When most people think of Fireball, they think of it as a shot (or as a string of blurry-edged memories and equally fuzzy, unintelligible snaps). After all, that's largely how it became one of the top 10 bestselling spirits in the U.S., or so the lore of one intrepid, "free shots for everyone!"-decreeing salesperson goes. At this point, though, the amber-colored liquor has claimed such a stake in the market that it's no wonder it's starting to pop up in all kinds of other cocktails and concoctions.
In short, no mixed drink—no matter how beloved—is safe. Cinnamon and apple go so well together (ahem, apple pie) that we had to try the spiced whisky in a fired-up version of sangria. To some, it may be blasphemous, but once you have a sip, it's hard to hate. Fireball adds just the right amount of kick to traditional sangria, and when it's infused in apples and citrus, you may get drunk off of the garnish alone. Because you sure as hell won't be able to stop snacking.
You don't have to limit yourself to apples, oranges and blood oranges—pears, lemons and peaches could also be a nice touch here. Blackberries wouldn't really absorb the cinnamon-y flavor, but they add a sweet-tart touch to the mix, if you're feeling just a tad crazy (like "hey, I think I'll get bangs" crazy, not "hey, I think I'll shave my head and bust car windows with an umbrella, like circa 2007 Britney" crazy, obviously).
Mix up a pitcher, grill some Mexican Street Corn and bake a batch of Cool Ranch Chicken, and you'll be ready to toast to summer like no other.
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Candace Braun Davison writes, edits, and produces lifestyle content that ranges from celebrity features to roll-up-your-sleeves DIYs, all while relentlessly pursuing the noblest of causes: the quest for the world's best chocolate chip cookie.
