Sangria

I LOVE Sangria and since it’s starting to heat up outside, I figured it would be nice to have some Sangria to sip while I sit on my balcony. I am including both Red and White Sangrias. So pick your favorite OR both and enjoy!

Tips to making the best Sangria:

• Don’t go for the most expensive wine. A good Merlot or any red wine will do the trick.
• If you want an extra “kick” you can add some cognac, Grand Marnier, Schnapps or Vodka.
• Change up the fruit! If you want something more tropical, add pineapple and mango. Fall you might want apples and citrus. Berries, of course, are always good! Plums, peaches, you name it! Have fun with it, there’s no set “rule” for the type of fruit in your Sangria.
• Let the fruit “soak” in the Sangria at least 8 hours or overnight to give the fruit that lovely “kick” of the wine.

Sangria (Red)

• 1 Bottle Of Your Favorite Red Wine (I use Merlot).
• 1 Lemon Sliced
• One Lime Sliced
• One Orange Sliced
• 2 Tbps. Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Orange Liqueur
• 2 Tbps. Orange Juice
• 1/4 Cup Grand Marnier (optional)
• 1 Cup Chilled Seltzer Water (optional if you want fizz)

Dissolve the sugar in the Merlot (or other wine of your choice) and Orange Liqueur. Add sliced fruit and stir to mix well. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.  If you want a more fizzy Sangria, add the seltzer when you are ready to serve. Pour and enjoy! Mmmm!

White Sangria

• 1 Bottle White Wine (Pick something fruity, not “oaky”)
• 1 Pear, Thinly Sliced
• 1 Granny Smith Apple, Thinly Sliced
• 1 Lemon Sliced
• 1 Lime Sliced
• 1/4 Cup Grand Marnier (Optional)
• 1 Tbps. Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
• 1 Cup Ginger Ale

Dissolve sugar in the wine and Grand Marnier. Add your sliced fruit to the wine. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or over night. Before serving, add the ginger ale.  Sip and enjoy!

Remember, add different combinations of fruit, experiment and make the recipe your own! If you come up with a super fabulous combination, email me and let me know! v.licious@ymail.com