Sangria

What prestigious award did this sangria win, you ask?

Oh, it was big.  Real big.

Mr. Hungry, our friend JD and I  headed to Barcelona, Spain for one of our weekend trips from Florence this summer.  We found the most amazing tapas bar... so amazing we ate there both nights of our stay.  The waiter told us that their sangria was very popular and we immediately ordered a pitcher.  I was surprised when he started making it from scratch right in front of us.  I was under the impression that you let Sangria sit for a long time to really get it good.

 

After I had one sip, I was on a mission to find out this recipe.  All three of us decided we could most definitely make it the best.  Long story short, we knew there was a sangria competition to be held when we got home.  Well, that contest has officially taken place and I just happen to have the award winning recipe.  (I can't say I was that surprised considering I schmoozed our waiter for the recipe).

Are you ready for the secret?  Lemon Fanta!

Sadly, I could not find this when it was competition time so I used Fresca, but I'd go with Lemon Fanta if I were you.

It's a pretty perfect summer drink.  Cheers to staying cool.

From my little kitchen to yours... Enjoy.

Sangria
Recipe Notes
The key to keep this fresh is only adding the ice and Fanta (or Fresca) right before serving.  You can mix all other ingredients and refrigerate ahead of time, but add those two at the end.  Cointreau is an orange liqueur and is a little pricey.  However, you can use it in all sorts of drinks.  You can buy and small airplane size bottle of gin and brandy if you do not have those on hand.  I did not have a pitcher that was good for mixing so I mixed in a bowl and added to a pitcher.  Mixing in a pitcher or bowl will work just fine.
Ingredients
1 small orange, cut into thin slices
2 small lemons, cut into thin slices
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon Cointreau
1 Tablespoon Gin
1 Tablespoon Brandy
1 bottle red wine (I used a Cabernet)
1 can Lemon Fanta (or Fresca)
Ice
Tools
Wooden spoon
Glass pitcher
Step by Step
Place orange and lemon slices in the bottom of a glass pitcher (or large bowl).
Pour sugar and 3 liqueurs over the slices.
Mash the fruit with the wooden spoon until the juice is released from the slices. Fill the pitcher with ice.  Pour bottle of wine and can of Lemon Fanta and stir with wooden to spoon to mix.  Pour into glasses, garnish with fruit slices and serve cold.