For me, this is the perfect summer drink. It’s also extremely flexible: I rarely use (or miss) brandy, though I always include the orange liqueur. No blackberries? Add other soft fruit—peaches are perfect! Unexpected guests? Serve immediately; it’s still delicious even if it doesn’t meld for hours. One warning: remember it’s alcoholic—it goes down so easily it’s easy to forget!

 Ingredients:

1 bottle (750ml) fruity red wine (such as Merlot or Zinfandel)

1/2 cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)

1/4 cup brandy

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup fresh blackberries (plus more for garnish)

1 orange, thinly sliced

1 lemon, thinly sliced

1 lime, thinly sliced

1 cup orange juice

1 cup club soda or sparkling water (optional, for added fizz)

Ice cubes, for serving

Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

·       In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange liqueur, brandy, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

·       Add the blackberries, orange slices, lemon slices, and lime slices to the pitcher. Gently muddle the fruit with a wooden spoon to release some of their juices, but avoid crushing them completely.

·       Stir in the orange juice to balance the flavors.

·       Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, if possible, to allow the flavors to meld.

·       Just before serving, stir in the club soda or sparkling water if you’d like a fizzy sangria.

·       Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the ice, making sure each glass gets some of the fruit.

·       Garnish each glass with a few fresh blackberries and a sprig of mint if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!