Orange Wine Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipe

by partysugar 2

Kick-start your Thanksgiving meal with a refreshing sangria-style glass of white wine. Made a day in advance, this wine is infused with oranges, Grand Marnier, and Pernod. Bay leaves and whole cloves give it an herbaceous, aromatic appeal that's sure to pair perfectly with baked brie and walnuts.

For the main course, select a versatile wine varietal that can support a lot of flavors. An affordable Chardonnay or light red are great options. Chat with your local wine shop owner for more suggestions. Tell him what you plan on serving and your budget, and he's sure to provide you with lots of ideas. For the orange wine recipe — this would also make a great Thanksgiving hostess gift! — read more.

From Gourmet

Spiced Orange Wine

Ingredients

2 (750-ml) bottles dry white wine
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier
1/4 cup Pernod
2 whole cloves
4 Turkish or 2 California bay leaves
2 navel oranges

Directions

1. Bring all ingredients except oranges to a boil (reserve wine bottles and corks), stirring until sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove zest from oranges in a continuous spiral using a vegetable peeler and cut off any white pith with a paring knife. Reserve oranges for another use and divide zest between empty wine bottles.
3. Fill bottles with orange wine and cool, uncorked, 1 hour.
4. Cork bottles, then chill at least 4 hours.

Makes 2 (750-ml) bottles.

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