Yesterday a friend asked me if I had a Sangria recipe. Of course I said yes, because I have been making Sangria for more than 30 years. But when I felt pinned down to come up with an actual ingredient list, I stuttered a little. You see, Sangria is one of those things you can change and serve 1,000 ways! Red wine? Rose? White Sangria? I like all of them. Bubbly? Hard liquor included, or simply wine? One of my favorite things about this Luscious drink is that you can literally adjust the ingredients to your guests. For instance, if I’m having a baby or wedding shower, I make it quite light. With emphasis on the fruit, probably sweeter than usual, and presentation with crystal pitcher and glasses, and the citrus flavors. If I’m having a Mexican dinner, accent on the colors, and the strength of it. For this occasion, I would probably add a Mexican liquer, such as Cointreau, and use lots of fresh sliced citrus. I might even put a bottle of tequila right next to it and let the guys “spike” their drink. Other attractive features to Sangria is that it’s a wonderful beverage that can begin with a cheaper wine. AND, that you can stretch your $$$ by adding lots of ingredients. ONE MORE THING: I once catered a party for 50 people and I miscalculated the amount of Sangria they would drink. I was left with a whole pitcher full. Did I throw it away? Oh, no!!! I took it home and froze it in ice cube trays. When they were frozen I tossed them into a zip lock baggie. I used them for weeks after in other drinks. A couple of cubes in a glass with club soda or Sprite made every drink festive yet lite when unexpected guests arrived. One more thing: I’ve been known to set out a bottle of vodka or Tequila next to the Sangria pitcher at a party for those who like their drinks a little stronger: add a shot! So, here are 3 Sangria Recipes. I will start with MY own basic one, and do my best to narrow down a cohesive list of ingredients.

WHITE SANGRIA (from askmehowiknowcb)

1 bottle cheap white wine (such as Menage a Trois, Trader Joe’s, or any Grocery store) try to get a milder tasting wine because some cheap wines are bitter. You could even start with a bubbly champagne such as Cold Duck!

1 Can peach, mango or papaya nectar, such as Kern’s. Or even Orange juice!

Slice one each: orange, 1/2 grapefruit, peach, lime, lemon, Kiwi. Any of these can be left out, but you do want your finished product to have a couple of slices in the glass and perched on the rim.

Club soda if you don’t like sweet. Sprite if you like it sweet. Start with 4 cups and add to taste.

Lots of ice.

Put it all in a pretty pitcher and serve. As mentioned above, you can add about 1/4 cup sugar if you like it sweet. Or, for a stronger drink, 1/2 cup orange liquor such as Cointreau. Now is when you taste and adjust flavors.

ROSE SANGRIA

6 sliced peaches

1 can peach or other fruit nectar, such as Kern’s, or Dixie Peach from Trader Joe’s

1/4 cup orange Liquor such as Cointreau, Triple Sec or Grand Marnier

1 bottle Rose

3 cups Club Soda (or Sprite if you like it sweet)

RED SANGRIA

Slice: 1 lemon, 1 orange, 1 apple, 1/2 cup strawberries

1 bottle red wine

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup brandy

2 cups club soda or sprite

add lots of ice and serve