November 21, 2014

Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

Happy Friday friends!

How is your Thanksgiving planning coming along? The big day is almost here! Are you as cool as a cucumber? Or do you need a stiff drink?

Things are looking kind of organized over here. I’ve nailed down the major details, so now I’m starting to pull together the smaller bits and pieces, including what we’ll all be drinking on the big day. Because I’m a firm believer that every party feels more like a party if there is a signature cocktail.

As the hostess with the mostess, I want my guests to feel extra special on Thanksgiving. But the reality of the situation is that I don’t always have the time to be mixing up individual drink orders. There is a turkey to baste, squash to roast and something simmering on the stove that I’ve likely forgotten about. A signature house cocktail solves all my problems. It’s fun, festive, easy and completely hands off!

You can make up a big pitcher of this Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria an hour (or more) before your guests arrive, then set it out and let people serve themselves. Total low stress situation happening right >>here<<. It’s crisp, refreshing and just a little bit sweet, making it the perfect drink for your friends and family to sip on while they mingle and wait for the main event.

And let’s talk about the genius that is apple cider ice cubes. Apple cider ice cubes people! The pitcher stays cold and your drink doesn’t get all watered down. I really felt like I was winning at life when I came up with that one.

Cheers,

Liz

Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2-4 cups fresh apple cider, divided
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 2 tablespoons orange flavored liqueur
• Juice from one orange
• 1 bottle (750 ml) sparkling white wine
• 2 apples (I like to use one green and one red)

Instructions

1. Make the apple cider ice cubes. Fill the wells of an ice cube tray with apple cider and freeze until solid, at least 6 hours or overnight if possible.
2. Make the sangria. In a large pitcher combine 2 cups of the apple cider, the brandy, orange liqueur and fresh orange juice. Gently stir in the sparkling wine.
3. Slice the apples into matchsticks and add them to the sangria. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
4. To serve, add a handful of the apple cider ice cubes to the pitcher. Set it out along with some glasses and allow your guests to serve themselves.

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https://www.floatingkitchen.net/sparkling-apple-cider-sangria/