Summer Sangria

The first week after graduating college, I was ready to celebrate. The sun was shining, the pool was the perfect temperature, the smell of burgers floated through the air, and I found myself with way more time on my hands than I was ever used to.

Problem was, I was still on a college student budget. Not ready to let that stop my fun, I headed to my neighborhood bodega, Sun Market. Unlike the gas station down the street on the major road, the Sun Market sells fresh fruits and liquor. It was the answer to my prayers! I grabbed some fruit, a bottle of wine and brandy, and a personal bottle of orange juice. In under 30 bucks, I had grabbed enough to make the perfect weekend cocktail: Summertime Sangria.

• 1 Bottle of Merlot
• 1 11.5 Bottle of Orange Juice
• 1 orange
• 1 apple
• 1 peach
• 1 lemon
• 1 bottle of bourbon
• 1 bag of frozen cherries

• 1 large pitcher or jar

1. Start by washing all of the fruit.
2. Core and cube the apple and peach
3. Slice the lemon and orange into thin wheels
4. Portion out two ounces of frozen cherries

1. Pour the entire bottle of Merlot into the container.
2. Add 2-5 ounces (based on preference) of bourbon
3. Add the prepared fruit
4. Stir
5. Chill

Traditionally, its best to let the sangria sit. The fruit will soak up the flavors of the alcohol, and the alcohol will take in the juices of the fruit. You can't get the full sangria effect without time to steep.

24 hours is ideal, but you can drink from is at any point you like.

Enjoy!