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🍎✨ APPLE CIDER SANGRIA

A Thanksgiving Tradition with Old-World Roots

HISTORY & ORIGIN — THE STORY BEHIND APPLE CIDER SANGRIA

The Ancient Fruit of Autumn

Apples have been part of human history for thousands of years. Native to the mountains of Central Asia—particularly southern Kazakhstan—the wild apple (Malus sieversii) spread across trade routes into Asia and Europe, eventually becoming one of the world’s most cultivated fruits. With more than 7,500 apple varieties, it’s no surprise this iconic fruit found its way into nearly every fall recipe from medieval Europe to modern American kitchens.

Cider: The Original American Drink

When early colonists reached North America, they quickly discovered that native crab apples were too small and sour for fresh eating but ideal for cider. Apple cider soon became the most common beverage in the colonies—safer than water and easier to produce than beer or wine.

By the 1700s and 1800s, Americans drank cider daily. Even Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) planted orchards across the expanding frontier—not for eating apples, but for cider apples, which were tart, tannic, and perfect for fermentation.

Sangria: A European Classic Meets American Fall

Sangria traces its roots to Spain and Portugal, where wine was blended with fruit, spices, and sometimes brandy to create a refreshing, flavorful drink. Traditionally served in warm climates, it evolved into countless seasonal variations.

The American fall twist—Apple Cider Sangria—brings together:

• European sangria tradition
• Colonial American apple cider
• Crisp fall fruit
• Thanksgiving hospitality

It’s a perfect blend of Old World and New World flavors, refreshing yet comforting, and ideal for holiday gatherings.

🍐🍏 APPLE CIDER SANGRIA

A Perfect Thanksgiving Pitcher Drink

SERVES: 6–8
TIME: 10 minutes prep + chilling

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) Pinot Grigio
• 2 ½ cups fresh apple cider
• 1 cup club soda
• ½ cup ginger brandy
• 3 Honeycrisp apples, chopped
• 3 pears, chopped

Directions

1. In a large pitcher, combine all ingredients.
2. Stir generously to blend the wine, cider, soda, and brandy.
3. Add chopped apples and pears.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or several hours for deeper flavor).
5. Serve chilled, with fruit pieces spooned into each glass.

Serving Tips

• Garnish with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a festive look.
• Freeze a handful of grapes to use as “ice cubes” without dilution.
• For a less sweet version, use dry apple cider instead of unfiltered apple juice.

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