There’s nothing like a sunny day in your backyard with the barbecue pit smokin’, a floppy hat, some good tunes and a nice tall ice cold cocktail. If you’ve got a pool to go with it, then aren’t you just a lucky soul… if you don’t, there’s always that good ole reliable garden hose to cool off with.
Of course that ice filled cooling box would never be the same without your favourite beer brew to go with those tasty baby back ribs. Then again, why not take a beer break once in a while and mix up a tasty, fruity cocktail that reminds you of tropical sunny days in Tijuana. Go full on Ole’ with a pitcher of Sangria!
What exactly makes up this fruity punch that’s quite a popular drink in many Spanish/Latin countries?
The base of this drink is typically just your average inexpensive red wine. It is sweetened by simple syrup, honey or orange juice. Chopped fruit is added together with a touch of your choice of alcoholic spirit and mixed in with a lot of crushed ice in a jug or pitcher or a fancy looking carafe. You can get creative and just take the basics of this recipe and go from there. Take it a notch up. Sangria doesn’t necessarily have to be red. Â Make a rather pink sangria, or an orange and even go all the way and with a green sangria. The possibilities are endless!
So if you’re up for something different on your next barby, try this White Sangria for a bit of a twist on this lovely fun drink.
White Party Sangria
• 1 1/4 cups (10 fl. oz) water
• 1 small bunch fresh mint
• 1/2 cup (3 1/2 oz) sugar
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 3 1/4 cups (26 fl. oz) dry white wine
• 2 medium peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced
• 2 small pears, cut into chunks
• 2 medium oranges, sliced crosswise
• 2 small lemons, sliced crosswise
• 3 cups (24 fl. oz) sparkling apple cider
• Mint leaves, to garnish (optional
Instructions:
Combine the water, mint leaves, sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for several minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, remove and discard the mint and cinnamon sticks.
Transfer the remaining mixture to a large serving bowl.
Add the wine, peaches, pears, and the orange and lemon slices to the serving bowl. Mix well, and refrigerate overnight. Immediately before serving, mix in the sparkling apple cider and lemon juice ice cubes.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Photo Credit: citymama
Photo Credit: jauladeardilla
Photo Credit: suziedepingu