Sangria, a Summer Wine Punch

Sangria is a summer wine “punch”, made with red wine, fresh, seasonal fruit and a bit of bubbly water or citrus flavored soda. While Sangria was first created in Spain, countries all over the globe have adapted the recipe to make a fruit-filled wine beverage that is refreshing and compliments a wide variety of foods. 

For a summer party multiply the recipe and mix Sangria in a large jar with a spigot. Serve in frosted glasses with a slice of lime, lemon, or orange as a garnish on the rim of the glass. Always allow the wine and fruit to marinate in the refrigerator for several hours so the flavors blend.

Classic Sangria 

1 Bottle of red wine (750ml) (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja reds, Zinfandel, Shiraz)
1 Lemon cut into wedges
1 Orange cut into wedges
1 Lime cut into wedges
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Shot brandy
2 Cups ginger ale or club soda

Carefully wash outside peel of all fruit. Pour wine in the pitcher and squeeze the juice wedges from the lemon, orange and lime into the wine. Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds if possible) and add sugar and brandy. Chill overnight allowing the flavors to blend. Add ginger ale or club soda just before serving.

If you’d like to serve right away, use chilled red wine and serve over lots of ice.

You can also add sliced strawberries, peaches, apple wedges, handful of fresh blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, rum, or citrus soda pop.
 
Non-Alcoholic Sangria

1/4 c. sugar
1 c. orange juice
1/2 fresh lemon, sliced
1/2 fresh orange, sliced
1 sm. apple or peach, cut into wedges
4 c. club soda
4 c. grape juice

In large pitcher, combine orange juice, sugar, and grape juice. Add cut fruit and stir until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate until cool and add club soda just before serving.

Eleisia Whitney has a Watkins Home Business. She enjoys cooking and baking with Watkins extracts, spices, herbs, and sauces for healthy meals. Eleisia publishes a Watkins Newsletter – Around the Kitchen Table, that brings you recipes, cooking and health tips, and contests for free Watkins products.
Read the current issue at http://www.everydaynecessities.com/july1-08newsletter.htm
Visit her at http://www.everydaynecessities.com and http://www.WatkinsOnline.com/eleisiawhitney

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