Sangria!

At 12:44am this morning I was walking home from work and I decided that today I had earned a day in the sun with a friend I hadn't seen since last summer. That friend.... Sangria!!!

We have all had it, and I would guess that most of us like it. I love it. I guess it just reminds me of good memories!

Being with friends, bbq's at my mom's old place in Orlando, and of course tapas!!

Today I just wanted to be in the sun and have a drink that would not leave the rest of my day a wash!

So sangria it is!! Hello old friend!!

I decided to find out what "sangria" means. Turns out it means bloody. YUM!

As gross as it is, we have all read or at least seen "The DaVinci Code" so it should not be a shocker!

Next I decided I would figure out where I have had the best sangria, and hands down it was at Yerba Buena in Manhattan. If you haven't checked them out, do so. The food was ok, but the "brunch punch" as my friend Anthony puts it was AMAZING!!!

Here is my recipe for a quick, cheap, and good sangria that you and your friends will be more than thrilled to soak up, while soaking up some sun!

First you need some fruit. I like to add apples, limes, oranges and peaches. You can use anything you like. Even berries if you prefer.

I like to cube the apples and peaches. The citrus I like sliced and then halve them.

Then you need wine. I prefer red, but many use white as well.

Grang Marnier

And Seltzer

Use one of each fruit, and when they are cut drop them in a pitcher.

Add one bottle of wine. It should be decent, but doesn't need to be the best. Today I used a Cabernet that I found to be a little too acidy for me on it's own, but would be able to keep it's integrity along with the other ingredients.

Then add about 1/2 a cup of the Grand Marnier, and about half a liter of Seltzer.

Stir it up, and you are done.

You should let it sit for a bit, but if you are in an emergency situation, it is ready to drink at this point.

Now of course this is the type of thing that you can switch up as many ways as you can think of.

You can use white wine. You can use Triple Sec instead of Grand Marnier. Flavored sparkling water instead of regular. It is really up to your taste. And whats the harm in trying every option out until you find the one that suits you best???

When you are ready, put your sangria over ice, and make sure some of the fruit gets in the glass.

Thats it!! It really couldn't be any easier!

Don't forget to stir in a little love, and let this be the kick off to an amazing summer!!

Enjoy!!

XOXO

P