Homemade Red Sangria

Perhaps it was the 2 pitchers of Sangria I guzzled on Sunday, or the 60 degree day I enjoyed today (on Feb 1st no less), but I felt compelled to make sangria tonight to compliment my roast chicken, baked winter squash and grilled brussels sprouts.

The beauty of Sangria is you can use what you already have!

You'll need:

• Cheap strong red wine:  really the cheaper the better - I like a red wine blend, try a shiraz
• lemon juice, fresh or from the bottle -- or if you have lemonade that works too!
• fresh fruit - buy whatever is on sale, but i like strawberries, pears, green apples and firm grapes the best
• fruit flavored club soda: try pomegranate if they have it, or Polar's cinnamon or green apple
• cinnamon sticks
• Apricot brandy: You can sub peach schnapps, cointreau, peach or berry brandy, triple sec.  Whatever you've got throw in a splash!  Even if it's flavored vodka or rum... just make it a little splash. 
• sugar

Directions:

1. Freeze grapes/strawberries (cut off tops of berries)
2. Slice remaining fruit into bite-size pieces and refrigerate over night with a sprinkle of sugar on top
3. pour wine into jug and leave out over night with 2-3 halved cinnamon sticks in the bottom
4. Day 2: pour fresh fruit, flavored brandy, lemon into pitcher and refrigerate overnight
5. When you are ready to serve the sangria, fill wine glass 3/4 way over 2-3 ice cubes.  throw in some frozen grapes and strawberries.  If you have an orange, kiwi, or lemon slice use as decoration.  Add 1/4 flavored soda water.

Best accompaniment:  Humblefog Goat cheese, honeycomb and a toasted baguette.  Oh and of course a group of best friends :)