Holiday Sangria

A house full of family for Thanksgiving week meant afternoon puzzles and evening card games. And maybe a little sangria. Maybe enough sangria to enjoy for a second night. The recipe said to make it and put in the refrigerator overnight. Jessica mixed it in the morning and we sampled it late that afternoon. It wasn't bad, but it was a little unimpressive. It really did need the be mixed the night before.

It was a night after Thanksgiving that we had a nice cheese platter and this sangria. Made our supper of leftovers feel more like a party. The next night we poured up what was left. And that sangria had pizazz. The cinnamon and fruit flavors were bright and full. It really did need more time in the refrigerator. This was the easiest recipe to put together. Instead of adding sugar, the gentle sweetness came from adding apple cider to the wine. 

The end of last year's Christmas napkins.

This drink looks like a party. It tastes like a party. I'm saving the recipe for Christmas because I'm sure we will make it again. If you're having a very small party. Make a single bottle batch for a very small party. Just allow enough time to let the flavors develop.

HOLIDAY SANGRIA

2 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon
2 cups apple cider
4 cinnamon sticks.
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 red apple, sliced (don't peel it)
1 orange, sliced & seeded (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve in a wine glass, being sure to add some fruit to each glass.


Some apple ciders are bolder than others, I like the stronger kind for this mix. But use the one that suits your tastes. Or, the one that you can find in your store.