Step 1: Combine the Liquid Base
In a large pitcher or a punch bowl, combine the entire bottle of white wine, apple cider, apple brandy, maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Stir well with a long spoon to ensure the maple syrup is fully dissolved.

Step 2: Add the Fruit and Spices
Add the sliced apples, orange rounds, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and any additional optional spices (like star anise) to the pitcher. Gently stir to submerge the fruit as much as possible.

Step 3: The Crucial Marrying Time
This is the most important step. Cover the pitcher tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally for 24 hours. This marinating time is non-negotiable. It allows the fruit to infuse the liquid with its flavor and for the spices to gently perfume the entire sangria.

Step 4: The Final Fizzy Lift
Just before serving, remove the sangria from the refrigerator. Give it a good stir. Then, pour in the chilled ginger ale or club soda. The ginger ale will add a touch of sweetness and spice, while club soda will simply add effervescence without extra sugar. Stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the sangria into ice-filled glasses, ensuring each serving gets a generous scoop of the boozy, macerated fruit. Garnish each glass with an extra cinnamon stick and a few fresh cranberries for a beautiful presentation