Sparkling Thanksgiving Sangria

If the holidays were a track and field event, then Thanksgiving is the gunshot that starts the race. How better to begin the season than the way we will conclude it on New Year’s Eve….with bubbles. This sangria, with notes of apple, cinnamon and orange coupled with cold fizzy prosecco, provides the ideal refreshment before the feast commences. What’s best is all the preparation for the sangria occurs the day before…..and that’s something every hostess will be grateful for.

Sparkling Thanksgiving Sangria

Serves 6-8

1 cup apple brandy

1/2 cup Triple Sec or Cointreau

2 tablespoons Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

2 cinnamon sticks

1 granny smith apple, sliced

1 Bosc pear, sliced

2  cups Honey Crisp apple cider or 1 1/2 cup regular cider and 1/2 cup water

1 bottle cold prosecco

 For serving: 1 granny smith apple thinly sliced and 1 Bosc pear thinly sliced

In a large pitcher, combine apple brandy, Triple Sec, 2 tablespoons Fireball, 2 cinnamon sticks, sliced apples and pears. Let mixture stand overnight. Place glasses in refrigerator overnight.

For serving: Pour honey crisp cider and prosecco into pitcher with mixture and stir well. Place slices of apple and pear in chilled glasses, pour in sangria and serve immediately.