May the last dinner of 2021 be the last Covid New Year Eve dinner for everyone. It’s been going on for way too long. We are exhausted!

We stayed home in light of the Covid surge and made a simple pasta dinner. I made a red sangria to go with the pasta. It’s my first attempt and went with a Cabernet for the red wine; it was too tannic! On further research, I tried again the next day with a Spanish granacha for a lighter tannin and fruitier cocktail.

May we truly get out of Covid this year. Till then, cheers for a safe and healthy 2022 ahead!

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Ingredients

• 1/2 green apple, cored and diced
• 1/2 orange, rind on and sliced into small pieces
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup peach schnapps
• 1/3 cup brandy
• 1 bottle of Spanish Granacha
• A splash of club soda

Directions

1. Muddle apple, orange, and brown sugar in a large pitcher.
2. Add the brandy, peach schnapps, muddle for another minute.
3. Add orange juice and the bottle of wine. Stir to combine.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Serve over ice in a large wine glass and top with a splash of club soda.