Slice the apples, then add them to the bottom of a pitcher. Sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon and stir. Let them stand for 20 minutes at room temperature.
After 20 minutes, pour in the red wine, brandy, cinnamon sticks and lemon rounds. Stir and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours. (Don’t go beyond 4 hours or the fruit texture starts to degrade.)
Pour the sangria into ice filled glasses. If desired, for more sweetness and apple flavor, add a splash of apple cider before serving. Add apples to each glass, preferably on long skewers for easy snacking.
Notes
*Adding apple cider is less traditional Spanish, but adds more apple flavor and sweetness. If you like sweeter drinks, we recommend this.