Sparkling Summer Sangria

I live in Montana. I live right up against the mountains. Needless to say, we experienced Eternal Winter 2014. It was amazing the amount of snow that we got week after week. And don’t even remind me about the -29 temp in January. YIKES!!

I have been dreaming about summer nights on my gliding bench on the front porch. I sit under my hanging basket of flowers and listen to other mowing their lawn and the kids riding bikes all through the neighborhood.

We live in the most relaxing subdivision filled with school age kids. We have several parks, a large pond for swimming and splashing. The elementary school is just 2 blocks away. Its perfect.

You know what else is perfect? Sipping ice cold sangria while chatting with my family on a summer evening. I had my grandparents, cousins, and my aunt over to sample this sangria. It was a hit and just the perfect thing to celebrate warm summer nights.

This Sparkling Summer Sangria uses fresh summer cherries and lots of citrus. Invite over your friends and enjoy and relaxing evening.

Happy Hosting!

Sparkling Summer Sangria

Scale

Ingredients

1 bottle Merlot
1 bottle Cabernet
1 cup cherries, pitted
2 lemons, sliced thin
3 limes, sliced thin
2 oranges, sliced thin
4 cans 7-Up, chilled
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup Orange Liqueur
1 cup brandy
Ice for serving

Instructions

In a measuring cup, combine Orange Liqueur, Brandy, and Sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
Place fruit in a large pitcher and pour Liqueur mixture over top. Use a spoon to gently mash fruit to release juices and stir.
Pour Merlot and Cabernet wine over the fruit mixture and stir. Place in fridge for 4-6 hours or until ready to serve (up to 24 hours).
When ready to serve, carefully pour in 7-Up and stir slowly.
Fill glasses with ice and serve. Garnish with extra fruit if desired.

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Liked the Sparkling Summer Sangria? Try my Authentic Irish Coffee