Holiday Spiced Sangria

This recipe came to me as part of an e-mail I get from Ziplist. I don't remember signing up for this, but I have had some good recipes come my way. I changed it up some, but the original comes from www.aggieskitchen.com. This was a big hit for Christmas day, but would be nice for any winter occasion.

Holiday Spiced Sangria

Simple syrup:
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
sliced blood orange peel (peel only, no white)
1 inch piece peeled ginger, quartered
1 tsp whole cloves
1/2 tsp black peppercorns

Sangria:
2 750ml bottles Cabernet wine
2/3 cups simple syrup
juice of 2 blood oranges
1/2 cup light rum
1/2 cup orange liquor
1 each, chopped apple, chopped pear, sliced blood orange
1 cup frozen tart cherries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries


To make simple syrup: In saucepan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, orange peel, ginger, cloves and peppercorns and bring to a boil. Simmer and stir to dissolve sugar. Boil until reduced and slightly syrupy, about 15 minutes. Let cool, strain and store in glass container in refrigerator.
To make sangria: In a large pitcher combine sangria ingredients. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.