By Sharon Merkel Prudhomme ~
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. sugar (can use sugar substitute)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 (32-oz) bottle cranberry juice
1/2 gallon apple cider
1 bottle Verdi
1 apple, 1/2 diced and the other 1/2 sliced into half-moons with a slit (sits on edge of glass)
1 package whole cranberries
Directions:
- Combine sugar and cinnamon on a shallow plate. Dip the rim of each glass in water (shake off excess), then dip into the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture moving the glass about to fully coat the rim of each glass.
- Fill each Champagne flute (or wine glass) 1/4 of the way up with cranberry juice. Fill halfway up with apple cider. Top with Verdi and a few cranberries and diced apple pieces.
- Garnish rim with an apple slice.
**VERDI!! This is available at most liquor stores and I just checked the Spirit of 76 liquor store in Manasquan carries the regular as well as a flavored. Verdi is made from grapes in Italy however is considered a malt. We have used it for many years as a substitute for champagne. It has been the economical choice at weddings and celebrations. If using the small bottles, one will be enough for two drinks. Anyone who doesn’t care for the dry taste of champagne absolutely LOVES Verdi! Great for mimosa’s with traditional OJ or at Christmas with cranberry called a poinsettia.