Refreshing Summer Sangria

Ingredients

Red wine

1 bottle (750 ml), preferably fruity and light-bodied

Orange liqueur

1/4 cup (such as cointreau or triple sec)

Orange juice

1/2 cup, freshly squeezed for best flavor

Lemon juice

1/4 cup, freshly squeezed

Simple syrup

1/4 cup (adjust to taste)

Apple

1, diced (preferably a crisp variety like granny smith or honeycrisp)

Lime

1, thinly sliced

Lemon

1, thinly sliced

Orange

1, thinly sliced

Ice cubes

as needed for serving

Club soda

2 cups, for a refreshing fizz

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange liqueur, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
2. Add the diced apple and the sliced orange, lemon, and lime to the pitcher. The fruits not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful color to your sangria.
3. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. For best results, let it sit overnight.
4. Just before serving, add the club soda to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine; this will add a refreshing fizz to your sangria.
5. Serve the sangria over ice cubes in individual glasses. For an extra touch, garnish with additional fruit slices or a sprig of fresh mint.