Imagine waddling your way across the graduation stage, tired but proud. That was me when I got my master’s degree. Sure, I was only 5 months along, but since he was my third kid in as many years I was doing my best impression of a hormonal duck. All I was thinking about was the amazing burger my family was taking me to after the ceremony.
When I got to the restaurant I was pumped and ready to celebrate. As the waiter took our order I asked about any mocktails and explained that I had just graduated. He apologetically informed me that they had a wide range of cocktails, but the only alcohol-free options were juice, coffee, and soda. As always. Noting my disappointment he decided to recruit the bartender and whip me up something celebratory. It was amazing and made me feel so special!
More often than not this is what happens to people who don’t drink. They are relegated to the kids’ menu. As fun as juice boxes are, they aren’t all that exciting! That’s not the case with this Family Friendly Fall Sangria Mocktail. It will help all your guests feel welcome!
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Why You’ll Love this Sangria
It’s not the holidays without a fun drink. This deliciously chilled mocktail is just what you’ve been looking for to add a little spice to your parties.
Festive Flavor without the Alcohol
In college I had to see a specialist for some health problems. He was going through the standard questions and when I told him I didn’t use drugs, smoke, or drink he told me, “huh, you’re kind of boring”.
I know he meant it in a funny way, but it’s an attitude I have heard many times when people find out I don’t drink. It’s not true, though. We’re just as entertaining as everyone else. This non-alcoholic sangria lets those of us who choose to skip the alcohol still have a fun fall drink.
Make-Ahead for Stress-Free Entertaining
The last thing anyone wants to do when friends are over is to miss out on the laughter while they work away in the kitchen. Having dishes you can make ahead of time takes one more thing off your party-time to do list. The beauty of this sangria is that it needs to sit for at least 8 hours, giving you one less thing to do on the day of your party!
Autumn Flavors for Hot Days
I have decided that I am going to start making it be fall by sheer force of will. Sure, it might still be hot enough to melt asphalt, but if we all just collectively think cool thoughts and indulge in fall flavors like this sangria, maybe we can bring on that gorgeous fall weather!
What You’ll Need
There aren’t very many ingredients in this sangria. Most of them are simple pantry staples that you can find at standard grocery stores.
Whole Spices for a Smooth Texture
For this sangria you’re going to make a deliciously spiced simple syrup. Instead of using ground spices you’re going to simmer whole ones in sugar and water to infuse your syrup with flavor while keeping it perfectly smooth.
Pure Cranberry Juice for Tartness
Good flavor is all about balance. You’re going to get sweetness from the simple syrup and apple juice in this sangria and warmth from the spices. The tartness of the cranberry juice balances those perfectly. The key is to use pure cranberry juice rather than a cranberry juice cocktail.
Ginger Ale for Taste & Tingle
Like I said, the best drinks have balanced flavor, and they also have something about them that brings a fun surprise. That’s what the ginger ale in your sangria will do. It helps to balance out the sweetness with a little sharpness and adds an entertaining fizziness to your drink.
How to Substitute
Substitutions are a way of life for those of us with food allergies. My goal is that you learn to substitute well. To do that, consider the flavor and purpose of the ingredient you want (or need) to swap and make your choice based on that.
Fruit
Feel free to swap out some or all of the apples in this sangria for another fall fruit. Other great options could be pears, pomegranates, or persimmons.
Spices
I love the variety of spices used in this simple syrup. It creates a great harmony of flavors. If you can’t find some of those whole spices in your area, you can use a few more cinnamon sticks instead, though.
Ginger Ale
If you’re looking to change up the flavor of this sangria, try trading out the ginger ale for something like sparkling apple cider or sparkling water. It will keep your sangria alcohol-free while giving it a new flavor twist.
Having exciting drink options without the alcohol matters. Serving this non-alcoholic sangria will make your party the talk of the town and can go a long way to ensuring everyone feels included. Whip up a batch for your next gathering, and don’t forget to snap a photo. Tag @fearlessfaithfulmom on Instagram so I can see your beautiful fall drinks!
Family-Friendly Fall Sangria Mocktail
Ingredients
Spiced Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 pods cardamom
- 2 sticks cinnamon (3-4 inches each)
- 2 berries allspice berries
Sangria
- 2 green apples (finely chopped)
- 1 red apple (finely chopped)
- 1 large orange (sliced)
- 24 oz frozen apple juice concentrate (thawed)
- 3 cups pure cranberry juice
- spiced simple syrup
- ginger ale
Instructions
Simle Syrup
- Put all of the ingredients in a pan and bring them to a simmer over medium-low heat. Allow it to cook until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Put the simple syrup in the fridge to cool while you prepare your sangria base.
Sangria
- Cut your orange slices into semi-circles and place them around the inside of your pitcher. Put your chopped apples into the center.
- Pour the apple juice concentrate, cranberry juice, and simple syrup over the apples and give it a gentle stir. Put it in the fridge to let the fruit soak for at least 8 hours.
- When you are ready to serve the sangria, fill your glass halfway with the base (including some fruit), then top it up with chilled ginger ale.
