I have a love/hate relationship with sangria.

It’s always delicious when you order it out…as are MOST drinks that are loaded with sugar.

It’s really hard to find a sangria recipe that doesn’t have actual sugar added, or at least tons of juice that’s loaded with added sugar.

If I’m catching a buzz then the last thing I need to be doing is pumping sugar through my veins, you know?

(also why do so many sangria recipes have merlot and brandy?? Feels way too heavy to sip poolside)

Anyway, a couple of years ago I challenged myself to make a low-sugar version by creating a Fall Apple Sangria for the blog using Superfresh Grower’s Autumn Glory apples (my favorite apples – they have a cinnamon-y caramel-y taste so they’re extra good). WOWOWOW. I still whip this up and take it to most of my holiday parties come October.

So, when Superfresh Growers challenged me to recreate this little gem for summer, I said HOLD MY MARGARITA. And went to work.

So, here’s my rule of thumb for sangria:

For every 1 bottle of wine: 

• 2-3 cups of fruit

• A sparkle, like sparkling wine, club soda, or a flavored mineral water

• ¼ c alcohol (like vodka, Cointreau, or brandy – and this is optional)

Pretty simple!

I really like apples in sangria because they hold up really well, they add a clean, crisp flavor, and the entire purpose of sangria is to be able to eat boozy fruit. And since Autumn Glory apples are actually in season through the summer…they’re just the right choice for the job.

I also did a quick Google search and according to their website, these apples pair well with white wine for sangria – WHO KNEW!! Looks like we’re on the right track.

I’m keeping this recipe simple today, but if you plan to double it, I highly recommend making your 2nd bottle of wine a sparkling one!

Summer Sangria

Author: Megan Hansen, RDN, DL

Total time: 5 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 750-ml bottle of dry, crisp white wine (chilled – I prefer a really good Pinot Grigio or a dry Riesling)

• 1/4 cup Cointreau or Grand Marnier (any orange liqueur works here, but I really recommend a good quality one. A nasty, cheap triple sec will, unfortunately, make your sangria taste nasty and cheap)

• 1 Autumn Glory apple, chopped into small pieces

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1 cup sliced strawberries or cherries

For serving:

• Ice or frozen berries

• Sparkling water

Instructions:

1. Using a large pitcher or large mason jars, add orange liqueur, fruit, and wine and stir well to incorporate.

2. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Then, add ice or frozen berries to either the pitcher or individual glasses. Top off wine glasses with a splash of sparkling water.

3. Keeps for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Superfresh Growers. You can ask your local grocery stores if they carry Autumn Glory apples or just message them on Instagram and ask and they will find your closest store!