SUMMER SANGRIA

I think we all deserve a drink of sorts to celebrate the big day.  I love the fruity, refreshing flavours of this summery sangria.  You can certainly make this non-alcoholic by omitting the alcohol and replacing it with some cranberry juice.

Makes 1 litre, large jug

1 bottle (750ml) rose

100 ml brandy 

300ml sparkling water

2 oranges

2 lemons, 1 juice and 1 chopped

300g berries, strawberries, blueberries, cherries etc

3 Tbsp raw cane sugar

1 cinnamon stick

10g fresh ginger, sliced thinly

2 firm peaches, sliced thinly

10 fresh mint leaves, lightly bruised 

Ice cubes

Method

Begin the day or week before, by macerating then freezing the berries.  Finely chop the oranges and 1 lemon with the sugar (can be done in the food processor).  Pour into a bowl and gently mix through the berries.  Cover and let macerate for at least an hour or two.

When the fruit is ready, pour into ice cube trays or something similar and freeze.

When ready to make your sangria, add the frozen berries into a large jug or punch bowl, pour over the chilled rose, brandy and sparkling water, add the cinnamon stick, ginger and peach slices, add the mint and mix. 

Add ice cubes and enjoy all day long.