Red, White & Blue Sangria

Summertime is in full swing here in the Deep South. For me that means pool time, sunshine, and sangria. I have a love affair with sangria. Not cheap, pre-made, overly sugared stuff that grocery stores sell, oh no. I am talking about the real deal here people. It has wine, fruit and liquor, the prime ingredients of summer fun. I try to make some kind of sangria at least twice a month during the summer (okay, maybe more like four times a month but who is counting?).  

1 bottle Sparkling Wine (I recommend Rose) 

Juice of 3 lemons

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup cognac

3 Tbs. orange liquor

8 strawberries

½ cup blueberries

2 white peaches (or nectarines) 

Wash all of the fruit. Pit and peel the peaches then cut them into bite sized pieces. Hull and quarter the strawberries. 

Combine the juice, sugar, liquor, and cognac in a pitcher. Once sugar is incorporated, gently stir in the fruit making sure it is covered in the liquid. 

Cover the pitcher and refrigerate overnight or at least two hours.

Just before serving, gently pour the wine into the pitcher stirring to combine. 

Serve in decorative glasses for maximum impact. Make sure you spoon a serving of fruit into each glass! It not only looks pretty but tastes amazing (because that is where the liquor is)!

Yumo!!!