Last weekend I went to dinner with friends at a restaurant which serves global street food. The weather was about as perfect as you can get in North Carolina in July, so we dined al fresco and drank a pitcher of sangria. I have to say, it really is the quintessential summer drink. I just needed my friend, who recently returned from Spain, to remind me of that.

Tasty Red Sangria

 INGREDIENTS:

• 1 750-ml bottle light red wine (like Rioja or Beaujolais)

• 1 cup Manzanilla Sherry

• 1/2 cup Cointreau or Combier

• 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (blood orange if available)

• Assorted berries (like raspberries, sliced strawberries, cherries)

• Orange, lemon, and/or lime wheels

• Sparkling water (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine red wine, sherry, orange liqueur, and juice in a pitcher or punch bowl. Chill for an hour or so. Add a block of ice and fruit to chill. Sparkling water as a topper is optional if guests prefer a weaker cocktail.

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