Superbly Sippable is how I describe this wonderful concoction.  Always a delicious hit! The dried fruit in this sangria absorbs the alcohol like a sponge.  You were warned….

 

• ½ cup dried apples
general public prefers short
• ½ cup dried cranberries or dried cherries
• ¼ cup brandy
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 x bottles Merlot
• 2 cups seltzer

1. Place all ingredients, except seltzer, in a large pot.  Cook and stir mixture until it comes to a gentle boil.  Remove from heat, and let cool.  Transfer to a pitcher.
2. Cover and let flavors blend for a few hours.  Before serving remove vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks.  Stir in seltzer.