Autumn Sangria

I love Sangria.  I think it is so much fun, delicious, and inventive.  The best part, however, is that you can use cheap wine and it still tastes delicious.  Sangria is a perfect option for a party because it will cost less overall, and people can still enjoy it while trying a mix of new flavors.  I found this specific recipe by googling the words "Fall Sangria"and I am so. glad. I. tried. it.

 Take my word: it pays to take chances when creating new menu options.  If you hate it, then don't do it again.  If you find something delicious, it will show up again and again, and you will be so glad you were not too afraid to branch out.  This Autumn Sangria is a must for holiday parties this season. Here is my altered recipe and prep for this delicious dinner drink:

Autumn Sangria 

2 bottles of Merlot
1 bottle of Ginger Ale
1 cup of Sugar
Palm sized amount of ground Cinnamon, to taste
Pinch of ground Nutmeg, to taste
4 to 6 apples, sliced
7 Cinnamon sticks


Pour one bottle of Merlot, 1 cup of Sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg into a medium sized pot and place on medium heat until just hot, stirring constantly.  Small bubbles will surface, and the sugar should be dissolved before you remove from heat.  Once the sugar is dissolved, the other spices should be mixed well into the merlot. This will take about ten minutes.  Be careful to stir constantly, and that the heat is not too high.  If the mixture gets too hot, then the alcohol will be boiled out of the mixture, so do not let it get too hot.


After small bubbles form and the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat, and place into an air tight container.  Add the second bottle of Merlot, the sliced apples, and the cinnamon sticks.  Place mixture into the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, but up to 24.  Right before serving, pur the bottle of ginger ale into the container.  Pour slowly, or a layer of foamy bubbles will form at the top of the mixture.  If this happens, don't sweat it, just remove the foam before placing into serving pitcher.  Place sangria into the the desired serving container and enjoy! 


Don't stress if people pour the sangria into their glasses and get pieces of fruit as well.  One of my favorite things about Sangria is tasting the wine-infused fruit after y glass is finished.  The cinnamon and nutmeg give this drink a fall flavor, and although it's chilled, it warms you up a bit.  I think you are going to love this treat!

Not everyone drinks wine, so I had these fun old-fashioned sodas available for those who wanted to try them.  They are made with pure can sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, so for a special occasion, it's a healthier alternative.