Guest Post by Lynne Clement, local writer and owner of Clement’s Lake Erie Cottages
No matter how well you prepare for the holidays, there’s always that surprise invitation, impromptu gathering at your home, or the gift you forgot to purchase. I like to keep an extra case of wine on hand for these occasions. That way, if I get a last minute invitation or unexpected guests, or when realize I forgot a gift (and I always do), my stash of wine saves the day!
When it comes to serving wine at the holidays, I like to kick it up a notch. I’m going to share with you two super simple ways to make your family or your guests feel like you have gone all out for them. But truthfully, these drinks are deceivingly simple to make.
The first is a pitcher of white sangria with holiday colors. This white wine beverage, with my favorite green and red fruits — plus cranberries — looks like a glass full of Christmas. Because sangria is even better after sitting for a day or two, you can make it ahead of time and the fruit absorbs the sangria for an extra juicy snack. White sangria looks fancy, but this recipe is super easy and affordable! You can even substitute the fruits with your own red or green favorites. For instance, pomegranate seeds, red apples, or kiwi slices would be festive choices.
HOLIDAY WHITE SANGRIA
Ingredients:
2 bottles of Mazza Wineries Vidal Blanc
¾ cup sparkling apple cider
¼ cup sugar
1 cup cranberries
1 pint of raspberries
1 Granny Smith apple
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher.
Stir until sugar dissolves.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to two days.
Serve chilled.
WARMED WINE IN A GLITTER RIMMED MUG
Around the holidays when there is a chill in the air, a warm mug in hand is comforting. Add some holiday spirit by coating the rim of a clear glass mug in caramel sauce and then dipping it in gold edible glitter. The caramel flavor complements a mulled red wine or apple wine quite nicely.
Use your favorite mulled wine recipe* and garnish with a cinnamon stick, a star anise pod, and/or a slice of orange.
*(We at Mazza suggest keeping it simple and using our mulled Victorian Holiday Wine!)
Do you have a festive way to serve wine at the holidays? Please share with us here.