Looking for a refreshing fruity cocktail? Try this easy green apple sangria recipe! Crisp green apples, sweet white wine, and zesty lemon, make this the pitcher-perfect addition for pool parties, porch sippin,’ or girls night in.
There’s a sangria for every season. Simple to make and easy to sip, what’s not to love? Check out our other seasonal sangria recipes including: Moscato Sangria, Refreshing Strawberry Sangria, Caramel Apple Sangria, and Blackberry Sangria.
Green Apple Sangria is maybe the easiest white wine sangria I’ve ever made. No shaker, no cooking or simple syrup, and no special equipment beyond a corkscrew wine opener. It’s as simple as mixing chilled ingredients into a pretty pitcher.
This recipe is the answer to cocktail cravings for something crisp yet fruity. Packed with fresh strawberries, apples, and oranges, but green apple takes center stage in this easy big batch cocktail is perfect for pool parties. The libation’s green hue makes it a fun choice for St Patrick’s Day celebrations or Halloween parties too!
Ingredients and Notes
The idea for this recipe was partially inspired by other copycat versions of the discontinued signature Olive Garden Green Apple Moscato sangria. Although I never tasted that version, I know how to make a simple sangria that satisfies.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
750-ml Moscato Wine. Moscato is one of the sweetest wines that’s easy to shop. Riesling is the closest substitute. If you like more of a dry wine, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are good choices.
Granny Smith Apple Puree. This puree is a sweet syrup with ground apples. While you can substitute Apple Pucker or Sour Apple Syrup, the recipe won’t taste the same.
Pineapple Juice. You can find this in the bottled juice section, usually in a 6-pack of 6oz cans. It acts as a natural sweetener- this drink is plenty sweet.
Fruits. I chose Cara Cara Oranges, strawberries, and green apple slices to double up on the green apple flavor. What’s sangria without fruit?!
What fruits go with green apple?
The easiest way to enhance any sangria is by adding fruit. At Olive Garden, this Green Apple Moscato Sangria was served with oranges slices and strawberries. Experiment with other fruits you have on hand, such as:
- Raspberries
- Peaches
- Blueberries
- Kumquats
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Citrus fruits such as limes or lemons
You can use frozen fruit in addition to fresh cut. However, frozen fruit tends to get mushy much faster.
White Wine Sangria Recipe Variations
Like most sangria recipes, this is super forgiving. Make as many adjustments as needed, it will still be delicious. Choose fruit based on the season or switch up the wine to find your favorite combination. Here are a few variation ideas:
- Make a sparkling sangria by topping it with a splash of Prosecco, club soda, or Ginger ale.
- Add a shot of white rum, white tequila, or vodka.
- Present it prettily with a sprig of fresh mint and a colorful stir stick/straw.
- Substitute white grape juice instead of wine for a family-friendly version.
What Goes Well with Green Apple Moscato Sangria?
Most fruity sangrias have remarkable versatility, complementing a range of dishes including those inspired by Olive Garden. Savory meats and cheeses create a delightful contrast to the beverage’s sweetness. Light dishes won’t be overpowered by the drink.
Charcuterie or Antipasto Platters – Wine & charcuterie go hand in hand. Learn how to make the perfect charcuterie board here.
Crisp, refreshing salads like our poppyseed salad or strawberry spinach salad.
Picnic Favorites such as BBQ, Grilled Chicken, broccoli apple salad and quinoa chickpea salad.
Rich, Italian dishes such as spaghetti, bruschetta chicken pasta, chicken parmesan, and lemon shrimp orzo.
How to Store
Make Ahead: I find it easiest to chill the ingredients in the fridge rather than making ahead. Combine the wine, pineapple juice, and apple puree/liqueur if you prefer to prep ahead. Don’t add the fresh fruit until ready to serve to keep them in tip top condition.
Leftovers: A pitcher will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. An extended shelf life is possible if fruit is firm or removed before refrigeration.
FAQs
Moscato is the sweetest of the popularly available wines and is our top pick. However, a drier or crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Reisling would work well too.
This green apple sangria can be served immediately if you chilled all of the ingredients in the fridge the night before. However, it can be also made the night before and chilled. The apples will not turn yellow as long as they are submerged in the sangria.
It makes 7 glasses (6-ounces each) and that is without the fruit so you can double it or stretch it a bit more with more fruit for gatherings or summer parties.
I highly recommend getting Apple puree, because apple liqueur won’t taste the same. You could add a shot of green apple vodka, or use a green apple syrup like this one.
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Green Apple Sangria
Ingredients
- 750 mls Moscato wine about 3.25 cups
- 6 ounces Pineapple Juice
- ¾ cup Granny Smith Apple Puree 6 oz, substitute Apple Pucker or Apple Syrup
- 6 ounces Strawberries Quartered, about 1.5 cups
- 1 Orange sliced
- 1 Green Apple sliced
- 8 cups Ice
Instructions
- Chill wine, pineapple juice, and apple puree until ready to make.
- In a large pitcher combine chilled Moscato, pineapple juice, and granny smith apple puree. Stir until well combined. Add in strawberries, sliced oranges, and sliced apples.
- Pour into a glass over ice and add some of the fruit from the pitcher. Last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The apples and oranges are fine, but the strawberries may start to get mushy from the juice over time.
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