Fall Football Tailgate Sangria Recipe

Thank you to Llano Estacado Winery for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Although the weather doesn't quite feel like it yet (we were still in the 90s last week here in Dallas) the calendar (and my instagram feed) is telling me that it is FALL! Fun fact, I've never had a PSL and probably never will. Pumpkin just isn't my jam. I, however, am all about those boots and tights and scarves... and yes, FOOTBALL! 

Let's talk tailgates today. Have you ever been at one of those tailgates where they have jugs of sprite and coke that never had the lids put back on and are getting flatter and flatter by the minute. Then there are handles of vodka scattered, no ice to be found anywhere, and red solo cups littered everywhere? Yeah, that's the tailgate we are all used to.

Well, I have a drink recipe today that will cure that problem, because you can make it the night before and you can make multiple batches for the tailgate the next day. I'm talking about a FALL Sangria made with bourbon and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Llano Estacado Winery. Whip it up the night before your tailgate and everyone will go nuts over it the next day. 

Obviously in Texas we are known for Football - GO COWBOYS! - but we are also known for our amazing wines. Llano Estacado is the largest, best-selling Premium Winery in Texas and has been an ongoing pioneer in introducing not just Texans, but also the entire world to the great wines made in the Lone Star State. The Llano Estacado winery is located in Lubbock, Texas and hosts a variety of events in its tasting room and event center, including weddings, corporate parties and intimate gatherings. They actually produce over 50 varietals of wine, including the award-winning 2013 THP Montepulciano. If you are not in Texas, you can actually buy them online HERE!

To make this fall sangria though, I used their Cabernet Sauvignon. I've also tried their Chardonnay which has incredible tropical fruit flavors, has no oak and is very crisp. 

|| Ingredients || 

Makes one pitcher

1 bottle of Llano Estacado Cabernet Sauvignon

1/2 cup Bourbon 

1/2 cup pure apple juice

1/2 apple sliced

1/2 orange sliced

1/2 pear sliced

Handful of cranberries (plus additional to garnish)

Cinnamon stick for garnish

|| Directions || 

Cut all of your fruit and drop it into the bottom of a large pitcher. 

Pour in bourbon, wine and apple juice. Stir. 

Cover and leave in fridge over night, or at least for 3 hours - 8 hours is ideal to really allow everything to soak in. 

Serve chilled and garnish with a cinnamon stick! 

Voila, happy tailgating! 

What is your go-to drink for tailgating?
Would you make this one?
Let me know in the comments below!