Summer Sangria

I know, it doesn't seem like it, but summer is sangria time. Next week it is going to get real hot, and you are going to love these cold fruity sippers. All summer I keep a jug of sangria in the fridge. Any ends of bottles you have just get tossed in, any fruit you have can get tossed in, and whatever juices you find. Sangria is a great way to use up those fresh local berrries that are to smooshy to serve to the kids. Sangria is great made fresh, but gets even better the next day. Serve your sangria with lots of ice and a spritz of soda water.

Red Sangria

1 L red wine

1 L cranberry juice

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 oz brandy

1 orange, quartered and sliced

2 cups assorted berries (raspberries, strawberries etc.)

White Sangria

1 L white wine

1 L white cranberry or green grape juice

4 oz triple sec

1 cup green grapes

1 cup diced honeydew melon

1 cup diced mango

1 lemon, quartered and sliced

Pink Sangria

1 L dry rose wine

1 L strawberry watermelon juice (or white cranberry with peach)

4 oz creme de cassis or chanmord

1 cup diced watermelon

1 cup sliced strawberries

Blue Sangria

1 L dark red wine (like a baco noir or aussie shiraz)

1 L blueberry or blueberry pomegranate juice

4 oz creme de cassis

4 oz blue curacao

4 oz amaretto

2 cups blueberries

Chocolate Cherry Sangria

1 L cabernet sauvignon

2 jars european sour cherries with juice

4 oz creme de cacao

2 oz espresso vodka or kahlua

dark chocolate for shaving on top