Spiced Sangria
As Mika's father is fond of saying, "Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker!"
- 1 quart water
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 cloves
- 4 sticks cinnamon
- 4 star anise
- 1 vanilla pod, split
- 6 thin slices fresh ginger
- 2 750 ml bottles light red wine, such as Beaujolais or Côtes Du Rhône
- 2 quarts freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- ice
In heavy saucepan combine water, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, vanilla pod, and ginger. Bring to boil, reduce to a simmer and cook 10 minutes.
Turn off heat and let sit 30 minutes to infuse. Strain into a large bowl. Add wine and fruit juices and stir well. Serve in pitchers over lots of ice.