Summer evenings are for sitting on a patio with a glass of something cool, crisp, and refreshing. Ahhhh. That's better.

Even if it doesn't involve cooking, who wants to spend a lot of their summer time standing in the kitchen??? Well, other than me? Quick and effortless is a must.

Sangria is a simple cocktail that screams easy and breezy. It's also a great way to use up leftover fruit. Or wine- if that ever happens... And while not impossible, it is very difficult to mess up. Red Sangria may be more common, but white sangria is where it's at. Especially in the summer, white wine just feels lighter.

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White Summer Sangria Ingredients

White Wine: Choose your favorite or mix a few together. Sangria is also the perfect opportunity to use and enjoy those really cheap bottles of wine. I used a mix of a peach wine, chardonnay, and rosé.

Fresh Fruit: I used blueberries, lime, and peaches. Other great options- raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, oranges, lemons, kiwi…

Some recipes also call for sweetener and/or liquor. I find simple is usually best. Plus, fruit is already sweet.

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Red Summer Sangria Ingredients

Red Wine: Spanish wines work well- Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Monastrell. Other great varieties- Malbec or Red Zinfandel

Fresh Fruit: I recommend oranges, apples, and raspberries.

Where did sangria come from?

Originally from Spain and Portugal, sangria is actually more popular with tourists. In its most traditional form, it is made of red wine and chopped fruit. The deep color led to the name- which means "bloodletting" in Spanish. Today's varieties also include white wine.

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Sangria is perfect for a crowd. Simply chop, pour, stir, and refrigerate.

It must be 5 o’clock somewhere…right?!?

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