the perfect holiday gift--sangria

Brooklyn Sangria (Autumn Version)
Yield: enough to get you tore up

I created this a few years ago when I was living on Planet Brooklyn. Now there is one key thing to remember when making sangria: What you put into it you get out of it. So if you use some red wine that you wouldn’t thoroughly enjoy alone, it’s not going to make a tasty batch. Clearly, this is an expensive sangria, but splurge on yourself and your friends for a nice holiday treat. You won’t be disappointed.

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup orange juice plus 2 tablespoons
2 full bottles of good-quality red wine
3/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
1/4 cup Cointreau
1/4 cup agave nectar
3 Apples, cored, peeled, and cut into thin slices
3 pears, cored, peeled, and cut into thin slices

*At the bottom of a large mixing bowl, combine the cinnamon and cloves with two tablespoons of orange juice and mix well until the spices are completely dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

*Cover and refrigerate overnight.