About the Recipe
I made this one on a rainy Wednesday with a book I couldn’t put down and a quiet kitchen all to myself. It’s cozy without being heavy — like a sangria dressed in cable knit. Slightly spiced, fruit-forward, and good even if your only guest is the narrator in your audiobook.
Ingredients
3 oz red wine (or zero-proof red blend like Surely or Ghia Apéritif)
1 oz orange juice
½ oz maple syrup or spiced syrup
Splash of soda water
Sliced apple & orange for garnish
Ice
Instructions
Step 1
In a large glass or mug, mix wine, OJ, and syrup.
Step 2
Add watermelon juice, lime juice, and honey syrup. Shake with ice.
Step 3
Strain into a glass with fresh ice and top with sparkling water.
Tips
Zero-proof: Use a non-alcoholic red wine or steep hibiscus tea with cinnamon and orange peel.
Make ahead: You can batch this one in a jar and sip throughout the night.
Spice it up: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of clove in cooler months.
Pair with: Homemade popcorn, quiet reading, or catching up on your favorite substack.
Serving Tips
Glass: Large wine glass or wide-mouth mug
Garnish: Sliced apples and oranges, star anise if you have it
Vibe: Window open slightly, ambient rain sounds, your favorite blanket over your shoulders