EASY GINGER PEAR SANGRIA

This recipe is GOOOD. Took it to Friendsgiving this past weekend and it was gobbled up. Oh, yes, I took it there. I originally got this recipe from Chew Out Loud's Blog and tweaked it a little to my taste. Here's my version. Cheers.

EASY GINGER PEAR SANGRIA RECIPE

PREP TIME: 5 mins

TOTAL TIME: 5 mins

Serves: 10-12

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bottle (750 ml) fruity, moderately sweet Rielsing (choose a dryer wine if you want your Sangria less sweet - it was gooood, but sweet.)

• 1½ cups 100% pear juice

• 1/3 - 1/2 cup Cointreau (taste it as you go, this liqueur is very strong and sweet. Add more if desired)

• 1 semi ripe pear, thinly sliced pieces*

• 1 large orange, thinly sliced pieces

• 3 cups Ginger Beer OR Schweppes Ginger Ale

• Two 1-inch chunks fresh ginger cut into slices (you can remove before serving) OR 1tsp Ginger Powder

DIRECTIONS

1. In a serving pitcher, add Riesling, pear juice, Cointreau, and ginger slices OR powder ginger (if using.) Stir well to incorporate. Cover and chill 2-4 hours, up to overnight. Add a few pieces of pear and orange to the pitcher 1 hour before serving; continue to keep chilled.

2. When ready to serve, give it a good stir. Slowly add ginger ale. Fill individual glasses with some ice, pour Sangria into glasses, and serve with remaining pears and oranges.

3. (NOTES)* Fruits can be sliced ahead of time. To prevent pears from browning, sprinkle with lemon juice and keep in airtight container until ready to use.