Fiore has again shared a great recipe for Sangria. We hope you enjoy.

BLACKBERRY GINGER HOLIDAY SANGRIA

SIMPLE SYRUP

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

4 star anise pods

1/2 tsp black peppercorns

1/2 tsp whole cloves

Two 3-inch cinnamon sticks

1-inch slice of fresh ginger

1 cup FIORE Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar

SANGRIA

One 750-ml bottle dry red wine (Grenache, Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon)

1 cup fresh apple cider

1/2 cup dark rum

1/4 cup brandy

1/4 cup Cointreau or Triple Sec

1 1/2 cups club soda

2 navel oranges-sliced

1 lime-sliced

1 Granny Smith apple-halved, cored and cut into large dice

1 Bartlett pear-halved, cored and cut into large dice

Ice cubes

FOR THE SIMPLE SYRUP –

In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, star anise, peppercorns, Balsamic Vinegar, cloves, cinnamon sticks and ginger. Bring to simmer over moderately high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Boil until reduced by one third and slightly syrupy, about 15 minutes. Let the syrup cool, then strain into a glass jar.

FOR THE SANGRIA:

Pour the red wine into a 3-quart pitcher. Stir in the apple cider, rum, brandy, Cointreau, club soda and 1/4 cup of the simple syrup (add more syrup if you prefer a sweeter sangria). Add the sliced oranges, lime, apple and pear and refrigerate overnight. Serve the sangria in tall glasses over ice. Garnish with a tablespoon of the diced fruit.

(TO MAKE AHEAD – The sangria can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. The simple syrup can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.)

Enjoy!

Nancy O’Brien

FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars

8 Rodick Place
Bar Harbor, ME  04609
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503 Main Street
Rockland, ME 04841