Aw, I do love a good Lemon Sangria. As the summer comes to a close and fall is rapidly approaching, I think of the last vestiges of warm, sunny days and cool evenings. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a nice, cold glass of my favorite homemade Lemon Sangria while I watch the day come to a close on my patio.
While I was making this Lemon Sangria, I was reminded of a time not long ago when I had a large group gathered at my home for a 4-day business retreat. I’d made this Sangria to enjoy after our business had concluded, but for some reason, I had no takers. It was the following afternoon, and it had been a particularly busy day. My assistant (who had watched me make it) mentioned that she would love some of my Sangria. The rest of the team asked in unison “You have Sangria?” I couldn’t make it fast enough after that, and we went through a case of wine… seriously!
This is my favorite recipe, one I hope you will enjoy as much as my friends and colleagues do (and did).
Lemon Sangria
Ingredients:
- 1 750ml bottle Spanish red wine (We used Borsao Garnacha 2010)
- 4oz Cointreau
- 6oz lemon juice
- 1 lemons, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- ¼ cup sugar
- (Optional) 1 12 oz. can or bottle of 7-Up or a lemon-lime carbonated beverage
Directions:
Mix the red wine, cognac, lemon juice, and sugar in a large pitcher or jar until the sugar is dissolved. Chill overnight.
Pour the Lemon Sangria into a fun Sangria pitcher. Add the sliced lemon, orange and lime wheels into the pitcher. Reserve some of the citrus slices for garnish. (Optional: add in the 7-up, so the bubbles are fresh). Fill each wine glass with Sangria, and then garnish with citrus slices.
Notes: You may substitute Cognac for Cointreau if you so desire. I prefer my sangria without the carbonation. If you prefer it a little sweeter, add a bit more sugar. I prefer mine a little tart.
This Lemon Sangria recipe is one that’s always requested when I have a gathering at the house. They like it with just about anything I serve. However, when I serve it with my “Easy Dry Rub Ribs,” everyone is in heaven. Enjoy.
You can find some good Spanish wines, such as the Borsao Garnacha, to make this Homemade Lemon Sangria at; wine.com, amazon.com, BevMo.com, Trader Joe’s, CostPlus/World market, many grocery stores or any good wine market. If you’re not sure, ask your local wine buyer to give you a good recommendation.
Time for a glass…
If you enjoyed about my “Lemon Sangria,” check out The Original Irish Coffee, Easy Homemade Mulled Wine, and Girl Night Bloody Mary.
P.S.: Check out a few of my favorite wine tools and resources below. 🙂