Sangria
A genuine taste of Spain is ample reward for the effort that goes into making this summer beverage with fresh fruit.
½ cup sugar
½ cup apple juice
½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
½ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
½ cup Calvados (apple brandy)
1 bottle red Spanish wine (Rioja is best)
1 orange, cut into 8 wedges
1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
Equipment: Stainless steel saucepan
Juicer
Sangria pitcher
Natural gas cooktop
Serves 6 to 8
Pour the sugar and apple juice into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Take off the heat and cool.
Pour the cooled apple juice mixture into a Sangria pitcher. Add the orange and lemon juices and the Calvados and stir. Pour in the wine and stir again. Add the fruit pieces and stir.
Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap and leave it in the refrigerator overnight to blend the flavors.
Serve very cold over crushed ice.