The Byers' Cran-Apple Cider Sangria!
Trai + I love to host small get-togethers a couple times a year with great company, lots of games and, of course, good food! So, most recently, for a Halloween shin-dig, we decided to whip up our own Fall-inspired sangria for the gang! :)
cran-apple cider sangria!
When it comes to liquor, we pretty much stick to the occasional social drink (I like a good rum, he fancies a nice tequila and we both hate vodka). But, for an all around crowd-pleaser, it’s hard to say no to a smooth liqueur! So, when we were concocting this seasonal sangria, we used one of hubby’s favorites - Grand Marnier - and needless to say, it was a complete HIT.
Not a drop or piece of fruit were left behind!
it’s banging. get ready.
So, if you’re scrambling to find a no-fail holiday pot-luck option or if you happen to be the one hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, we promise, our Cran-Apple Cider Sangria will be a guaranteed success!
The Byers’ cran-apple cider sangria
(Serves 10-12 people)
Ingredients:
6 oz apple juice
6 oz cranberry juice
1/3 bottle of your favorite white wine (we used a Pinot Gris!)
1 full bottle of red wine (we love Apothic Red or if you want to be extra schmacy, try Duckhorn’s Merlot)
3 tbs of maple syrup
3 tbs of fine brown sugar (dissolved in 3 tbs of warm water)
1 tsp of cinnamon
2.5 cups of apple cider
1 cup of Grand Marnier Liqueur
1/2 apple sliced (or more, if desired!)
1/2 orange sliced (or more if desired! Also, keep the ends to squeeze into the bowl)
A handful of red/black seedless grapes sliced in half
A handful of fresh cranberries if you want a more tart flavor
For Decor Only:
10-12 Cinnamon sticks (this depends on how many people are drinking: one stick per person)
1 egg (yolk removed)
A handful of fine brown sugar (or sugar in the raw to get the look above!)
Small basting brush
Instructions:First, we decorate the bowl (it’s much easier to do this when it’s empty)!
Use the small basting brush and dip in the egg white. Paint a thin, short line along the outside rim of the bowl. Before it dries, pat a little brown sugar into it. Do this in small sections around the bowl so that the egg white doesn’t dry out before you add the sugar. You can do this along the inside rim of the bowl too, if you like!
* OR *
Another quick (less messy) way of doing this is: grab two shallow pots/pans (with enough width and depth to fit the rim of your sangria bowl). Put a few egg whites in one, and some brown sugar in the other (with both, you just need enough egg white and brown sugar to cover the bottom of each pan). Turn the empty sangria bowl upside down and dip the full mouth of the rim in the egg white bowl ensuring the rim is saturated. Then, before it dries, put the rim into the pan with brown sugar and turn around to coat. After, turn the bowl right-side-up and allow a few seconds to dry (this is also a gorgeous trick to use for wine glass decor as well)! x
Then, add all of the ingredients (including the dissolved brown sugar and extra squeezes of any residual orange), except for the sliced fruits. Slowly mix with a large spoon until blended.
Top the bowl with all of the sliced fruits and cranberries (your guests will want to enjoy these sangria-soaked fruits as they sip) and add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon!
Stir and chill for at least an hour before serving.
Bonus Tip: serve in 9 oz party glasses and pop in a cinnamon stick for guests to stir while they savor - like BELOW! You can even decorate the rim of each glass like the sangria bowl, if you like. :)
I can’t wait for you guys to try this one! You’re gonna love it for the holidays. 🍁🍂🦃
Here’s to drinks and loved ones that keep us warm! x