Spicy Apricot Sangria

Name: Spicy Apricot Sangria
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 7 servings.
Ingredients: 3 cinnamon sticks (3 inches); 10 whole allspice; 10 whole cloves; 6 cups apricot nectar; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup lemon juice; 2 cups ginger beer, chilled; 1 large apple, cubed; 1 large pear, cubed; 1 medium orange, sliced; 1 medium lemon, sliced; Fresh mint leaves, optional

This sweet-tart fruit punch is scented with cinnamon, allspice and cloves, which makes it a fantastic beverage for winter and fall. If you like use, 1 medium red-skinned apple and 1 medium green-skinned apple for even more color.—Tina Bellows, Racine, Wisconsin

Ingredients

3 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
10 whole allspice
10 whole cloves
6 cups apricot nectar
1 cup water
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 cups ginger beer, chilled
1 large apple, cubed
1 large pear, cubed
1 medium orange, sliced
1 medium lemon, sliced
Fresh mint leaves, optional

Directions

Place the cinnamon, allspice and cloves on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag.
Place the apricot nectar, water, lemon juice and spice bag in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; cover and steep for 5 minutes. Transfer to a pitcher. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours. Discard spice bag.
Just before serving, add the ginger beer, fruits and, if desired, mint leaves.