Sangria

Sangria

This is my go-to, crowd pleaser, always delicious, favorite drink! It is easy to prepare, and best of all, is prepared ahead of time, and gets better as it "brews". You don't need to spend a lot of money on the wine for this recipe, a simple table wine is best.

The following recipe is for a large batch, which would make about 24 8oz. servings. If you'd like to make a smaller or larger batch, simply reduce or increase as desired. I've done it many ways and it always turns out great! I always eyeball my liquor quantities, so the below measures are approximate.

Ingredients:
- 4L Red wine, such as Chianti or Burgundy. I generally use Carlo Rossi Chianti
- 12 - 16 oz.  Triple Sec
- 12 - 16 oz. Brandy
- 2 liter of Sprite, Sprite Zero, 7Up, etc. Use about 1/2 to 3/4 bottle depending on strong you'd like it.
- 1 apple, cored, and chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 orange, peeled, sliced into bite sized pieces
- 1 8oz. jar Maraschino cherries, with juice
- 1 14oz. can Dole Pineapple chunks or "tid bits"in juice. Do not use fruit in heavy syrup.
- 1/2 Fresh Lemon, juiced - or substitute 2 T store bought juice
- 1/2 Fresh Lime, juiced - or substitute 2 T store bought juice
- Additional fruit slices to garnish glasses as desired.

Storage & Serving:
- The sangria will need to sit overnight in an airtight container. If you don't have one large enough for all the liquid split into two containers, and divide all ingredients evenly between both containers. It's much easier that way, than to try to pour from a large container into another one...yep, made that mistake and got wine all over.

In a large sealable container(s), add chopped fruit and juices of all fruit. Add liquors and wine. Mix well. Seal and refrigerate overnight. When ready to enjoy the next day, move sangria to a serving container and add Sprite before serving. Serve sangria over ice, and don't forget to add the yummy fruit that's been soaking all night - it's the best! Garnish glasses with fresh slices of fruit, if desired.

If you do a taste test when you are done prepping, don't be shocked. The mix will taste stronger than you'd expect! Let the fruit go to work and re-test the next day - it will be MUCH better!

Picture coming soon!