Sure, sangria is most often thought of as a warm-weather beverage. But there are two convincing reasons why this cocktail should warm your holiday guests' bellies this year... well, three. First, oranges are in season now! Second, this festive drink embodies one of the holiday's very own colors. And that last one? It's delicious. Who doesn't enjoy a tall glass of sangria? If done right that is...

Another added bonus; sangria is made with cheap wine. You could make it with more expensive bottles, but why would you do that? After all, the wine is mixed with brandy, orange liqueur, juices, seltzer and fruit, totally obliterating any hints of forest berries or woody tones that you may have otherwise noted.

Sangria is delicious if done well, and we have a pretty solid recipe for this popular punch. To make it organic-friendly, use organic reds and organic fruit. Here goes:

1. 2 bottles of organic red wine. A Merlot will work. The wine does not have to be Spanish, and like I said, the cheaper stuff will do fine.
2. 1 lemon - thinly sliced
3. 1 orange - thinly sliced
4. 2 large apples- peeled, cored, chopped into small cubes
5. a half cup of organic white sugar (I've never tried it with brown, but I don't think there would be much of a difference)
6. 2 tablespoons of lime juice
7. 1 cup orange juice (no pulp)
8. half a cup of brandy
9. half a cup of Gran Marnier or another orange liqueur
10. 1 liter of seltzer water

Take your fruit and cover it with the sugar, mix it up. Then add the liqueur and the lime and orange juice and stir. Let this sit for about 3 hours. About an hour or so before the party, mix the fruit combo with your wine and seltzer water. Stir. Right before guests arrive add ice. You don't want to add too much ice because it will dilute the sangria. Salud!

Image: The Culinary Geek