Sangria

Light, slightly sweet and delicious. The perfectly refreshing summertime (or anytime) drink!

I LOVE SANGRIA! Yes, I love it so much that it absolutely requires all caps. In my mind, it is perfect for the pool, beach or boat, or just hanging out on the patio on a summer evening. Make ahead, and throw in the cooler. No need to mix and fuss, just pour in your favorite cooler cup and enjoy! It isn't too heavy or too sweet, just refreshing and yummy!

This recipe can be adapted to your tastes, which is what makes it so great! Do you like peach sangria? Swap out the red wine for a peach prosecco or white wine, and berries for peaches. The base amounts can be easily substituted to make the perfect sangria for your liking! I will share a couple of my varieties at the end, but we will start with the basic red sangria.

For this recipe, I prefer Carlo Rossi Paisano in the big glass jug. It makes 4 batches that fit perfectly into a gallon pitcher each batch. For the juice, I keep juice boxes on hand for the grandkids, and grab a berry juice blend from that stash and use the entire container. I like to use regular Sprite or Diet Sprite instead of carbonated water and simple syrup. It is just easier, and usually on hand. Hard seltzers of any flavor work also.

Sangria

Ingredients

• 1 bottle Spanish red wine (750 ml)

• 1 can lemon lime soda (diet variety if you like)

• 1 cup berry blend juice (or a juice box)

• ½ cup brandy

• ½ cup triple sec

• 1 orange, cut in half and then half cut into wedge slices

• Orange, lime, lemon slices, and frozen berries for garnish

Directions

1. Add wine, soda, juice, brandy and triple sec to a gallon pitcher.

2. Squeeze the juice of half of the orange into the pitcher. Add remaining slices.

3. Stir and refrigerate.

4. Serve chilled with or without ice, and use frozen berries and citrus slices to garnish.

Get Creative!

1. Use white or rosé wines or some prosecco!

2. Change out or add liquor - vodka, peach schnapps or apricot brandy are nice touches.

3. Instead of lemon lime soda, use carbonated water and simple syrup to sweeten to your liking.

4. Use orange juice instead of berry juice.

5. How about one of those hard seltzers you have in the fridge instead of soda?

6. Try some frozen peaches instead of berries.

7. Add fresh apple slices for some crunch and a bit of freshness.

8. Basil goes well with berries!

9. I have always wanted to try watermelon with a rosé. If you get to it before me, let me know how it works out!

10. Substitute dehydrated citrus for fresh slices.