Summer Sangria

One refreshing beverage which the grownups enjoyed over the Independence Day weekend was a delicious sangria recipe from my daughter Stefani's collection of party treats.   It's colorful, full of fresh fruit and easy to prepare.

I don't know the origin of this recipe (pre-Stefani) or I'd give credit where credit is due but it's a keeper.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1/4 cup brandy
2 Tablespoons orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier.  (Triple Sec works, also.)
2 Tablespoons Amaretto
2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup sugar

Fresh fruit which you have cut in pieces.

I used 1 Granny Smith (tart green) apple, 1 peach, 1 kiwi and a handful of freshly picked strawberries.

Stefani used 1 granny smith apple, 2 peaches and a handful of cherries cut in half.  You could use grapes or any other fruit that appeals to you.

1 bottle of red wine (use a good one that you would drink just as it is).
1 bottle sparkling strawberry flavored water.

Method:
Mix the sugar, brandy, Grand Marnier and orange juice.  Add the fruit and marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

A couple of hours before you are ready to serve, add the wine.  Chill again.  Remove from the refrigerator about an hour before serving (although you can certainly serve it cold).  When your guests arrive, add the sparkling water and serve.

Garnish with fresh fruit on little skewers, if you like, and serve!

An assortment of cheeses and crackers plus a glass of sangria is fun and festive.

Rock on!

NOTE:  This would probably be just as good using white wine although I'm not sure what variety you'd use.  I've had white sangria a time or two and it's excellent.