Sparkling winter sangria

Mixing up a batch of festive punch is easier than setting up a full bar. This bright apple-citrus sangria sparkles, making it perfect to serve in tall champagne flutes, and the frozen fruity juice ring will keep it cold without watering it down. Kids will love being part of the celebrations, too. Cheers!

Ingredients:

1 L apple juice or cider
apple slices, orange slices, lemon slices, and fresh or frozen cranberries
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
2 cans water
1 L white cranberry juice
1 bottle dry white wine (optional)
1 L ginger ale or sparkling wine, such as Prosecco (optional)

Directions:

1. Pour half the apple juice into a Bundt pan or ring mould; add sliced apples, oranges, lemons, limes, chunks of pineapple and a handful of cranberries (or any combination of these you have on hand) and freeze until solid.

2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a punch bowl, saving the sparkling wine or ginger ale to add right before serving. Gently add the frozen ring and serve immediately.

Serves 15-20.

Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, December 2012.