Sangria

When we were on one of our cruises, there was a Sangria bar. The bartender was this very cute girl from the Philippines, Mary.

Needless to say, we made great frineds with Mary (ha ha)....it was the best Sangria we ever had!!! Our last day, she gave us the recipe -- I love making it around the Holidays. It is festive, easy to make and the hit of the party!!!

We have also used this recipe at weddings and Events for a signature drink!

SANGRIA

1 bottle of dry red wine
1/4 C. of brandy
1/4 C. of light rum (I use Bacardi)
1/8 C. triple sec
1 liter ginger ale
1 C. sugar (I use 1/2 sugar and 1/2 splenda)
1 apple
1 pear
1 orange
1 lemon
1 lime

Mix wine, brandy, rum, triple sec and ginger ale together in a large jar with a tight lid or a pitcher with a tight lid. Cut fruit in small pieces, add to wine mixture. Cover jar or pitcher with lid and refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving. Garnish with a fruit slice. (You can also add blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, etc.)