When it comes to refreshing, crowd-pleasing drinks, Olive Garden’s Green Apple Sangria is a standout. This sweet and tangy sangria is the perfect balance of crisp green apple flavor, white wine, and subtle citrus notes—all served chilled over ice. It’s a seasonal favorite that captures the fresh, fruity essence of summer and early fall.
Whether you’ve tasted it at the restaurant or are just hearing about it, this DIY version will let you enjoy that signature Olive Garden sangria experience right in your own home.
🍏 What Is Green Apple Sangria?
Green Apple Sangria is a light, fruity cocktail made by combining white wine with green apple-flavored syrup or juice, citrus elements like lemon or lime, and a splash of fruit liqueur or soda. Olive Garden’s version adds a little sparkle and sweetness with ingredients that blend tartness and crispness into a refreshing, balanced drink.
🛒 Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Green Apple Sangria
Here’s how to replicate this refreshing sangria at home:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work best)
- 1 cup green apple syrup or green apple juice
- ½ cup peach schnapps (or triple sec for citrus twist)
- ½ cup lemon-lime soda or sparkling water
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup or honey (optional, for added sweetness)
Fresh Fruit Add-ins:
- 1 green apple, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
🍷 How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Wash and thinly slice the apple, lemon, and lime. Add to a large pitcher.
Step 2: Mix the Liquids
In the same pitcher, pour in the white wine, green apple syrup or juice, peach schnapps, and simple syrup (if using). Stir to combine.
Step 3: Chill
Let the sangria sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors infuse and the fruit to soften slightly.
Step 4: Add Bubbles
Right before serving, add lemon-lime soda or sparkling water to give it a bubbly, refreshing finish.
Step 5: Serve
Pour over ice in wine glasses. Garnish with mint leaves or an extra apple slice on the rim.
💡 Tips for Best Flavor
- Choose crisp, tart green apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
- Use real green apple juice or syrup for an authentic taste (Torani green apple syrup is great).
- Make it ahead of time and let it chill so the flavors can deepen and meld.
- If you like it stronger, add a splash of brandy or apple liqueur.
🍹 Variations to Try
- Fall Twist: Add a splash of apple cider and a cinnamon stick for an autumn version.
- Berry Green Apple Sangria: Add blueberries or strawberries for color and contrast.
- Mocktail Version: Use white grape juice instead of wine and omit the schnapps; add extra soda for fizz.
- Frozen Sangria: Blend all ingredients with ice to make a frozen version perfect for hot days.
🎉 Perfect for Every Occasion
- Summer BBQs and pool parties
- Holiday gatherings or brunch
- Girls’ night in or romantic dinner
- Just because you want something delicious and refreshing!
📌 Final Thoughts
The Olive Garden Green Apple Sangria is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration in a glass. With its perfect blend of fruity, crisp, and refreshing notes, it’s ideal for any occasion where you want to impress or simply unwind. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this sangria recipe deserves a spot in your go-to cocktail list.
So grab your pitcher, slice those apples, and pour yourself a taste of the Olive Garden experience at home!