Weekend Cocktail #8: Simple Summer Sangria

Sangria, comes from the Spanish word“sangre” meaning blood. Despite its cryptic name, any mention of sangria in the hot summer months tends to conjures smiles all around. And why shouldn't it? Sangria has a little of everything in it: fruit, wine, liqueur and . It's refreshing and sweet -- perfect for a summer BBQ or lazy patio predrink.

My friend Cosimo served this particular recipe at a get together last weekend and to quote his recap of the shindig, “By the end of the night the token party drunk guy was eating the oranges from the bottom of the punch bowl.” Sounds like a hit!

Simple Summer Sangria

• 4 oranges (2 juiced, 2 cut into thin rounds)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1 bottle dry red wine, chilled
• 2 lemons, thinly sliced into rounds
• 2 limes, thinly sliced into rounds
• 2 cups seltzer or club soda

1. In a large pitcher, combine orange juice, sugar, and brandy; stir well to dissolve sugar.
2. Add wine, orange slices, lemon slices, and seltzer; stir to combine.
3. Fill glasses with ice (decorative ice cubes if you’re hard core!) before serving.
4. Should serve approx. 10 people

(Top image via The Errant Æsthete, whats4eats)