Cranberry Pear Christmas Sangria

Cranberry Pear Christmas Sangria with white wine

Cranberry Pear Christmas Sangria

1 cinnamon stick
1/3 C. sugar
1/3 C. water
1 C. fresh cranberries, divided
1 pear, sliced
zest from one orange
1/4 C. pear brandy (you can use any brandy you have on hand)
white or red wine
sparkling water

In a small saucepan, over high heat, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick and 1/2 C. of the cranberries. Once boiling, reduce to  low heat and simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes, until the cranberries have begun to pop a bit. Remove pan from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

In a clear glass pitcher, combine the Brandy, pear, remaining cranberries, orange zest and the cooled sugar mixer including the cinnamon sticks with the wine. Refrigerate and allow the flavors to come together for 12 and up to 24 hours.

When serving, spoon some fruit into a glass, pour the sangria over the fruit and top with a splash of sparkling water.

Notes:

• Try topping the glass off with a sugared cranberry. Just rinse some cranberries under water. Let them sit for second, then dip them individually into granulated sugar.