Citrus and Bay Sangria

Though we often associate white wine sangria with warmer months, cutting back the sugar and flavoring it with warming spices—cardamom and bay leaf—make it a perfect holiday punch. Dry vermouth adds depth of flavor and underscores the seasonings. We liked Grüner Veltliner, a grassy white wine with a pleasant minerality. Unoaked chardonnays are a good substitute. Serve chilled, but not over ice to keep the flavors concentrated. Any variety of orange works, but blood or Cara Cara oranges offered a nice color contrast.