la sangria

My encounters with sangria were less than favorable. I couldn't imagine how wine with fruit juice added could be anything less than horrible. Then I made this version. Warning: if you make this, prepare to sit around on the porch all evening, because once you get started the whole pitcher will disappear.

Sangria
serves 4 (at most)

• Take two large oranges. Wash them well. Juice one, slice the other.
• Take one large lemon. Wash it. Slice it up.
• Throw the sliced fruit into a pitcher (or other appropriate vessel) and add a 1/4 cup sugar.
• Stir that up for about a minute, until sugar dissolves. You can mash the fruit up a bit.
• Now add the orange juice, a 1/4 cup triple sec, and a bottle of inexpensive (but not dirt cheap) Merlot.
• Keep it chilled for a minimum of two hours, and up to 8 hours for best flavor. Before you start drinking, add a handful of ice cubes and stir up the sangria.