Cranberry Wine Punch

Pinot Grigio has always been one of my favorite wines. I love to pair it a toasted baguette and some nice cheese and maybe a sliced apple. That's our go- to for a date night in.

I made a quick simple syrup with honey, cinnamon, star anise, fresh ginger and a bit of orange peel to give this Cranberry Wine Punch a delicious depth of flavor.

It can be made a day or two in advance if you like. Kudos to my brilliant sister-in-law for the idea of using honey in this simple syrup! Totally genius.

After you make the simple syrup, this Cranberry Wine Punch comes together in a snap. You just stir together the Llano Estacado Pinot Grigio, Cranberry- Pomegranate Juice and the simple syrup. I used fresh cranberries, pomegranate arils and cinnamon sticks for a garnish.

This punch is best served chilled or over ice. It can be made a day in advance of the party. Just give it a good stir before serving. I also love this Mulled Wine for the holidays and this Winter Moscato Punch.

Don't you just want to grab a glass and cheer on the coming of the new year? This has been a very exciting year for our family and I'm looking forward to all of the things ahead of us.

I have some really big business goals. I'm not much on resolutions but I'm most definitely about setting goals.

How about you? Do you set goals or resolutions? I'd love to hear what you are planning. One of my goals is to work smarter not harder. This year I have put in too many hours and I'm ready for a bit of a slow down.

I talk about slowing down but never seem to get it done. I think I finally have a plan to make it happen. I know I will be much happier striving towards life being a little more simple. We could all use some of that I'm guessing.

I will be making this easy white wine cocktail for New Years Eve this year. We are planning a fun family bash with games and lots of appetizers.

My Pomegranate Pecan Party Appetizer is my current favorite and we might throw in a batch of Fried Pickles too!

Parties and get togethers with cocktails and appetizers are simply the best. The laid back atmosphere and everyone just enjoying the time together is what counts.

We have been trying to squeeze a family game night in more often. We have been playing hearts, Uno and dominos. My parents got Emmet a set of Mexican Dominos so that we could play chicken foot, but we may have to wait for them to come show us how. Have you ever played?

Board games have been a fun distraction from our phones and the tv. I swear we can go hours sitting in the same room and be totally sucked into our phones or computers. I know the games will be fun for all of us and those are the times when memories are made.

Be sure to check out Llano Estacado Winery for all of your entertaining needs and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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 winery produces approximately 50 varietals of wine, including numerous award winning wines

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.

If you are hosting a holiday party or family celebration, don't sweat the small stuff. Make a few appetizers and stir up a batch of this Cranberry Wine Punch and let the fun times begin!

If you like this recipe you might also enjoy my Pineapple Wine Punch or Cosmopolitan Party Punch!