Recipe: Apple Harvest Citrus Sangria

This is the perfect, warming adult beverage for sipping while preparing a lovely Thanksgiving feast with friends and family! (Or just any cool fall or winter evening for that matter.) :-) 

Warming spices and fall flavors give this sangria a taste of the holidays you can enjoy all winter long - and it's beautiful enough for any special occasion!  Make the day before, and you'll have plenty to drink when the guests arrive. (Please drink responsibly.)

Apple Harvest Citrus Sangria

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ingredients:

2 crisp red apples
1 750 ml bottle white wine
1/3 cup peach schnapps
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 orange, quartered
1 lemon, quartered
1 lime, quartered
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 in. x 1/2 in. chunk of peeled fresh ginger
4 whole cloves
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon              
ice
1/4 cup club soda

Directions:

• Wash, core, and chop up one of the red apples; set aside.
• In a glass bowl, stir together the wine, schnapps, brandy, and agave nectar, then add the chopped apple, orange, lemon, lime, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and cloves, stir and set in refrigerator at least 8 hours; overnight is fine.

To serve:

• Remove mixture from refrigerator and put a mesh strainer over a bowl and strain the mixture through; discard the solids.
• Wash and core the other apple for garnish; slice into circles, and then into crescents.
• On a little plate, mix the sugar and cinnamon together then lightly moisten the rims of the glasses you will be using and dip lightly into the sugar cinnamon mix.
• Put a couple of ice cubes into each glass; pour the strained sangria into the glasses until about 3/4 full, then add a splash of club soda to the glass, then place an apple garnish on each rim and serve.

Recipe: Christmas Burgundy Sangria

 'Tis the night before Christmas, and all through the house, you and your guests are craving a glass of something sweet but without too many carbs.... This makes a great holiday beverage for Christmas Eve and tomorrow's festivities as well! Fresh juices keep it light, and the citrus flavors bring out the Christmas spirit in everyone - plus it's a beautiful drink that looks very festive in your glass!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Christmas Burgundy Sangria
(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

2 cups Burgundy wine
2 cups seltzer water
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 lemon, washed and sliced in thin circles
1 lime, washed and sliced in thin circles
1/4 to 1/2 cup stevia (more or less for taste)

Directions:

• In a large bowl or pitcher, put all the ingredients and chill in refrigerator.
• When ready to serve, pour over ice in tall glasses.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!