If there’s one drink that embodies summer, it’s sangria! Fruity, fresh, red or white, it’s always a delight.
Traditionally made with wine, I’m excited to introduce a refreshing twist: cider sangria, perfect for those hot summer days.
This recipe was generously provided by McKeown Ciders, a renowned cidery based in Rougemont.
They’ve meticulously selected all the necessary ingredients to craft this beverage, and the result is simply stunning!
Why Choose Cider for Your Sangria?
Cider brings a fresh, sparkling touch that blends beautifully in cocktails, including sangria.
Here’s why cider is an excellent choice for your summer creations:
- Freshness: Naturally refreshing, cider makes an ideal base for summer drinks.
- Bubbly Delight: The bubbles in cider add a delightful lightness, making sangria even more festive.
- Perfect Acidity: Cider’s wonderful acidity enhances the fruity flavors, making each sip even more enjoyable.
- Moderate Alcohol Content: With a generally lower alcohol content than wine, cider allows for less alcoholic cocktails, perfect for early evenings or sunny afternoons.
8 Tips for Presenting this Cider Sangria
Use Clear Pitchers and Glasses: Serve the sangria in a clear glass pitcher to showcase the vibrant colors of the fruits and the sparkling cider. Use clear glasses to continue the visual appeal.
Garnish Creatively: Add a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of citrus fruit to each glass for an attractive garnish. This adds both color and a touch of elegance.
Chill Properly: Ensure the sangria is well-chilled before serving. If possible, let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with plenty of ice to keep it cold.
Fruit Presentation: Slice fruits evenly and arrange them nicely in the pitcher. Consider using a variety of colors and types of fruit to make the sangria look more appealing.
Rim the Glasses: For an extra special touch, rim the glasses with sugar. Simply rub a citrus wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it into sugar.
Serve with a Stirring Spoon: Include a long-handled spoon in the pitcher so guests can stir the sangria to mix the flavors before pouring.
Individual Servings: For a more sophisticated presentation, serve individual portions in mason jars or stemless wine glasses. Add a straw and a slice of fruit on the rim.
Seasonal Themes: Decorate your serving area with seasonal elements like flowers or themed tablecloths that match the occasion, enhancing the overall presentation.
Here is the cider sangria recipe for 2 people. I’m providing the original quantities, but for a fruitier version, feel free to double the amount of fruit juice.
Sparkling Cider Sangria
A cider-based sangria that's fresher, lighter, and more sparkling than the classic sangria.
Ingredients
- 60 ml wild berry juice*
- 60 ml orange juice*
- 710 ml apple cider (2 cans)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine all the ingredients and stir.
- Garnish with fruits (apple wedges, orange slices, strawberries, etc.).
- Serve immediately.
Notes
The recipe was provided by McKeown Ciders, along with the necessary ingredients to make it. However, the opinions expressed in this article are my own.