📖 Instructions

1. **Gather and Prep Your Fruit:** Start by gently washing and patting dry your oranges, lemons, and apples. It's important to get them super clean! Slice the oranges and lemons into thin, beautiful rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Next, core and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. We want them easy to eat, right? For the cranberries, you can leave them whole; their little burst of tartness is just perfect.
2. **Combine the Liquids (the Fun Part!):** In your largest pitcher or punch bowl – choose one that looks pretty because this sangria is a showstopper – pour in the full bottle of dry red wine. I usually go for a Merlot or a Garnacha, something fruity but not too sweet. Add the brandy and orange liqueur next. These give it that warm, underlying depth that screams 'holiday' to me. Stir everything together gently with a long spoon.
3. **Infuse with Fruit and Spice:** Now, carefully add all your prepped fruit—the orange and lemon slices, diced apples, and whole cranberries—into the wine mixture. Don't forget that lovely cinnamon stick! It adds such a subtle, comforting aroma. Give it another gentle stir to make sure all the fruit gets a good bath in the wine.
4. **Let It Chill and Mingle:** This is perhaps the most crucial step, and honestly, the hardest part for me because I'm so excited to taste it! Cover your pitcher or bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. If you can manage it, let it sit overnight. This chilling time is when all those wonderful flavors truly get to know each other, marrying into a harmonious, delicious blend. You'll thank yourself for the patience!
5. **The Grand Finale - Adding the Fizz!:** Just before serving, pull your beautiful pitcher out of the fridge. Pour in the sparkling water or club soda. This is what gives the sangria its wonderful effervescence, those celebratory bubbles! Stir it just enough to combine without losing all that lovely fizz. Taste a small amount, and if you think it needs a touch more sweetness, a little simple syrup or a spoon of maple syrup works wonders. But usually, it's perfect as is!
6. **Serve with Style:** Fill your favorite wine glasses or festive tumblers with plenty of ice. Spoon some of that delicious, wine-soaked fruit into each glass, then ladle in your sparkling ruby sangria. Garnish with an extra orange slice or a few fresh cranberries, maybe even a little sprig of rosemary for that extra special touch. Don't be shy with the fruit, it's half the fun! Enjoy your holiday masterpiece, you've earned it.