Salute to Sangria

Next time you're having the crew over, ditch the case of Bud Light. Sangria allows for more variety—and it packs more punch, too. So try these recipes made by the 515 staff.

Red Robust flavor with the taste of traditional sangria and an extra hint of citrus
Serves 8-10

3 1/2 cups of red wine (We recommend Castillo de Monseran - Garnacha )
1/2 cup brandy (We recommend E&J Brandy Extra Smooth)
2/3 cup orange liqueur (We recommend Hiram Walker Orange Cucacao)
1 cup sugar
1 lemon, sliced crosswise
1 lime, sliced crosswise
1 orange, sliced crosswise
1 red apple, diced
7 cups club soda

Mix wine, brandy, liqueur and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add fruit. Chill two hours and add club soda before serving.

White Subtle fruit flavor that is refreshing but holds the dry nature of the white wine
Serves 8-10

4 cups white wine (We recommend Kumala Sauvignon Blanc)
2/3 cups vodka
1 cup sugar
1 orange, sliced crosswise
1 green apple, diced
5 strawberries, quartered
7 cups club soda
*Fruity Twist: Add 1/3 cup orange liqueur for a sweeter taste

Mix wine, vodka and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add orange and apple. Chill two hours and add strawberries and club soda before serving.

Kid friendly Dish-out an alcohol-free treat so the kiddies aren't left out of all the fun
Serves 4-6

1 orange, sliced crosswise
1 red apple, diced
5 strawberries, quartered
1 bottle sparkling white grape juice, chilled

Drop fruit in plastic (a.k.a. kid-safe) cups. Add chilled sparkling white grape juice and serve.

Note: if you don't have a pitcher large enough, split the recipe in half between two pitchers. The same goes for downsizing. When you're preparing for a smaller group, use half the ingredients to fill one pitcher.