Scarlet Sangria

Ingredients

• 1 navel orange, halved
• 1 lime, halved
• Optional: 1 1/3 cups merlot, chilled
• 1 1/3 cups pomegranate juice, chilled
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 8.4-oz. bottle sparkling apple cider, chilled

Preparation

1. Squeeze 2 tablespoons juice from one orange half; squeeze one tablespoon juice from one lime half. Cut remaining orange and lime halves into thin slices. Combine citrus juices, wine, pomegranate juice and sugar in a pitcher, stirring until sugar dissolves. Slowly add sparkling cider, stirring gently. Add citrus slices; serve immediately.
2. Variation: To make warm sangria, substitute regular apple cider for sparkling variety and warm gently in a slow cooker or over a low flame on your stovetop. Serve in coffee mugs or to-go cups.