The Perfect Fall Cocktail and Appetizer

This week, I want to share a great autumn cocktail. Apple Sangria. This past summer I was obsessed with making sangrias, finding them to be a wonderful summer time cocktail. So when I came across this Apple Sangria recipe I was instantly intrigued. One of my favorite summertime cocktails, with all the flavors of fall? Perfect. Sangrias are a great drink for entertaining. They are made ahead of time so there is no last minute prep and you make them in a big batch and just put out a pitcher. I love it! This Apple Sangria is sort of a cross between a mulled cider and a mulled wine but served chilled. It is just a really great fall cocktail. Can you tell I’m a fan?

Of course, I need to make a snack to munch on while enjoying autumn in a glass. So in keeping with the theme of apples and turning summertime flavors into fall, I am giving you a recipe for Apple Salsa.

These work beautifully as a cocktail and appetizer combo to begin an evening or just enjoyed whiling away a gorgeous fall afternoon. Try them – they’re autumnally delicious!

Recipe: Apple Sangria
adapted from Cooking Light

• 3 1/2  cups  Apples – chopped (recommended: Honeycrisp)
• 1/2  cup  Apple Brandy (recommended: Lairds)
• 1/4  cup  Honey
• 1  Naval Orange – quartered
• 4  Cloves – whole
• 2  large Cinnamon Sticks
• 2 slices Fresh Ginger – peeled and sliced in ¼ inch pieces
• 1  bottle (750 ml) – Red Wine
• Club Soda

Instructions:
Combine apples, brandy, honey, orange, cloves, cinnamon sticks, ginger and red wine in a large pitcher. Refrigerate for a few hours. Strain into another pitcher. Put ice into a wine glass, fill 2/3 of the way up with Sangria and top with club soda. Garnish with an apple slice.

Recipe: Apple Salsa
adapted from Cooking Light

2 cups Apples – peeled, cored and diced small
1/2 cup Red Pepper – diced small
1/4 cup Red Onion – diced small
1/4 cup Cilantro – chopped
1 tbs Honey
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 Jalapeño Pepper – seeded and diced small
1/3 cup Fresh Squeezed Lime juice

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in bowl. Serve with tortilla chips.