Spiced Citrus Sparkling Punch

Like every menu, I have to make a signature cocktail. When people think Thanksgiving they think red wine. Of course, wine is a must but if I start drinking red wine when the guests arrive I may fall asleep before dinner. I’ve just spent all day cooking, after all! This cocktail is the perfect way to welcome your guests! Make sure you have something for them to snack on along side this! Try my Thanksgiving antipasta or snack mix.

Entertaining tips:

1. Make the spiced citrus juice up to 5 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.

2. Serve this in a large pitcher or drink dispenser and set glasses and ice bowl right next to it so people can help themselves.

Recipe:serves 4

Ingredients:

2 cups of fresh squeeze *orange citrus juice. About 6 large oranges - buy a few extra for garnish.

*Cara Cara and Blood Oranges are a perfect winter combo but any orange is fine.

1 Tbsp cardamom pods

2” chunk of fresh ginger, peeled and crushed

5 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp whole cloves

1/4 cup lim juice

1 cup brandy

20 oz blood orange Italian soda

2 bottle Prosecco

2 bottles of Sauvignon blanc

1 pomegranate (optional)

Directions:

1. In a medium sauce pan, add orange juice, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Over medium-high heat, bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes then remove from heat.

2. Let juice cool and transfer into an airtight container along with all the spices and ginger. Letting the spices sit longer will give it extra flavor.

3. About an 30 minutes to an hour before your guests arrive, build the punch.

4. Strain all the spices and ginger from the juice. Pour the juice into a large pitcher or drink dispenser.

5. Add lime juice, brandy, soda, wine, and Prosecco to the juice. Stir to combine

6. Slice up any leftover oranges and your pomegranate and add to punch.

7. Set up glasses and ice bucket next to the drink and let guests serve themselves.

8. Enjoy!