Olive Garden Green Apple Sangria

If you love a fruity cocktail that feels perfect for gatherings any time of year, this Olive Garden-inspired Green Apple Sangria delivers a lively blend of Moscato, pineapple, and crisp apple. It uses fresh colorful fruit and comes together so fast you will reach for this recipe whenever friends come over or you need something easy and festive for a weekend at home.

I tried this for a summer barbecue and now every family member requests it for birthday dinners and casual brunches. The green apple flavor always gets compliments and everyone loves the big pieces of fruit in each glass.

Ingredients

• Moscato wine: One bottle of Moscato is sweet and bright which keeps the sangria light. Choose a good but not expensive bottle as you will be mixing flavors
• Pineapple juice: Adds tropical notes and a little tang. If you can use freshly squeezed or pure 100 percent juice look for one without added sugar
• Green apple schnapps: This brings out the signature apple punch. Go for Apple Pucker or any high—quality schnapps
• Strawberries: Sliced fresh strawberries give a colorful look and their faint tartness balances the drink. Choose bright and unbruised berries
• Orange: Thinly sliced orange offers zesty citrus flavor and pretty color. Look for a medium firm orange for best slices
• Green apple: Fresh apple slices give crunch and vibrant color. Be sure to use a crisp tart variety like Granny Smith
• Ice cubes: Keeps the sangria chilled without watering it down too much

Instructions

Make the base:

Pour the entire chilled Moscato into a large pitcher. Add all the pineapple juice and green apple schnapps. Stir gently to blend but do not over—mix or you might lose too much fizz if you are using a lightly sparkling Moscato

Add the fruit:

Carefully stir in your sliced strawberries, orange, and green apple. Try to layer the fruit so you get a mix of color in every pour

Let it sit:

Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for about one hour. This short rest lets the flavors meld and the fruit infuses the wine

Prepare to serve:

Fill rocks glasses about halfway with ice cubes. This keeps the sangria cool while diluting it just slightly for easier sipping

Pour and garnish:

Slowly pour sangria over ice, catching some fruit in each glass. Top with a fresh slice of any fruit you like for a festive look

Enjoy:

Serve immediately and watch your guests enjoy each sip. The chilled fruit will stay crisp and flavorful in the glass

Save It

Green apple schnapps is always the star for me. The bright sweet tart apple flavor reminds me of my grandmother’s favorite candies. She loved bold fruit flavors and would always ask for the green apple glass at our family parties. Even now it brings back memories of her laughter around the table.

Storage Tips

Sangria is best enjoyed the same day you make it but you can refrigerate the pitcher tightly covered for up to one day. The fruit will keep infusing the liquid over time but for freshest taste strain leftovers into a clean bottle and remove fruit if storing more than a few hours. If making ahead add ice only when serving to prevent watering down.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a little less sweetness switch Moscato for a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a nonalcoholic version try a blend of sparkling apple juice and white grape juice with a splash of pineapple juice. Peach or pear schnapps can work if you cannot find green apple.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in fun glasses with plenty of fresh fruit or offer a sangria bar with extra garnishes like mint sprigs or frozen grapes. This pairs well with light finger foods, cheese platters or simple appetizers on a warm evening.

Cultural Notes

While sangria is traditionally Spanish this fruity American twist takes inspiration from Olive Garden and classic family—friendly cocktails. It is the kind of drink you see passed around at picnics or festive showers.

Seasonal Adaptations

Try subbing in ripe nectarines or peaches for strawberries in summer. In autumn use a dash of cinnamon and substitute pears for some of the apple. In winter choose ruby—red grapefruit instead of orange for tartness.

Success Stories

People love bringing this sangria to potlucks or friends’ parties. I once made a double batch for a backyard bridal shower and every guest came back for seconds. Clean up is quick since it is made in one pitcher.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze the wine and schnapps mixture in a ziptop bag for up to a month without fruit. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh fruit and juice before serving.

Save It

This sangria is as easy as it is crowd—pleasing—just be sure to use the freshest fruit for the best taste. Enjoy making it your own for any special occasion.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different white wine instead of Moscato?

Yes, you can substitute Moscato with another sweet or semi-sweet white wine like Riesling or Pinot Grigio for a similar fresh taste. Just keep in mind that drier wines may create a less sweet result.

→ How can I enhance the green apple flavor?

For a stronger apple presence, add a splash of green apple puree or increase the amount of green apple schnapps. This will intensify both aroma and taste.

→ Is this sangria best made ahead of time?

Allowing the sangria to chill for at least an hour lets the fruit flavors infuse and meld, resulting in a more balanced and refreshing drink.

→ What type of fruit works well for garnish?

Sliced fresh strawberries, oranges, and green apples are ideal garnishes, adding both color and fresh flavors. Feel free to use your favorite seasonal fruit too.

→ Is this drink suitable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets?

Yes, this cocktail is gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free schnapps, and it is naturally vegetarian. Always check labels for hidden allergens.