We had our annual Gluten-Free Cookie Exchange last night — my heart goes out to anyone who missed it!
Plates of goodies.
Mounds of hot cocoa toppings.
But the top requested recipe at the end of the night?
The Christmas Sangria! (man, I love this group.)And ironically, TODAY is National Sangria Day. Who knew? Actually, Shirley from Gluten Free Easily knew and shared her sangria recipe on Facebook… which reminded me I had started typing this post early this morning and didn’t finish. So you have her to thank for getting me in gear and getting this posted — just in time for you to take to your family get together, Katie! 😉
CHRISTMAS SANGRIA
(Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated)
2 large oranges, one sliced, the other juiced (I’m talking BIG oranges. Barely fit in your hand. If not, use three.)
2 lemons, sliced
1-2 cups fresh cranberries (we’re flexible around here — use what you’ve got!)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup triple sec
2 bottles cheap red, fruity wine
2-3 cans club soda or white soda (optional — I used it in the sangria at the cookie exchange)
Add sliced orange, lemons, and sugar to large pitcher. Using a wooden spoon, mash fruit and sugar. Pour in triple sec, wine and juice from second orange and stir to combine. If you choose to use the soda, add that as well, followed by the cranberries. Chill in the fridge for at least two hours — the longer the better! Serve over ice.
Cheers!
Have a JOYful weekend.
xoxo || Sarah
Celiac in the City 
Sarah – your blog looks so beautiful! I haven’t been by for a visit for a number of months – as I’ve been busy with a big project. Your banner is gorgeous… and your posts are so inspiring. If I had all those cookies at my disposal, I’d have a hard time sharing. Happy new year!!
Like I said on Facebook, any cookie exchange that includes sangria is special! 😉 I bet the club soda adds a nice lightness/wine spritzer effect, too. We’ve had champagne at our girlfriend teas before so same type of idea. I love your special hot chocolate toppings bar, too, though. And all the cookies look really great, especially the decorated cut-out ones–those take time, patience, and skill! 🙂
Merry Christmas, Sarah! xo,
Shirley
So glad you posted last night because when I got home from spreading the love with my Project JOY, I was wiped out and was just sitting down with the husband and a White Russian — but thanks to YOU, I got myself in gear and got the recipe out to those who wanted it for the weekend. (left to my own laziness, it may have been a NYE post.) 😉 Your recipe will be on my list too. With crab dip. Have a very Merry Christmas, Shirley! xoxo 🙂