The Crimson Orchard Sangria Mocktail (Sangria Hibiscus Tea-Infused Honey)

The Crimson Orchard Sangria Mocktail (or Cocktail)

Serves 6

Highlighting the bright, floral, and berry-forward profile of MJD Apiary’s Sangria Hibiscus Tea Infused Honey, this recipe reimagines traditional wine sangria into a vibrant, crisp, and deeply refreshing drink. It features a rich honey-citrus syrup base that marries seamlessly with fresh orchard fruits.

Ingredients

• For the Honey-Hibiscus Base:

  • 1/4 cup MJD Apiary Sangria Hibiscus Tea Infused Honey

  • 1/4 cup boiling water (just enough to dissolve the honey)

  • Juice of 2 large blood oranges (or standard navel oranges)

  • Juice of 1 lime

• For the Sangria Body & Garnishes:

  • 3 cups chilled white cranberry juice or tart apple cider

  • 2 cups sparkling water or dry ginger beer (for effervescence)

  • 1 medium crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries or raspberries, hulled and halved

  • Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

  • Ice cubes (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create the Infusion Syrup:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the MJD Apiary Sangria Hibiscus Tea Infused Honey and boiling water until the honey is completely dissolved and fragrant. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

2. Mix the Citrus Base:
   In a large pitcher, combine the cooled honey syrup, freshly squeezed blood orange juice, and lime juice. Stir well.

3. Macerate the Fruit:
   Add the sliced apples and berries into the pitcher with the citrus base. Gently stir and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the fruit to absorb the floral-honey notes.

4. Add the Fizz:
   Pour in the chilled white cranberry juice (or apple cider) and the sparkling water (or ginger beer). Stir gently to combine everything without losing the bubbles.

5. Serve:
   Fill 6 glasses with fresh ice. Pour the sangria evenly across the glasses, making sure each glass gets a good share of the infused fruit. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.

Host Tip: If you want to turn this into an alcoholic cocktail for an evening gathering, substitute 1.5 cups of the sparkling water with a dry, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied rosé.