Cherry and Thyme Sangria

4 SmartPoints
Published June 19, 2017

Distinctly Canadian, made with fresh, local cherries and apples, and a generous glug or two of Canadian apple whisky this flavour combination encapsulates the true north – for only 4 SmartPoints. Can’t find apple whisky? No problem! Simply substitute your favourite Canadian whisky or use a mild brandy in its place.

The inclusion of savoury thyme lends complexity to this quaff, not to mention some verdantly-inspired visual appeal. And a top up with ginger ale marks this as a truly Canadian cocktail. Muskoka chair, plaid shirt, and poutine optional.

Here, we have recommended using a Canadian Riesling when crafting this cocktail to further amp up the Canadian quotient, but feel free to substitute any unoaked white wine you have handy.

Cherry and Thyme Sangria

Ingredients

  • 1 1⁄4 cups cherries, pitted and halved 
  • 120 ml apple whisky
  • 750 ml Canadian Riesling white wine
  • 200 ml ginger ale
  • 500 ml club soda
  • 1 apple, cored, sliced
  • 16 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • ice

Method

Pit and halve the cherries. Place them in a large, wide mouthed pitcher, add the whisky and muddle with a bar muddler or wooden spoon until the cherries have released some of their juice and colour.

Add the white wine, ginger ale, sparking water, and apple and stir to combine and let sit for 10 minutes.

To serve, take two springs of thyme and curl them around your finger. Place in the bottom of your serving glass and top the thyme with ice. Ladle over some fruit from the pitcher and top with 200 ml of sangria.

Notes    
Serving Size; 200 ml each