Summer Sangria - Eat Your Fruits

It is undoubtedly clear that summer refreshers such as fruity cocktails, vodka drinks and sangria are by far much preferred in warmer weather. Soon, Labor Day will be here marking the end of summer. However, between now and the arrival of the first frost, there is plenty of time to enjoy a refreshing drink with family and friends while the weather is still very much enjoyable – especially if gathering outside.
Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink. The blood-red color of this beverage inspired its name, which is Spanish for "bleeding." It is a mixture of wine, brandy, and fresh fruits, yet you will find recipes with an immense variation of ingredients. Pinot Grigio is a good wine to use in the creation of sangria. Apples, peaches, blackberries, oranges and strawberries are very commonly incorporated in the sangria preparation and in many instances you will find they have been infused with cinnamon and cloves. Some restaurants and bars may offer white sangria, made with a white wine, citrus fruits, apples and a touch of ginger; however, if you ever find yourself in Spain and ask for ‘Sangria’ you will be served a traditional red wine sangria.

Ingredients:
1 bottle of Red wine ¼ cup triple sec ¼ cup of brandy Fresh squeezed juice from 2 oranges 4 peaches, sliced 5 tablespoons sugar Peel from 1 lemon 2 pinches of ground cinnamon
Preparation:
Pour wine, triple sec and brandy into a bowl or a large pitcher, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Squeeze oranges and add juice to the mixture. You can cut a whole orange slice as garnish. Wash the peaches, remove the skin and cut into small pieces and add to the mix. If fresh peaches are not available, you can substitute for them with any fruit you have on hand. Add cut fruit and lemon peel to the wine and keep in the refrigerator till ready to serve. It should be served very cold. If you want to reduce the alcohol content, a little add ice cubes and lemon slices. If instead you want to make it stronger add a little brandy or good rum.