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Olive Garden Sangria

A restaurant-quality sangria with dry red wine, brandy, fresh fruit, and a hint of sweetness, ready in 10 minutes and perfect for entertaining.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 glasses
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Spanish-inspired American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 bottle 750 ml dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup or 2-3 tablespoons sugar dissolved
  • 1 large orange thinly sliced
  • 1 medium lemon thinly sliced
  • 1 Granny Smith apple cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup strawberries hulled and halved
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 to 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
  • Ice for serving

Equipment

  • Large glass pitcher (at least 3-quart capacity)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Long spoon or bar spoon
  • Wine glasses or serving pitcher
  • Vegetable peeler (optional)

Method
 

  1. Wash all fruit under cool running water, pat dry, then slice oranges and lemons into thin rounds, core and slice apple, halve strawberries, and cut pineapple into chunks.
  2. If using granulated sugar, dissolve 2-3 tablespoons sugar in 2 tablespoons hot water until clear, then let cool for 1 minute.
  3. Pour 750 ml dry red wine into a large pitcher.
  4. Add 1/4 cup brandy, 1/2 cup orange juice, and 1/4 cup apple juice to the wine and stir to combine.
  5. Stir in 1/4 cup simple syrup or cooled sugar solution, tasting and adjusting sweetness as needed.
  6. Add all sliced fruits to the pitcher and gently stir to distribute evenly.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 4 days for deeper infusion.
  8. Just before serving, add 1/2 to 1 cup sparkling water and stir gently to preserve bubbles.
  9. Serve over ice in glasses, ensuring each serving includes fruit pieces.

Notes

Chill at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor; add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz.