Sangria: Happy First Day of Summer

Although we did not have summer weather today, it was the official First Day of Summer, I am hoping that our amazing Washington summer with be here soon.  I wanted to share my sangria recipe with you. I made this for our dinner party last Monday and it was a hit. I hope you enjoy.

 Sangria 

2 bottles of Merlot 

2 lemons cut in wedges 

2 oranges cut in wedges 

2 limes cut in wedges 

4 tablespoon sugar 

splash of orange juice 

4 shots of gin 

1 cup sliced strawberries 

1 cup raspberries 

8 cups Fresca soda 

Pour wine in a pitcher and squeeze the juice wedges from the lemon, orange and lime into the wine. Remove the seeds from the lemons, limes and oranges and toss the chunks of fruit into the pitcher. Add sugar, orange juice and gin. Chill overnight. Add Fresca soda, berries and ice prior to serving. 

Sangria is best served chilled for about 24 hours prior to serving; this allows the flavors to blend and marinate the fruit. 

photo by J. Hobson Photography