Holiday Sangria

Since starting this blog about 9 months ago, my Summertime Sangria recipe continues to be one of my most popular posts.  It's my signature drink at get-togethers, and I love tweaking it for different occasions.  Back when I first posted it, I promised a winterized version for you, so wait no more because here it is!

1 750ml bottle red wine
1 tablespoon mulling spices
1/2- 1 cup sugar, to taste
1 cup cranberry juice
1 cup Triple Sec
1 cup brandy
2 cups club soda, chilled
1 orange, sliced
1 apple, sliced
1/2 cup cranberries
2 cinnamon sticks

Pour 1/2 bottle wine and cranberry juice into a small saucepan.  Add mulling spices.  Gently simmer for 20 minutes, until fragrant.  Do not bring to a boil or you will be burning off the alcohol!  Let cool.
 

Strain wine mixture and pour into large pitcher.  Add rest of wine, sugar, Triple Sec, and brandy and stir until sugar dissolved.  Adjust sugar to taste.  Stir in soda, fruit, and cinnamon sticks.

  
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors blend.  Serve over ice.  Enjoy!

 *Linking up with Ashley and Jessica for Taste of Tuesday and Shanna for Random Wednesday