Satisfying Sips: Homemade Sangria

If you're looking for a fun beverage for your next dinner party or celebration, there's no better sip than a glass of chilled Sangria. This easy-to-make recipe makes one large pitcher of tasty, refreshing Sangria, certain to please everyone's palate.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja reds, Zinfandel, Shiraz all work well)
1 lemon cut into wedges
1 orange cut into wedges
1 peach cut into wedges
2 tbsp sugar
1 shot brandy
2 cups ginger ale or club soda

Preparation:

Pour wine in the pitcher and squeeze the juice wedges from the lemon and orange into the wine. Add in all the citrus and peach wedges (leaving out seeds if possible), and mix in the sugar and brandy. If possible, chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Add in the ginger ale or club soda just before serving to add some extra fizz. (If you'd like to serve right away, use chilled red wine and serve over lots of ice.)

Cheers!

Recipe courtesy of About.com

Signature Cocktails: Make Your Next Party Great!

It’s the small details that make celebrations truly memorable. To impress your guests, delight them with the thoughtful details, like signature cocktails! Signature cocktails are a fun and easy way to set the tone for your next party. Not only that, but it will save you from setting up a full bar! Your guests will love sipping on your signature concoction as they mix and mingle.

Enhance the Theme
Make  sure your signature drink fits the overall feel of the party. For example, if you’re preparing a meal with a Mexican flair, opt for a Margarita or Sangria. Or, if you’re going for a swanky feel, be sure your signature cocktail includes a classy ingredient like champagne.

Make in Advance
The last thing you want is to be mixing drinks all night when you should be enjoying your party! Make a pitcher (or two) of your signature cocktail in advance to save you from playing bartender.

Crowd Pleaser
Make sure you choose a cocktail that will delight a variety of palates – meaning stay away from anything too obscure or too strong. A hint of citrus or a tinge of sweetness is often a good way to go, like a vodka & cranberry spritzer with lime.

Don’t Forget the Garnish
Nothing makes a cocktail feel classier than a little garnish. Think about what would pair well with your drink, and make sure it’s available to your guests – a few berries in the bottom of a champagne flute or a lemon twist to brighten a martini.

Cheers!

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