Apple Cider Sangria

This week, I was fortunate enough to have Frank Palazzolo share one of his recipes with me and I think you are going to love it! 

Frank and his wife Angelina own and manage Nonna Maria’s Ristorante & Pizzeria {named after his grandmother} located in Oracle, AZ.   I can’t wait to make a special trip to Oracle just to check out this restaurant – from the website and the menu, it looks delicious! 

This will be a perfect cocktail for the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend.  While I’m not hosting Thanksgiving dinner in my own home, I plan to make a pitcher at our friends’ house where we will be celebrating, to consume while we are preparing the feast and enjoying appetizers.    

Apple Cider Sangria
Makes 1 pitcher
Recipe courtesy of Frank Palazzolo, owner and operator of Nonna Maria’s.

1 bottle of pinot grigio
2 1/2 cups fresh apple cider
1 cup club soda

1/2 c brandy
3 apples chopped (a mix of red delicious & granny smith)

Fresh Rosemary 3 sprigs

3 tablespoons sugar

Wet the rosemary & drudge through sugar.  Use this rosemary as a garnish and place in pitcher to serve. 

Combine remaining ingredients together in a pitcher and stir, stir, stir. Refrigerate for an hour or so (or longer!) before serving. 

If you are interested in visiting Nonna Maria’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, you can find it at 2161 Rockcliffe Blvd., Oracle, AZ.  It is approximately 15 minutes north of the junction of Highway 79 (Florence Hwy) and Highway 77 (Oracle Road in Tucson). You can visit their website at http://www.nonnamarias.com/ or call them at 520-896-3522.  I understand that it has one of the best sunset views of Oracle.