Winter Sangria for Your Holiday Party

Holiday parties are upon us and it's always fun to bring something a little different for friends to enjoy.

I usually stick to a plain ol' veggie platter with greek yogurt dip so I have healthy options to eat :)

Today I'm feeling like bringing something a little different than my go-to choice so I got up early this morning to get my sangria ready (didn't realize it needed to soak overnight or for at least 6 hours!).  It's soaking now and will be ready just in time for tonight.

Here's the recipe...not super healthy, of course.  But, everything in moderation is my mantra!  Little wine with some fruit never ruined someone's fitness goals ;)  

Check out the recipe below from Simple Bites.

Ingredients

• 1 pear, washed, seeded and sliced
• 4 clementines, washed and sliced thinly
• 1 apple, washed, seeded and sliced
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/4 cup organic raw cane sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bottle red wine
• 3 cups pomegranate juice OR
• elderflower cordial (not both)
• 1 cup orange juice, ideally freshly squeezed
• ginger ale or club soda for serving
• ice cubes

Instructions

1. In the bottom of a large glass pitcher or gallon jar, combine sliced fruit and pomegranate.
2. Sprinkle with cane sugar and toss in the cinnamon stick.
3. Pour the red wine and the fruit juices over the fruit.
4. Stir well, cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
5. To serve, remove cinnamon stick, and pour over ice into glasses. Top with ginger ale or club soda to taste. Garnish with more pomegranate arils if desired.

*Oh and you can add Brandy too to enhance alcohol content and complexity of flavors.