1/4cuporange juice,preferably fresh squeezed (1-2 medium oranges)
2cupsdiced apples,1/2-inch dice
2cupsdiced pears,1/2-inch dice
2cupsorange segments(optional; see notes)
4cinnamon sticks
1 - 2cupsfrozen cranberries(see notes)
Optional: cinnamon sticks for garnishing glasses
Instructions
In a large pitcher, combine 4 cups of apple cider along with the Pinot Grigio, brandy, orange juice, apples, pears, orange segments (if using), and cinnamon sticks. Taste; add the remaining cup of apple cider if you want a more prominent cider flavor.
Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours before serving to give the flavors a chance to mingle. (I recommend at least 4 hours, if possible).
Before serving, add the frozen cranberries to the pitcher (start with 1 cup; add more if desired). Garnish glasses with cinnamon sticks, if using.
Video
Notes
A citrusy Sauvignon Blanc is a good substitute for Pinot Grigio.
Regular brandy works fine here, but if you want to be fancy you can use an apple brandy like Calvados. There are so many flavors in this drink that it might get lost, though, so I wouldn’t buy a bottle just for this recipe.
I like using frozen cranberries in place of ice, so you can either purchase them from the frozen aisle of your grocery store, or purchase them fresh and freeze before serve (or use them in addition to regular ice cubes)
I ultimately didn't use the orange segments because there was already enough fruit, but they would be delicious. If you use them, I recommend reducing the fruit to 1 1/2 cups each of apples, pears and orange segments. This will prevent the fruit from overwhelming the liquid.