Mulled Cranberry-Orange Sangria

 

Have you ever noticed how drinking something warm makes you feel....well....just better? It's the reason I love my coffee in the morning, my green tea at night, warm cider on a crisp Fall day, hot chocolate after playing in the snow, and mulled sangria pretty much....anytime!?

Although we are currently having a heat wave here in Wisconsin, I know the cold weather is just around the corner. As are the holidays...which brings back delicious memories of a warm cranberry wine I made for Thanksgiving last year. Mmmmmmmmmm.

So when I saw that cranberries had made their seasonal visit back to the produce section, I had to pick some up.

I got to thinking: Is it possible to make the delicious wine from last year even better??

Well, that's easy. Of course! Just add booze:)

Mulled Cranberry-Orange Sangria

1 1/2 cups cranberry juice cocktail

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 tsp cinnamon

4 whole cloves

3 cups dry red wine (I used a Shiraz-Cabernet blend)

1/4 cup brandy

1/4 cup orange liqueur (I used Triple Sec)

1/2 cup fresh cranberries

orange slices

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and cranberries. Bring to a simmer. Serve warm.

I decided to refrigerate mine (like you would sangria) to let the flavors develop.

I served it a few days later....but I've since discovered that it's just as good right off the stove top.

Oops! Where are the oranges??

Delicious. Better than last year.

Oops! All gone :)

Thanks for taking a peek inside my Lemon Tree Dwelling!

I hope you feel right at home :)

-Cathy