Recipe - Golden Summer Sangria

One of my favorite things about summer in the Northwest, where I'm from, is that you can sit on your porch for long evening hours, soaking in the golden sunlight drifting through the leaves until nine or later.

I tried sitting on my Houston porch the other night, but there were little flying cockroaches buzzing all around. I went inside.

Still, for those lazy evenings when you and your friends are sitting around (on the porch or just pretending) this is the perfect drink. It's easy to make and tastes like summer.

A couple of notes: sangria is best when it has some time to sit, so tryto make this at least 4 hours before you want to drink it - but if you don't, it will still be good. Also, as you know, your recipe will be greener if you use organic ingredients. Even if you do use organic, wash your fruit in a mixture of vinegar and water to remove badness.

Golden Summer Sangria

This recipe should serve 5 or so friends. Cut it in half, add more, use different fruit ... it's very forgiving.

Ingredients:

white grape juice

blueberries

1.5 cups of gin or vodka

1/4-1/3 cup simple syrup (I used lavender-infused, but you can make your own by boiling one part sugar with one part water.)

2-3 nectarines

2-3 plums

1 lemon

1 lime

2 bottles sauvignon blanc or dryish white wine

club soda

Step 1:

Fill an ice cube tray with the white grape juice and drop 2-3 blueberries in each space. Put these in the freezer (They are not going to turn completely firm - they will be a little slushy, like homemade popsicles)

Step 2:

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, mix the gin or vodka with the simple syrup. Then cut up all of your fruit - the nectarines and plums into eighths, the lemon and lime into thin slices. As you're cutting, put the pieces into the alcohol to soak.

Step 3:

Pour the wine into the pitcher. Stir, and then put the whole thing into the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Step 4:

Serve with the white grape-blueberry ice cubes (to keep the drink from getting watered down) and a splash of club soda in each glass.

Step 5:

Keep an eye on your guests! The fruit soaks up a lot of alcohol; I've known folks to get a little loopy after eating the fruit in the bottom of the punch bowl. Make sure that all of your guests are responsible with their keys. Summer is always better when everyone is safe.