Seasonally spiced red sangria is the cocktail of the holiday season. It's fruity and punchy, but also just sophisticated enough - AKA it's going to make everyone happy! Make a large batch and serve in a punch bowl as the centerpiece of your holiday table.
1bottledry red winegrenache, merlot, or pinot noir
¾cupbrandy
½cuporange juice
½cupcranberry juice
8wholecardamom podslightly crushed
1teaspoonwhole cloves
2wholestar anise
2wholecinnamon sticks
Instructions
Add the oranges, apples, and cranberries to a pitcher. Sprinkle the sugar over the fruit, then use a wooden spoon to stir it into the fruit. While you stir, very gently crush the fruit to release the natural sugars.
Add the wine, brandy, orange juice, and cranberry juice to the pitcher; stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
Arrange the cardamom pods on a cutting board, then cover with a tea towel. Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on the pods until you hear them crack just a bit.
Add the crushed cardamom pods, whole cloves, star anise and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher. Stir once more, then chill at least 8 hours, but preferably overnight.
When you're ready to serve, pour the sangria over ice into a wine or cocktail glass. Be sure to use a spoon to transfer some fruit to each glass (it's delicious after soaking!). Serve right away, and enjoy!