Sparkling Cider Sangria

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Looking for the perfect party drink? You'll love this Sparkling Cider Sangria for so many reasons. It's refreshing, bubbly, sweet, tart and not to mention beautiful. This recipe comes together in a flash making your holiday entertaining that much easier.

Each year we host a Christmas Eve Open House. This tradition started about eight years ago. It was kind of a crazy thought. I mean really, doesn't everyone already have plans on Christmas Eve? Were we the only ones that didn't?

On a whim we decided to try this idea. And surprisingly, it was so successful! Actually, yes, most people that came did already have plans. But they stopped in on their way to or from somewhere. I think people made time in their schedule for the open house because it was simply a party with no pressure and no expectations.

Oh, and there's food! Lots of delicious yummy food! I always make a bunch of appetizers. I think every year, I've made all new items except for Bacon Wrapped Apricots. This number makes an appearance every year. People were always raving about it, so I keep on making it.

The open house has become one of our favorite things about the holiday season.

3 Tips To Easy Holiday Entertaining

Let's face it, holiday entertaining can be stressful! Since I've been throwing a party for the last eight years, I've learned a few things along the way. So here's 3 tips on how to keep your holiday entertaining simple and elegant.

1. Minimize

This is an area that's hard for me. There are so many great recipes I want to try! I love to cook but, I speak from experience--Pick a few things and just make lots of it. So much easier than having 20 different things. I finally realized, after feeling totally burned out on Christmas morning, I was doing too much.

Along with a few appetizers, stick with one festive beverage that everyone can enjoy. The Sparkling Cider Sangria is perfect (recipe below)! I use Cranberry Canada Dry® mixed with Apple Cider. So easy right? The ginger ale gives it just the right amount of bubbles plus it adds warmth with its gingery and cranberry flavors. It's amazing.

2. Use Paper Products

Washing dishes, or keeping up on them does not have to be a part of your evening. You want to spend time with your guests, not in the kitchen!

Two paper products I love~

• Dixie Ultra® Holiday Plates
• Vanity Fair® Everyday Napkins

Don't think paper products are fancy enough? Look at these cute holiday designs Dixie has.

And, they're durable. Which is perfect for loading up your plate with deliciousness.

Vanity Fair napkins are my go to because they're very elegant. The all white napkin with a little impression on them goes with everything.

3. Ask for help

It's hard to mingle with your guests when you're replenishing food or drinks. A few years ago, I asked my friend Laurie to help me out. I needed someone to keep an eye on everything so I could enjoy my own party.

Now I don't know how I will ever survive without her!! I realize it's hard to ask for help, or to ask someone that would normally come to enjoy your party to help. So, I do compensate her because I appreciate her so much, but she never expected it and would've helped me for free.

Sparkling Cider Sangria

The moment you've been waiting for right?

This recipe comes together in 3 easy steps:

1. Chop up apples and pears and place in a pitcher
2. Add cranberries and cinnamon sticks
3. Add the Cranberry Ginger Ale and Apple Cider. Serve cold.

There you have it, my gift to you,  easy and festive sparkling cider sangria. 🙂

Head to Target to get everything you need for this recipe. I don't know how they do it over there, but don't you feel like every single aisle has something you need?

Check out these cartwheel offers to add savings to your entertaining!

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!