Fourth of July Party Sangria Drink

So you've been invited to a 4th party. Or, maybe you're having one yourself, and you need a great drink. If you're in Southern California like I am, it's HOT and you want something cool, light, and refreshing.

Make some sangria

Sangria is a drink which seems to have originated in Spain, but you can enjoy it right in your home and it's cheap and easy to make.

What do you need?

Some inexpensive wine, or grape juice, either red or white will do. Start with one bottle, but you can double the recipe if you like.

If you can, chill the wine or juice.

Fruit

Use some of your favorite fruit. Citrus is good, an orange, one lemon, one lime. Cut them in to wedges. Squeeze them and drop them in to a pitcher.
You can also use peaches, nectarines, berries, grapes, apples, anything you'd like.

Cut the fruit up, and drop it all in to a big pitcher.

Pore the wine or juice over the fruit and let it chill for a while, maybe a few hours or a day in the frig. You can start this in the morning and it should be fine for the afternoon.

Before serving, mix it up and smash the fruit a bit more with a large spoon or a potato masher.

Traditionally, if you'd like, add a half cup or more of your favorite liquor. You can add a fruit flavored booze or some brandy, rum, vodka or just about anything you'd like.

Add a can or more of a fruit flavored soda or 7up or something similar. If your making this without alcohol, it tastes best if you balance out the sweet fruits with something like soda water or seltzer.

If you think it needs it, add a little sugar.

Serve this over ice, if you'd like to make it last.

It's easy because you can use just about any fruit you have around the house. I wouldn't add bananas, but that's just me.

This is a cool crowd pleaser!