Sangria

Recently I've been trying to rid my freezer of many things before our move to TX. After going through my shelf of frozen fruit and berries, I was reminded of my absolute favorite sangria recipe. It's cool and fruity, a great way to use up leftover bits of fruit around the kitchen, or from the freezer, and a great item to take along to a potluck or dinner party. It's a real crowd pleaser that can be easily halved or doubled.

It is also a fantastic way to use up red wine that might not be delicious enough to drink straight up, but is still not bad enough to pour down the drain.

Sangria

1.5 L red wine (sweet is good, cheap is fine, any will work)

10 oz grenadine

16 oz cranberry juice

12 oz sweet vermouth

10 oz sugar water (simple syrup-equal ratios sugar to water)

Combine in a large pitcher, glass is best so you can see the fruit floating. Refrigerate until cold.

Add slices of whatever fruit you have on hand. Some of my faves are tart apples, orange rings, peaches and berries. Frozen grapes and strawberries will keep their shape, and help keep it chilled. Store covered up to 48 hours, serve over ice.