredients
- 1 (750 ml) bottle white Zinfandel wine
- 1 cup Crown Royal Apple whiskey
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- ¼ cup St Germain elderflower liqueur
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup canned whole cranberries plus additional for garnish
- 2 cups white cranberry juice cocktail
- 1/4 cup of simple syrup (sugar, optional)
- Orange wedges, green apple chunks and fresh cranberries to take your presentation to the next level
Step-by-step Recipe
- Place canned cranberries in a blender and puree for approximately 4-5 seconds until mostly smooth.
- In a pitcher, add the blended cranberries with all the other ingredients except for the garnishes.
- Stir and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- Before serving, stir again and pour sangria drink into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with orange wedges, green apple chunks, and whole canned cranberries.
Tips
- If you are not a fan of heavy whiskey taste, substitute it with… something else!
- To make it sparkle add some champagne or a sparkling beverage in place of some part of your wine.
- Don’t eat canned whole cranberries? No problem! Substitute it for some fresh sliced apples.
All in all, this sangria is perfect for any occasion from summer pool parties to fall holiday dinners – this recipe won’t disappoint!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you feeling adventurous? Do you want to try some new substitutions and variations for this cranberry apple sangria recipe? Here are some of my favorite ways to mix things up:
– Change up the wine: If you’re not a fan of white zinfandel or red wine, try using a rosé or another type of red or white wine. You could also add a bit of bubbly to turn this sangria into a sparkling cocktail!
– Mix in different fruits: While I love the combination of cranberries and apples, you could also try adding other types of fruits to this sangria. Try pomegranate seeds, sliced oranges, or even some fresh strawberries.
– Make it non-alcoholic: To make this a family-friendly beverage, simply skip the alcohol and use apple cider or sparkling grape juice instead. You could also add a bit of vanilla extract or cinnamon for extra flavor.
– Try different liqueurs: Instead of triple sec or St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, experiment with other types of fruity liqueurs. Crown Royal Apple is another great option.
– Add some spice: For a fall-inspired spin on this recipe, add some cinnamon sticks or cloves to the mix. You could even warm it up on the stove for a cozy beverage.
With so many possibilities, the sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing this cranberry apple sangria recipe. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing the Red Lobster Cranberry-Apple Sangria, there are no hard and fast rules – it’s all about personal preference. This sangria is a perfect drink for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Whether if it’s for an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this sangria recipe will definitely be a hit.
I personally recommend pairing this sangria with a classic Lobster dish to achieve an unforgettable dining experience that you can only get at Red Lobster. The sweet and tart flavors of this cranberry-apple sangria perfectly complement the savory and buttery taste of lobster, and it’s simply divine! Alternatively, you can also pair it with spicy dishes like tacos or Korean fried chicken to balance out the heat.
When it comes to serving, I suggest using a glass pitcher or dispenser to showcase its beautiful red color and to allow guests to serve themselves conveniently. Garnish each glass with orange wedges and green apple chunks as they make lovely visual elements that add freshness and sweetness to the drink.
And if you’re looking for non-alcoholic alternatives, you can easily substitute the wine with apple cider or sparkling juice cocktail without sacrificing any of the fruity flavors. Everyone deserves a delicious and refreshing drink at the party, so don’t forget your non-alcoholic options!
The Red Lobster Cranberry-Apple Sangria is perfect for entertaining guests or indulging after a long day at work. It is versatile and tastes great with different foods, and whichever way you choose to serve and pair it, it will surely be a crowd-pleaser!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As an avid party-planner myself, I know how important it is to prepare as much as possible in advance. Luckily, the Red Lobster – Cranberry-Apple Sangria Recipe can easily be made ahead of time without losing any of its flavor. In fact, allowing the ingredients to blend together overnight can even enhance the taste of the sangria.
To make ahead, prepare the recipe up until the point of adding the soda or sparkling water. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add the soda or sparkling water and stir gently.
If you have leftover sangria, pour it into a pitcher with a lid or cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the longer it sits, the stronger the flavor will become.
When reheating, be sure to avoid heating it on high heat or boiling it as this can cause alcohol to evaporate and alter the flavor. Instead, heat on a low heat on the stove until warm but not boiling.
Overall, this Red Lobster – Cranberry-Apple Sangria Recipe is perfect for those looking for a make-ahead drink that can be enjoyed at any gathering. With these tips for making ahead, storing and reheating, your next party is sure to be a hit amongst guests.
Tips for Perfect Results
Sangria is the perfect drink for any occasion, and this Cranberry-Apple Sangria Recipe is sure to impress your guests. However, getting it right can be tricky, so here are some tips to ensure that you get the perfect blend of flavors and that your sangria looks just as good as it tastes.
Firstly, chilled ingredients are a must. Use chilled wine and apple cider to make sure your sangria is refreshing from the first sip. I recommend prepping your ingredients in advance and having them all chilled before assembly.
Secondly, don’t skimp on the fruit. The fresh green apple chunks and orange wedges give texture and flavor to the drink, while the pureed canned cranberries add richness and color to the sangria. Make sure to blend the canned cranberries until they are completely smooth, so there are no chunks left in the drink.
Thirdly, let your sangria sit for a few hours before serving. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and create a well-balanced drink. And if you’re making this for a party, an overnight chill in the fridge will really enhance the taste !
Another pro-tip is to keep some extra cans of cranberries on hand just in case your sangria needs a little bit more sweetness. Be careful not to add too much sugar or risk overwhelming the natural fruit flavors.
Finally, top off your cranberry apple sangria with sparkling water or ginger ale for some fizz! It adds a lightness and effervescence that makes each sip dance on your tongue .
By following these tips, you’re sure to have perfect results with this recipe every time .
Bottom Line
As a fan of Red Lobster, I can wholeheartedly say that their Cranberry-Apple Sangria is a fantastic addition to any gathering. With the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, the sangria recipe will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Whether you are hosting a holiday feast or simply enjoying it with friends, this sangria recipe will definitely hit the spot.
So why not give it a try? Gather the ingredients from the list above, follow the easy-to-follow steps and enjoy the delicious outcome. With many variations available, you can customize it to suit your preferences – from non-alcoholic options to fun ways to incorporate edible shimmer.
To wrap up, I highly recommend trying out this divine recipe either at home or when dining at Red Lobster. The Lobster Cranberry-Apple Sangria is one of the greatest gifts that can be shared with others during any season or celebration. Trust me, your guests will thank you!
Red Lobster - Cranberry-Apple Sangria Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces canned cranberries, pureed
- 1 (8 ounce) bottle Chardonnay wine
- 1 (8 ounce) bottle white zinfandel wine
- 2 ounces liquor (Tuaca)
- 1 2/3 ounces sour apple liqueur
- 1 2/3 ounces triple sec
- 4 ounces cranberry juice
- 2 ounces orange juice
Instructions
- Orange wedges and green apple chunks for garnish
- Place the canned cranberries in a blender and puree for approximately 4-5 seconds. The mixture should not be totally smooth. Measure out 4 ounces.
- In a two-quart container or pitcher, combine all the ingredients.
- Stir well and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve approximately 6 ounces of the beverage over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a fresh skewer of fruit using the orange wedges and green apple chunks.
- Chef's Tips:
- It's best to make sangria a day in advance, because the longer the flavors can blend together, the better. Don’t put the fruit into the sangria at the last minute. Allow it to soak up the flavor of the liquids. Use a quality wine in your sangria, and make sure to put it in the glass or pitcher before you start mixing in the other ingredients. Since fruit is a great expression of the seasons, use those types that are fresh and in season. For example, during the summer, mix a white wine with peaches, nectarines and blueberries. In the winter, use citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines. In the fall, choose apples and berries. Be sure you use fruit juices that are consistent with the fruits in your sangria. In the summer, use peach nectar. If you’re using citrus fruits, use orange juice. If you're using berries, use cranberry juice.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!